The Meyer and Briggs Personality Test is one of the most well-known psychological frameworks for understanding human personality. Developed by Katharine Cook Briggs and Isabel Briggs Myers, the test categorizes individuals into 16 distinct personality types. It’s designed to help people better understand themselves and others — from how they process information to how they make decisions and interact socially.

Today, the Meyer and Briggs Personality Test is used globally in personal development, education, and professional environments. It provides valuable insights into communication styles, strengths, and potential growth areas.

What Is the Meyer and Briggs Personality Test?

The Meyer and Briggs Personality Test, officially called the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), is based on the psychological theories of Carl Gustav Jung. Jung proposed that people perceive and interpret the world in different ways, depending on innate preferences in four psychological dimensions. Briggs and Myers expanded upon his ideas to create a practical tool for understanding personality differences.

The test helps identify your personality type by assigning a combination of four letters — such as INFP, ESTJ, or ENTP — based on your preferences across four pairs of traits. Each pair represents how you gain energy, take in information, make decisions, and organize your life.

The Four Personality Dimensions in the Meyer and Briggs Personality Test

To understand how the Meyer and Briggs Personality Test works, it’s important to know the four key dimensions that shape each type:

1. Extraversion (E) vs. Introversion (I)

This scale measures where you focus your attention and draw your energy from:

  • Extraversion (E): Energized by social interaction and external experiences. Extraverts enjoy being around people and engaging with the world.
  • Introversion (I): Energized by reflection and time alone. Introverts prefer depth over breadth in conversations and activities.

2. Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N)

This dimension focuses on how you process information:

  • Sensing (S): Focuses on concrete facts, details, and experiences that can be observed through the senses.
  • Intuition (N): Looks beyond the obvious, focusing on patterns, possibilities, and abstract concepts.

3. Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F)

This pair reflects how you make decisions and evaluate information:

  • Thinking (T): Makes decisions based on logic, consistency, and objective analysis.
  • Feeling (F): Makes decisions based on empathy, values, and how outcomes affect people emotionally.

4. Judging (J) vs. Perceiving (P)

This final scale describes your approach to life and structure:

  • Judging (J): Prefers organization, planning, and clear decisions. They like structure and closure.
  • Perceiving (P): Prefers flexibility and spontaneity. They enjoy exploring options and adapting as they go.

Each individual naturally gravitates toward one preference in each of these pairs. Combining these four preferences results in one of the 16 possible Meyer and Briggs Personality Types.

The 16 Meyer and Briggs Personality Types

Here’s a breakdown of the sixteen personality types identified by the Meyer and Briggs Personality Test, grouped into four main categories:

Analysts (NT Types)

  • INTJ – The Architect: Strategic, logical, and visionary thinkers who value efficiency.
  • INTP – The Logician: Curious and analytical, constantly exploring new ideas and systems.
  • ENTJ – The Commander: Assertive leaders with strong organizational skills and ambition.
  • ENTP – The Debater: Innovative, quick-witted, and intellectually flexible.

Diplomats (NF Types)

  • INFJ – The Advocate: Insightful idealists who strive to make the world better.
  • INFP – The Mediator: Compassionate and imaginative, guided by personal values.
  • ENFJ – The Protagonist: Charismatic motivators who inspire and lead with empathy.
  • ENFP – The Campaigner: Energetic and creative free spirits who value connection and authenticity.

Sentinels (SJ Types)

  • ISTJ – The Logistician: Dependable and organized, they excel in planning and detail-oriented work.
  • ISFJ – The Defender: Caring and loyal, focused on protecting and helping others.
  • ESTJ – The Executive: Practical and efficient, natural leaders who value order and stability.
  • ESFJ – The Consul: Warm, sociable, and community-focused, they prioritize harmony.

Explorers (SP Types)

  • ISTP – The Virtuoso: Adventurous problem-solvers who enjoy hands-on activities.
  • ISFP – The Adventurer: Artistic and empathetic individuals who value creative expression.
  • ESTP – The Entrepreneur: Energetic and bold, drawn to action and excitement.
  • ESFP – The Entertainer: Fun-loving and expressive, they bring enthusiasm to every situation.

How the Meyer and Briggs Personality Test Works

The Meyer and Briggs Personality Test typically consists of multiple-choice questions that ask you to choose between two statements that best describe your preferences. Each question targets one of the four dichotomies — for example:

  • “I enjoy being in the spotlight” vs. “I prefer observing quietly.”
  • “I trust facts more than theories” vs. “I rely on intuition more than data.”
  • “I make decisions with my head” vs. “I make decisions with my heart.”
  • “I like to plan ahead” vs. “I like to stay open to new opportunities.”

After answering the questions, your four-letter type is revealed. Each type describes your communication style, work habits, and relationship tendencies — offering valuable insights into your personality makeup.

Applications of the Meyer and Briggs Personality Test

The Meyer and Briggs Personality Test is widely used for both personal and professional development. Its applications include:

  • Career Guidance: Helps individuals identify roles that align with their natural strengths.
  • Team Building: Encourages better collaboration by highlighting different work styles.
  • Leadership Development: Assists leaders in understanding their management approach and improving communication.
  • Relationship Insights: Promotes empathy and appreciation for differing perspectives in personal relationships.

Because the Meyer and Briggs Personality Test focuses on preferences, not skills or intelligence, it empowers individuals to embrace their natural tendencies while learning to adapt when necessary.

Why the Meyer and Briggs Personality Test Remains Popular

Since its creation, the Meyer and Briggs Personality Test has become one of the most widely used personality assessments in the world. Its popularity lies in its simplicity, accessibility, and relevance across cultures and professions. The test provides a language for understanding differences — helping people improve communication, teamwork, and self-awareness.

Whether you’re a student exploring career options, a professional seeking leadership growth, or someone interested in self-discovery, the Meyer and Briggs Personality Test offers powerful insights into who you are and how you interact with the world.

Conclusion

The Meyer and Briggs Personality Test is a time-tested framework for understanding human personality. By identifying your type across the four dimensions — Extraversion or Introversion, Sensing or Intuition, Thinking or Feeling, and Judging or Perceiving — you can gain valuable insights into your behavior, communication style, and life choices.

Whether used for personal reflection or professional development, the Meyer and Briggs Personality Test continues to help millions of people around the world unlock their potential and build stronger, more meaningful connections.