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MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator)

The MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) is a widely known but controversial personality framework that categorizes people into 16 types based on four dichotomies: Introversion/Extraversion, Sensing/Intuition, Thinking/Feeling, and Judging/Perceiving. Each person is assigned one value from each pair, resulting in a four-letter type (e.g., INFP, ESTJ). The MBTI was developed by Katharine Cook Briggs and her daughter Isabel Briggs Myers during World War II, inspired by Carl Jung's work on psychological types.

Scientific Status and Criticism

While popular in business and self-help contexts, the MBTI is considered pseudoscientific by most psychologists. It lacks strong empirical support, and its binary categories do not reflect the complexity or fluidity of real personality traits. The MBTI should be used as a creative tool, not as a scientific or diagnostic instrument.

Jungian Roots

The MBTI draws on Jungian psychology, especially the idea of archetypes and the collective unconscious. However, MBTI types are not the same as Jungian archetypes: MBTI describes surface-level preferences, while archetypes represent deeper, universal patterns of behavior and motivation.

MBTI Dimensions

  • Introvert (I) / Extravert (E): Introverts may prefer private, intimate encounters; extraverts may seek social or adventurous experiences.
  • Sensing (S) / Intuition (N): Sensors focus on physical sensations and details; intuitives are drawn to fantasy and emotional nuance.
  • Thinking (T) / Feeling (F): Thinkers approach sex analytically; feelers prioritise emotional connection.
  • Judging (J) / Perceiving (P): Judgers like structure and planning; perceivers enjoy spontaneity.

Writing Tips

  • Use MBTI to differentiate characters and create tension or compatibility, but remember that real people are more complex than any typology.
  • Let MBTI traits influence dialogue, consent, and sexual preferences, but avoid rigidly assigning behaviors to types.
  • Combine MBTI with other frameworks (temperament, archetypes, character traits) for richer, more believable characters.
  • Show growth: allow characters to act outside their "type" or evolve over time.
  • Avoid stereotypes—use MBTI as inspiration, not a box.

Example

"As an INFJ, she craved deep connection and meaning in every touch, while her ESTP lover brought spontaneity and excitement to their encounters. Sometimes, though, she surprised him with boldness, and he revealed unexpected sensitivity."

Why this works: Contrasting MBTI types create dynamic, believable interactions, but both characters are allowed to be more than their type.

Common Misconceptions

  • MBTI types are not scientifically validated and should not be used to judge or limit real people.
  • People are not fixed in one type; preferences can change over time or in different contexts.
  • MBTI is not the same as Jungian archetypes or clinical personality disorders.

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