Unveiling Your True Self with The Jung Personality Test

Coach David likes to use a Jung Personality Test for clients needing help with changing careers to one that would be more enjoyable or better suited to their abilities. The Jung Personality Test, also known as the Jung Typology Test or the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) test, generally categorizes each individual into one of 16 personality types.

According to Carl G. Jung's theory of psychological types, people can be characterized by their preference of general attitude:

• Extraverted (E) vs. Introverted (I),

their preference of one of the two functions of perception:

• Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N),

and their preference of one of the two functions of judging:

• Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F)

Isabel Briggs Myers, a researcher and practitioner of Jung’s theory, proposed to see the judging-perceiving relationship as a fourth dichotomy influencing personality type:

• Judging (J) vs. Perceiving (P)

Jung Personality Test

The Jung Personality Test is most often used by organizational development professionals, coaches, and consultants, as well as by career counselors and educators. A fundamental step in any change process is to develop and improve self-awareness. This awareness is about one’s own and others’ propensity to behave in specific ways. This information can then be used to improve interpersonal skills, manage conflict, improve relationships, and inform career choices.

Introversion Vs. Extraversion

The letter “E” stands for extraversion, and the letter “I” stands for introversion. These two can constitute a segment of personality termed the "flow of energy." This may distinguish whether we gain energy from the external or internal world. It can be worth noting, however, that only some people may be considered complete extroverts or complete introverts. Our tendencies toward introversion and extraversion may also change depending on other circumstances or as we age and develop.

Sensing Vs. Intuition

The letter “S” stands for sensing, and the letter “N” stands for intuition. These can describe how one perceives the world most of the time. For example, you may rely on your five basic senses to make sense of what is happening around you (sensing), or you may rely on your instincts to perceive current events (intuition). The assigned letter can describe your tendencies in most situations. Again, you may rely on your senses or instincts in certain circumstances that differ from the personality type the test assigns you.

Thinking Vs. Feeling

To denote the two general ways we can make decisions, the letters “T” and “F” can be used. “T” stands for thinking, in which we can use our logic and objectivity to make decisions. “F” stands for feeling, meaning we tend to rely on our whims and emotions to make decisions. While many people use a mixture of both, many people tend to rely more on one over the other. The Jung personality test generally determines whether you make more logic-based or emotion-based decisions and assigns you the corresponding letter.

Judging Vs. Perceiving

Lastly, the letter “J” stands for judging, and the letter “P” stands for perceiving. These two are the personality traits added by Isabel Briggs-Myers, and they usually describe how we interact with the world around us on a daily basis. Someone with a more judging type tends to be more organized and purposeful when going about their days, while individuals with a perceiving type may be more flexible and diverse regarding their schedule.

Upon completion of the personality assessment questionnaire, you will:

• Obtain your 4-letter type formula according to Carl Jung’s and Isabel Briggs Myers’ typology, along with the strengths of preferences and the description of your personality type, communication and learning style, behavior under stress.

• Discover careers and occupations most suitable for your personality type.

The first letter corresponds to a general attitude, the second to the preference in the sensing-and-intuition dichotomy, the third to the preference in the thinking-feeling category and the fourth to the judging-perceiving pair. The currently accepted personality types are:

1. Extroverted, sensing, thinking, judging (ESTJ): The ESTJ personality type, also known as the "director" type, indicates assertiveness, initiative and a commitment to rules or traditional roles.

2. Introverted, sensing, thinking, judging (ISTJ): The ISTJ type is the "inspector" personality. Such individuals tend to be practical, organized, committed and traditional.

3. Extroverted, intuitive, thinking, judging (ENTJ): Known as the "commander" type, ENTJs are often confident and forthright. They often make good leaders because of their ability to devise and carry out plans.

4. Introverted, intuitive, thinking, judging (INTJ): An INTJ personality is the "architect" type. They are not only analytical but also creative.

5. Extroverted, sensing, thinking, perceiving (ESTP): Sociable and moment-driven, ESTPs types are the "persuaders." They're capable of making quick decisions, though they may also be capricious.

6. Introverted, sensing, thinking, perceiving (ISTP): People with the ISTP personality type are the "crafters." They are detached, independent, goal-driven and objective but also willing to try new experiences.

7. Extroverted, intuitive, thinking, perceiving (ENTP): ENTPs are the "debaters," given their propensity toward discussions of ideas. They devise new ideas frequently and often start new projects even while they're working on an existing one.

8. Introverted, intuitive, thinking, perceiving (INTP): Quiet thoughtfulness and a high capacity for self-reflection are hallmarks of the INTP personality type, also known as the "thinker." Such individuals are often skilled at devising novel solutions based on logic and analysis.

9. Extroverted, sensing, feeling, judging (ESFJ): The ESFJ personality type is that of the "caregiver." They are attuned to others' needs and enjoy being helpful.

10. Introverted, sensing, feeling, judging (ISFJ): An ISFJ individual is the "protector," characterized by their care, compassion and sensitivity. They're often highly observant and emotionally intelligent, though they may also struggle to express their own feelings to others.

11. Extroverted, intuitive, feeling, judging (ENFJ): The ENFJ personality type is the "giver." They're understanding, supportive and selfless, and they often have a unifying effect among diverse groups of people.

12. Introverted, intuitive, feeling, judging (INFJ): Known as the "advocate," the INFJ personality type is both logic- and emotion-oriented. They can channel their compassion and idealism into actions for achieving their goals.

13. Extroverted, sensing, feeling, perceiving (ESFP): The ESFP personality type is the "performer," living in the moment and welcoming of attention. They tend to be spontaneous but also pragmatic and resourceful.

14. Introverted, sensing, feeling, perceiving (ISFP): If you have the ISFP personality, you're the "artist" type. You're likely to be reserved and independent but also well-attuned to details and appreciative of aesthetic qualities.

15. Extroverted, intuitive, feeling, perceived (ENFP): The ENFP personality is the "champion" type. Typically, they possess strong leadership qualities, creative instincts and problem-solving abilities.

16. Introverted, intuitive, feeling, perceived (INFP): The INFP personality is that of the "mediator." They are empathetic and driven by the personal concerns of others, which often makes them an effective spokesperson.

The intention behind the Jung Personality Test is not to stereotype or “put people into a box,” but to help people understand themselves and others in a simple, easy-to-remember way.

People are complex. It often takes time to really get to know someone and understand how that person does things and why. However, there are patterns in how people behave and their motivations. With time, as we get to know our friends and colleagues, we often build up an idea of how we are similar and how we differ.

The Jung Personality Test is simply another way of building up that picture and understanding others better. Every person is a unique individual, but we share certain characteristics. Your 4-letter type show you that you have certain things in common with others of the same personality type. They also highlight how you might be different from others with a different type than yours.

What the Jung Personality Test does not do is describe your whole personality or identity. It certainly does not define you! Instead, it focuses on four core aspects of personality. It is also worth remembering that personality is not the only thing that influences how we behave. For example, we all have different motivations, experiences, values, hobbies, skills, and cultures that shape us.