Are you an ENFP? An ISTJ? A look at the history, validity, and potential of Myers-Briggs

By Lily Tyson

Published August 3, 2023 at 1:00 PM EDT

A woman holds up the Myers Briggs Type Chart. Her name is printed in the square her type is. — Marci Segal holds up the Myers-Briggs Type Chart. The chart sets out 16 personality types that most people are said to fall into. Her name is printed in the square her type is.

Who am I? We’ve all wondered at some point. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, a personality test based on Carl Jung’s psychological types, has offered many an answer.

This hour, we delve into the history of the MBTI and contemporary applications of this test and explore its scientific validity. Plus, a look at a dating app that uses the 16 personality types to help people find love.

GUESTS:

Paul Tieger: A prolific author on MBTI; his books include Do What You Are, Nurture by Nature, and Just Your Type
Alexander Swan: Associate professor of psychology at Eureka College and host of the CinemaPsych podcast
Jessica Alderson: Founder of So Syncd, a 16 Personalities-based dating app

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Colin McEnroe, Carol Chen, Jonathan McNicol, and Catie Talarski contributed to this show.