Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)
Definition:
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a psychological instrument used to assess and categorize an individual’s personality preferences. Developed by Katherine Briggs and Isabel Myers, the MBTI is based on Carl Jung’s theory of psychological types and provides insights into how people perceive the world, make decisions, and interact with others.
Key Components:
- Personality Preferences: The MBTI classifies individuals into sixteen different personality types based on four primary dichotomies: extraversion (E) vs. introversion (I), sensing (S) vs. intuition (N), thinking (T) vs. feeling (F), and judging (J) vs. perceiving (P).
- Extroversion (E) vs. Introversion (I): Measures whether individuals draw energy from the external world (E) or from their inner thoughts and reflections (I).
- Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N): Reflects how individuals gather information, focusing on concrete facts and details (S) or patterns and possibilities (N).
- Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F): Indicates how individuals make decisions, based on logical analysis and objective considerations (T) or personal values and social aspects (F).
- Judging (J) vs. Perceiving (P): Describes how individuals approach the external world, preferring structure, organization, and closure (J) or adaptability, flexibility, and openness (P).
Applications:
The MBTI is commonly employed in various settings and applications such as career counseling, team-building exercises, and relationship counseling. It offers individuals and groups a better understanding of their natural preferences, potential strengths, and areas for growth. The MBTI can aid in effective communication, conflict resolution, and the development of self-awareness.