Are you curious about your personality type? Do you ever ponder about how the 16 personality types commonly used in psychology fit you? Understanding your personality type can help you to better understand yourself, your strengths, and your weaknesses. In this article, we will explore the 16 personality types and provide you with a free personality test to help you determine which type you are.
What Are the 16 Personality Types?
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), the most extensively used personality diagnostic tool, is based on Isabel Briggs Myers and her mother Katharine Briggs’ 16 personality types. Psychologists divide the 16 types into four groups, with each group containing four types. The groups are based on two dimensions: extraversion vs. introversion and thinking vs. feeling.
The four groups are:
1. The Analysts (NT)
These types are rational and logical thinkers who value competence and intelligence.
- INTJ (The Architect)
- INTP (The Logician)
- ENTJ (The Commander)
- ENTP (The Debater)
2. The Diplomats (NF)
These types are empathetic and intuitive people who value harmony and cooperation.
- INFJ (The Advocate)
- INFP (The Mediator)
- ENFJ (The Protagonist)
- ENFP (The Campaigner)
The Sentinels (SJ)
These types are practical and detail-oriented people who value stability and tradition.
- ISTJ (The Logistician)
- ISFJ (The Defender)
- ESTJ (The Executive)
- ESFJ (The Consul)
The Explorers (SP)
These types are spontaneous and adaptable people who value freedom and experience.
- ISTP (The Virtuoso)
- ISFP (The Adventurer)
- ESTP (The Entrepreneur)
- ESFP (The Entertainer)
How to Determine Your Personality Type
One way to determine your personality type is to take a personality test. The MBTI is the most well-known personality test based on the 16 types, but there are also other tests available.
The MBTI test consists of a series of questions that ask you to choose between two statements.
The statements are based on the four dimensions of personality:
- extraversion vs. introversion
- sensing vs. intuition
- thinking vs. feeling
- and judging vs. perceiving
After taking the test, you will receive a four-letter code that represents your personality type. If you happen to be an INFP, then you belong to the introverted, intuitive, feeling, and perceiving personality type.
Note: MBTI is not a perfect measure of personality and recognizing its lack of scientific rigor is important. But, it can still help you think about yourself and grow as a person.
16 Personality Types: Characteristics and Potential Careers
Each of the 16 personality types has its own unique set of characteristics and traits. Here is a brief overview of each type:
INTJ (The Architect)
INTJs are strategic, analytical, and independent. They often see themselves as visionaries and skillfully come up with innovative solutions to complex problems. However, they may struggle with social skills and expressing their emotions.
Potential careers for INTJs include scientists, business executives, and strategists.
INTP (The Logician)
INTPs are analytical, logical, and innovative. They like to explore complex theories and ideas and are often adept at problem-solving. However, they may struggle with social skills and may appear distant or aloof.
Potential careers for INTPs include scientist, mathematician, and computer programmer.
ENTJ (The Commander)
ENTJs are strategic, ambitious, and confident. Assertive and decisive leaders who are confident in their abilities and enjoy taking charge. They are often skilled at leading others and are drawn to positions of power and influence. However, they may struggle with empathy and may appear cold or distant.
Potential careers for ENTJs include CEO, lawyer, and politician.
ENTP (The Debater)
ENTPs are innovative, curious, and independent. Quick-witted and curious thinkers who enjoy debating and challenging idea. They enjoy exploring new ideas and are often skilled at finding creative solutions to complex problems. However, they may struggle with following through on their ideas and may become easily bored.
Potential careers for ENTPs include entrepreneur, lawyer, and consultant.
INFJ (The Advocate)
INFJs are empathetic, insightful, and compassionate people dedicated to helping others and making a difference in the world. People value those with empathy and emotional intelligence for their ability to connect with others and understand human emotions. However, they may struggle with setting boundaries and prioritizing their own needs.
Potential careers for INFJs include counselor, psychologist, and social worker.
INFP (The Mediator)
INFPs are idealistic, empathetic, and creative individuals who value authenticity and personal growth. They are often focused on making the world a better place and helping others. However, they may struggle with setting boundaries and may become overwhelmed by the emotions of others.
Potential careers for INFPs include writer, counselor, and social worker.
ENFJ (The Protagonist)
ENFJs are charismatic, empathetic, and driven. They are often skilled at motivating and inspiring others and are drawn to leadership roles. They are passionate about helping others achieve their potential. However, they may struggle with setting boundaries and may become overly invested in the emotions of others.
Potential careers for ENFJs include teacher, counselor, and public speaker.
ENFP (The Campaigner)
ENFPs are enthusiastic, creative, and outgoing. They enjoy exploring new ideas and are often skilled at connecting with others on an emotional level. However, they may struggle with focusing on one thing for a long period of time.
Potential careers for ENFPs include writer, journalist, and public relations specialist.
ISTJ (The Logistician)
ISTJs are responsible, detail-oriented, and practical. They are excellent at following rules and procedures and are often seen as reliable and dependable. However, they may struggle with creativity and adapting to change.
Potential careers for ISTJs include accountant, engineer, and lawyer.
ISFJ (The Defender)
ISFJs are warm, caring, and loyal. These individuals prioritize maintaining harmony and assisting others. But they may find it challenging to express their own needs and emotions. Their meticulousness and strong work ethic are well-known.
Potential careers for ISFJs include teacher, social worker, and nurse.
ESTJ (The Executive)
ESTJs are practical, organized, and efficient. They are often skilled at managing projects and people and are known for their ability to get things done. However, they may struggle with creativity and may be resistant to change.
Potential careers for ESTJs include manager, military officer, and accountant.
ESFJ (The Consul)
ESFJs are friendly, caring, and responsible who prioritize the needs of others, and value traditions. They enjoy taking care of others and are often skilled at creating a warm and welcoming environment. However, they may struggle with setting boundaries and taking care of their own needs.
Potential careers for ESFJs include teacher, nurse, and social worker.
ISTP (The Virtuoso)
ISTPs are practical, adventurous, and independent. They enjoy taking things apart to see how they work and are skilled at problem-solving. However, they may struggle with communication and planning ahead.
Potential careers for ISTPs include mechanic, detective, and pilot.
ISFP (The Adventurer)
ISFPs are artistic, sensitive, and spontaneous. They often pursue creative activities and enjoy expressing themselves through art, music, or writing. However, they may struggle with structure and discipline.
Potential careers for ISFPs include artists, musicians, and writers.
ESTP (The Entrepreneur)
ESTPs are energetic, outgoing, and adventurous. They enjoy taking risks and trying new things but may struggle with planning ahead and sticking to routines. They are often skilled at adapting to new situations and thrive in high-pressure environments.
Potential careers for ESTPs include salespersons, entrepreneurs, and athletes.
ESFP (The Entertainer)
ESFPs are outgoing, friendly, and spontaneous. They enjoy being the center of attention and often have a talent for entertaining others. However, long-term planning may pose a challenge to them, and distractions may easily sway their focus.
Potential careers for ESFPs include actor, musician, and event planner.
How to Determine Your Personality Type
If you’re not sure which of the personality types you are, don’t worry – there are some simple ways to figure it out. Here are a few things to consider:
1. How do you like to spend your time?
Do you enjoy being around people or being alone? Do you like doing active things or do you prefer more passive activities? Doing something that is in line with your personality type can help you feel happier and more fulfilled.
2. What kind of emotions do you feel the most?
Are you generally positive or negative? Do you tend to feel anxiety or calmness? Paying attention to your emotions can give you clues about your personality type.
3. What do people say about you?
Do people usually describe you as outgoing or introverted? As creative or logical? As spontaneous or planned? Other people’s opinions of you can help determine your personality type.
4. How do you react under pressure?
Do you crumble under pressure or do you thrive on it? Do you work better under deadline pressure or does stress impede your performance? Knowing how you react to pressure can be telling about your personality type.
FAQs
Q: Are the 16 personality types accurate?
A: While the 16 personality types can provide insight into your personality, they are not a perfect measure of who you are. Take them as a general guide and not a definitive answer.
Q: Can your personality type change over time?
A: It is common for your core personality traits to remain stable over time. But your behavior and preferences can change over time as a result of your experiences and personal growth.
Q: Is the MBTI test free?
A: Some versions of the MBTI test are available for free online, but others may require payment.
Q: Is the MBTI test scientifically valid?
A: Despite its lack of scientific rigor, the MBTI test can help people reflect on themselves and grow.
Conclusion
Discovering your personality type can be a helpful tool for understanding yourself and others better. By taking a personality test and learning about the characteristics and traits of the 16 personality types, you can gain insight into your strengths and weaknesses and find ways to grow and improve. Nevertheless, it is important to keep in mind that the 16 personality types should not be taken as absolute answers and instead should be viewed as a broad guideline.
