Personality Type

 

What is Personality Type?

Throughout history it has been observed that human behaviour does not appear to be random. Some people are outgoing and others are more reserved. Some people are good with details and others are better with concepts.

Many different models have been developed to describe such personality differences. The model used here was first proposed in the 1920's by Carl Jung, who suggestedthat differences in behaviour are a result of preferences related to our basic personality types. Jung's original classifications were made into a practicle intrument, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). Once you are able to identify your preferences (which collectively form your "type"), you will find it easier to understand why you and others respond as you do to different people and situations.

How Do I Determine My Type?

• Observation
  The best way to determine your type is to observe yourself and others and figure out what your preferences are. It is helpful to talk to others who are familiar with type concepts, and to ask people who know you how they see you behaving. You might also attend workshops or join an electronic discussion group.

   

• Writing Inventories
  The Temperament Research Institute provides some background into the different instruments and why it is important to choose the right one.

   

  A more in-depth and formal exploration of your type can by achieved by taking the Myers-Briggs Type Inventory (MBTI) through a counselling centre or local workshop. You should take this instrument under the supervision of a trained practitioner.

   

  While inventories can be helpful in determining your type, they always should be validated by your own experiences of how you feel and behave in different settings.
  

• Reading About Type
  A detailed listing of books and workshops in Canada can be obtained from Psychometrics Canada and Career/LifeSkills Resources Inc.

  A good reference list is included under Resources at the SunSite.

Now Tell Me More

For a description of each of the four preference scales and how they might be experienced, see the Humber College's MBTI - A Brief Overview.

Information on the preference scales as well as a brief description of the 16 types is on the SunSITE page A Summary of Personality Typing.

Psychological Type Profiles is a web site where you can go to get more detailed information on each of the 16 types.

TypeWorks provides useful information on Temperament and Type, including their application to business settings. They also produce a newsletter, TypeWorks.

Learning More About Type

The Preference Reference Home Page contains some useful links on type-related topics. More information about personality type is available at SunSITE.

The Association for Psychological Type (APT) facilitates the sharing of information on personality type and the MBTI. It produces the Journal of Pychological Type among other valuable resources. Their website provides a brief history of the development of type theory and answers many commonly asked questions.

 

The Center for Applications of Personality Type (CAPT) is dedicated to the collection and publication of research on the MBTI.

More information on Jungian psychology in general is available from JungWeb. Information on workshops in Ontario is available through the Ontario Association for the Application of Personality Type (OAAPT) which publishes a newsletter called Tell-a-Type. Information on membership in OAAPT can be obtained by calling (905) 760-1339, or by email

Electronic Discussion Groups on Type

There are several electronic discussion groups for persons interested in understanding more about psychological type.

 

• OAAPT-L is supported by the Ontario Association for Application of Personality Type. While open to everyone, its focus is the exchange of information on type-related activities in Ontario or other parts of Canada.
  
  To subscribe to OAAPT-L send e-mail to: listserv@admin.humberc.on.ca
  In the body of the mail write: subscribe OAAPT-L Your Name
  where Your Name is the actual name you wish to be known as. The listserv will detect your e-mail name and address.
  
  If you have a question about the OAAPT list, e-mail the listowner, Pamela Mitchell at:
  mitchell@admin.humberc.on.ca
  
  
• Psych-Type is a list dedicated to the discussion and enjoyment of psychological type. To learn more about this list and how to subscribe, visit their home page The Preference Reference .

   

• There are also electronic mailing lists for many of the 16 types, some small and some large and very active. A list of the Individual Personality Type electronic lists is kept by CAPT.

   

• The JungWeb discussion group is an electronic list for the discussion of Jungian psychology of which personality type is a small part. Usenet News groups

  alt.psychology.personality has hundreds of articles, questions, and discussions on type.