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Have you ever gotten differing results when you’ve taken the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) multiple times? It’s actually quite common. Some people are quick to discredit the instrument when this happens, but I’m here to tell you there is a reason (actually, a few).

The MBTI is the most widely used personality assessment worldwide, and there’s good reason. It’s psychometrically valid and reliable, and is successfully used to explain and predict certain aspects of people’s behavior.

On the surface, the MBTI is made up of 4 dichotomous pairs of preferences:

1. Where you direct your energy and attention (Extroverted and Introverted)
2. How you take in information and what you trust (Sensing and iNtuition)
3. How you make decisions (Thinking and Feeling)
4. Your orientation to the outer world (Judging and Perceiving)

But wait, there’s more…

What most people don’t know is that it’s much more complicated than this, because each of the four pairs contain five subscales with more elaborate, defining FACETS for each of those. For example, here are the facets of the E/I dichotomy:

Each of the above subscales is a pair of tendencies that gives more depth to what it means to be extroverted or introverted. As you can see, being an extrovert is about so much more than talking a lot and wanting to be around people. And being an introvert does not simply equate to being quiet and introspective.

So while you have a general natural leaning toward extroversion or introversion, you also have more intricate preferences within these areas. So perhaps you’re a gregarious, active introvert, which would indicate that you have three “in-preference” facets (under introversion) and two “out-of-preference” facets (under extroversion). What does this look like? Having a lot of friends and preferring to learn by doing and talking, while also avoiding initiating conversations, being selective about who you share your personal feelings and thoughts with, and having a calm demeanor. It would mean that you’re an introvert with some extroverted tendencies.

NOTE: You cannot simply tally your facets to determine your MBTI type. I’m a perfect example of this: one of my tendencies has more out-of-preference than in-preference facets. This is not common, but possible. Why? The four preferences interact in a dynamic pattern to determine your type- it is not just a sum of the four parts.

So what does it all mean?

All of this is to say that if you have received differing reported MBTI letters, it could mean that you have significant distinct tendencies on both sides of one or more preference pairs (E/I, S/N, T/F, J/P). However, according to the theory behind the MBTI, you’re ultimately one or the other in each pair. Therefore, special attention must be given to any areas that have “slight” clarity (this is indicated in official MTBI reports in the section marked ‘clarity of preferences.’) Determining your true/best-fit type when you have tendencies marked “slight” could involve reading the type descriptions of your top contenders, or working through type verification exercises with a certified MBTI practitioner.

So if you sometimes get ESFJ and sometimes ESTJ, it may be helpful to read the entire descriptions of both types to see which one resonates with you MORE (remember, it’s how the letters interact with each other, not just the letter itself). You could be an ESFJ with a lot of T tendencies, or and ESTJ with a lot of F tendencies. Check out sites like Truity and 16Personalities.com for full MBTI descriptions.

Other factors that can cause differing MBTI results

Other factors can impact your results, just like with any psychological self-assessment, such as your current mood, stress levels, tiredness, and focus. It’s crucial to use instruments like the MBTI when you are not stressed, tired, distracted, or dealing with overwhelming negative emotions.

Also, many people will answer self-assessment questions based on how they believe they SHOULD act or think. This will definitely skew the results. Also, we’ve been trained and socialized to think and behave in certain ways, some that are outside of our natural preferences. Consider this when completing self-assessments. The more honest you are with your answers, the more genuine the results will be.

Finally, it’s also important to take verified, psychometrically valid versions of the MBTI, not just random free online versions.

Conclusion

Knowing your best-fit type is crucial for increasing self-awareness, understanding others’ behaviors and traits, and using this knowledge to successfully navigate work and social situations. Your true type exists, even if you’ve gotten differing 4-letter MBTI codes. It was embedded in your DNA, influenced by external forces along the way, and impacts your daily life. Sometimes the process of identifying your ultimate preferences can be confusing or frustrating, but it’s worth the work it takes to figure it all out!

If you’re interested in exploring your type more deeply, there is a more comprehensive option- the MBTI Step II report includes not only your facets, but also how to apply them to communicating, making decisions, managing change and conflict, and more. I took the Step II as part of my certification program and it was incredibly eye-opening and helped clarify what felt like significant duality in my personality (learning all of my in- and out-of-preference facets was SO helpful with this!). I would highly recommend taking this, or really any version, with a certified MBTI practitioner to get the fully informed experience.

I was certified in the MBTI in 2011 and have helped hundreds of people understand and verify their best-fit types. For more information about my work with individuals and groups using the MBTI, visit https://lifeworksource.com/services/mbti/.

Sources:

Briggs Myers, I., McCaulley, M. H., Quenk, N. L., & Hammer, A. L.. (2009) MBTI manual. Mountainview, CA: CPP, Inc.

Hartzler, G. & Hartzler, M. (2004) Facets of type: Activities to develop the type preferences. Huntington Beach, CA: Telos Publications.

Martin, C. R. (2010) Looking at type: The fundamentals. Gainesville, FL: Center for Applications of Psychological Type, Inc.