There are many different personality types available, offering similar but different perspectives to the way we understand how personalities work. 

Here is an overview of some popular personality theories, but there are many others!

MYERS BRIGGS (MBTI)

This is one of the most popular personality theories around, and can be uncannily accurate. 

You are assessed using an introspective, self-reporting questionnaire. 

This theory is based on the work of Carl Jung and Isabel Briggs Myers theory on personality types. 16 personality types are identified, denoted by 4 letter codes signifying your levels of:

  • Introversion (I) or Extroversion (E)
  • The way you take in information – via INtuition (N) or Sensing (S)
  • The way you make decisions – Feeling (F) or Thinking (T)
  • How you deal with the world – Judging (J) or Perceiving (P)
So, for instance, if your MBTI test reveals that you are an ENTJ, this means that you are extroverted; using intuition to take in information around you, and you function using thinking and judging abilities. You will likely be a decisive leader, hardworking and analytical.
If you are an ISFP, it means that you’re introverted, using sensing, feeling and perceiving functions. You are likely artistic, cheerful and non-judgmental in your dealings with others. 
 

Of course, there is a LOT more to this theory. There is a lot of information on the Myers-Briggs theory on the internet, so if you are fascinated about personality and want to dig deeper, and have the time and inclination, you will find plenty to keep yourself occupied!

However, it can be a little complicated and confusing to understand. Some people are put off by the 4-letter code to begin with. Then you need to understand the 8 cognitive functions:

  • Extroverted Sensing (Se) 
  • Introverted Sensing (Si) 
  • Extroverted Thinking (Te) .
  • Introverted Thinking (Ti) 
  • Extroverted Intuition (Ne) 
  • Introverted Intuition (Ni)
  • Extroverted Feeling (Fe) 
  • Introverted Feeling (FI)
Then there are primary, secondary, tertiary and auxiliary functions to understand. At this point, some people may be put off and not want to dig any deeper.
   
  • Detailed and accurate theory
  • Shows a lot of variations in personalities
  • Clear distinctions between the introvert and extrovert types
  • Great if you want to study personality on a detailed level and want to put the time in to understanding the details

ADVANTAGES OF MYERS BRIGGS THEORY

DISADVANTAGES OF MYERS BRIGGS THEORY

  • There is a lot of information and understanding you may not want to undertake
  • It may be a little more complicated than you wished for
  • You keep forgetting which combination of letters are yours and what they stand for!

DISADVANTAGES OF MYERS BRIGGS THEORY

My take on Myers Briggs personality theory? I like it, although it is more complex to understand than my favorite personality theory – the 4 Temperament Types which is really easy to understand and also an accurate descriptive theory of human personalities. 

In case you were wondering, I constantly test as an INFJ for Myers Briggs…

DISC PERSONALITY THEORY

The DISC personality assessment was developed by an American Psychologist called William Moulton Marston in 1928. He identified four factors in identifying personality aspects, namely:

D – Dominance/Drive
I – Influence/Inducement
S – Steadiness/Support
C – Compliance/Clarity

"D" personalities

People scoring high in the “D” traits for DISC are typically decisive, results-oriented, assertive, dominant and competitive. They are leaders who get things done and don’t do well in a supportive role. 

They are task-oriented rather than people-oriented. 

"I" personalities

If you score high for “I”, you will be enthusiastic, engaging, persuasive and fun. Charismatic influencers, these are people-oriented individuals who are friendly, warm and outgoing. 

They tend to excel in roles requiring human connection and don’t do well in roles where they are isolated and left to themselves. 

"S" personalities

Those identified as predominantly “S” types will be kind, caring, empathetic, compassionate and supportive. 

They are people-oriented individuals who are nurturers at heart, who always have the good of others in mind, and rarely have a selfish agenda.

They excel in roles supporting others or nurturing them, and dislike having to take command or make tough decisions. 

"C" personalities

People who score high on the “C” scale are precise, orderly, focused and methodical individuals.

They are task-oriented people who work independently to high standards. 

They perform well in roles where clarity of mind is needed, and don’t enjoy positions where they may have to motivate or influence others.  

The DISC theory gained popularity during the second world war in the 1940’s where the US military used it for recruitment purposes, and it is still widely used for recruitment and business today. 

Conclusion

This is yet another valuable tool for describing human behavior. I see direct correlations with the 4 Temperaments theory which is the one I prefer due to its ease of understanding:

  • “D” is comparative to a Choleric personality. Both are driven, ambitious, competitive leaders – task-oriented people. 
  • “I” is compared to a Sanguine personality. Both are influencers, outgoing, fun, exciting – people-oriented individuals.
  • “S” is most like a Phlegmatic personality. Both are kind, caring, empathetic and helpful people-oriented individuals. 
  • “C” is like the Melancholy personality. Both are competent, perfectionistic, orderly and meticulous individuals who are more task-oriented.