The Myers Briggs Temperament Test is one of the most well-known tools for understanding personality and human behavior. Based on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), it helps identify not only your personality type but also your temperament — the fundamental behavioral style that influences how you think, communicate, and make decisions.
By taking the Myers Briggs Temperament Test, you can gain deep insights into your strengths, emotional patterns, and how you interact with others. Whether you’re looking to improve your relationships, career choices, or self-awareness, understanding your temperament is a powerful first step.
What Is the Myers Briggs Temperament Test?
The Myers Briggs Temperament Test is derived from the MBTI framework, which was created by Katharine Cook Briggs and Isabel Briggs Myers. It is based on the psychological theories of Carl Jung, who proposed that people perceive the world and make decisions through different psychological functions.
While the MBTI categorizes people into 16 personality types, these types can also be grouped into four core temperaments. Each temperament reflects a broad behavioral pattern that influences motivation, communication, and emotional expression.
The Four Temperaments in the Myers Briggs Temperament Test
The Myers Briggs Temperament Test identifies four key temperaments — Guardian, Artisan, Idealist, and Rational. Each temperament corresponds to four MBTI types that share similar behavioral tendencies.
1. The Guardian Temperament (SJ Types)
Types: ISTJ, ISFJ, ESTJ, ESFJ
Guardians are dependable, practical, and responsible. They value tradition, security, and structure. Guardians thrive in environments with clear rules and roles, and they excel at organization and planning.
- Strengths: Reliable, detail-oriented, loyal, hardworking.
- Core motivation: To protect and serve their community and loved ones.
- Common careers: Management, education, healthcare, and law enforcement.
Example: A Guardian personality might prefer stability and routine, ensuring everything is done correctly and on time.
2. The Artisan Temperament (SP Types)
Types: ISTP, ISFP, ESTP, ESFP
Artisans are energetic, spontaneous, and adaptable. They live in the moment and prefer action over theory. Artisans enjoy excitement, creativity, and flexibility — making them natural performers, craftsmen, and problem-solvers.
- Strengths: Resourceful, bold, hands-on, and creative.
- Core motivation: To enjoy freedom and make life exciting.
- Common careers: Arts, entrepreneurship, sports, and emergency response.
Example: An Artisan personality might excel in fast-paced, high-energy environments that reward quick thinking and adaptability.
3. The Idealist Temperament (NF Types)
Types: INFJ, INFP, ENFJ, ENFP
Idealists are empathetic, imaginative, and driven by values. They seek meaning, authenticity, and personal growth — both for themselves and others. Idealists are passionate communicators who thrive on deep emotional connections.
- Strengths: Compassionate, inspiring, creative, and visionary.
- Core motivation: To help others reach their potential and make the world better.
- Common careers: Counseling, writing, teaching, and social work.
Example: An Idealist personality might focus on personal growth, emotional understanding, and making a difference in people’s lives.
4. The Rational Temperament (NT Types)
Types: INTJ, INTP, ENTJ, ENTP
Rationals are strategic, logical, and independent thinkers. They are motivated by knowledge, innovation, and competence. Rationals excel at problem-solving and are driven to understand how systems work — whether in science, business, or technology.
- Strengths: Analytical, curious, confident, and visionary.
- Core motivation: To master ideas and achieve efficiency.
- Common careers: Engineering, science, leadership, and technology.
Example: A Rational personality might spend hours refining a complex idea or developing a new solution to a problem.
How the Myers Briggs Temperament Test Works
The Myers Briggs Temperament Test assesses your preferences in four personality dimensions:
- Extraversion (E) vs. Introversion (I) – Where you focus your energy.
- Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N) – How you gather information.
- Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F) – How you make decisions.
- Judging (J) vs. Perceiving (P) – How you organize your life.
Your answers form a four-letter type (like ENFP or ISTJ), which determines your personality and temperament group. The temperament classification — Guardian, Artisan, Idealist, or Rational — highlights your core behavioral motivations and communication style.
The Connection Between MBTI Types and Temperaments
While there are 16 Myers-Briggs personality types, the four temperaments simplify understanding by grouping them based on shared values and behaviors. Here’s how they align:
| Temperament | MBTI Types | Core Traits |
|---|---|---|
| Guardian (SJ) | ISTJ, ISFJ, ESTJ, ESFJ | Dependable, organized, loyal, traditional |
| Artisan (SP) | ISTP, ISFP, ESTP, ESFP | Adventurous, flexible, spontaneous, creative |
| Idealist (NF) | INFJ, INFP, ENFJ, ENFP | Empathetic, passionate, visionary, expressive |
| Rational (NT) | INTJ, INTP, ENTJ, ENTP | Analytical, strategic, independent, intellectual |
Why Take the Myers Briggs Temperament Test?
Understanding your temperament can transform how you view yourself and others. Here are a few reasons to explore your Myers Briggs temperament:
- Boost self-awareness: Understand what drives your thoughts, emotions, and actions.
- Improve relationships: Learn to communicate more effectively with other temperaments.
- Enhance career satisfaction: Choose work that fits your personality and strengths.
- Develop leadership skills: Recognize your leadership style and how to motivate others.
- Encourage personal growth: Identify areas for improvement and emotional balance.
How to Apply Your Temperament in Daily Life
Once you know your Myers Briggs temperament, you can apply that understanding in practical ways:
- At work: Use your strengths to boost productivity and collaboration.
- In relationships: Respect personality differences and build empathy.
- For self-development: Focus on balancing your dominant traits with complementary ones.
For example, a Rational (NT) might focus on emotional expression to improve teamwork, while a Guardian (SJ) might practice flexibility to handle change more easily.
Final Thoughts
The Myers Briggs Temperament Test offers a valuable way to explore your personality, emotional patterns, and decision-making style. By understanding your temperament — whether you are a Guardian, Artisan, Idealist, or Rational — you can gain powerful insight into your behavior and relationships.
Every temperament brings unique strengths and perspectives. The key is to embrace your natural tendencies while developing balance and appreciation for others. The more you understand your temperament, the better equipped you are to live authentically, communicate effectively, and achieve lasting personal growth.
Keywords: myers briggs temperament test, MBTI temperaments, 16 personality types, personality psychology, self-awareness, emotional intelligence, personal growth.