The Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator (MBTI) is a self-assessment tool created to determine an individual's personality type, strengths, and preferences. Isabel Myers and her mother, Katherine Briggs, developed the questionnaire based on their exploration of Carl Jung's personality type theory. Presently, the MBTI inventory stands as one of the most extensively utilized psychological instruments worldwide.
By responding to the inventory's questions, individuals are categorized into 1 of 16 personality types. The MBTI assessment aims to enable respondents to delve into and comprehend their own personality traits, encompassing their preferences, strengths, weaknesses, potential career inclinations, and compatibility with others. The questionnaire itself is made up of four different scales.
Extraversion (E) – Introversion (I)
Jung initially delved into the extraversion-introversion dichotomy within his theory of personality types to illustrate how individuals engage and interact with the outside world. Extraverts (sometimes spelled as extroverts) are characterized as "outward-turning," inclined towards action, and often enjoy regular social engagement. Conversely, introverts are viewed as "inward-turning," inclined towards contemplation, and relish in profound and meaningful social connections.
Sensing (S) – Intuition (N)
This scale focuses on how individuals absorb information from their environment. Those who favor sensing often emphasize reality and what they can discern through their senses. Meanwhile, individuals who lean towards intuition tend to prioritize patterns and impressions.
Thinking (T) – Feeling (F)
This scale examines decision-making based on information gathered through sensing or intuition functions. Those preferring thinking emphasize facts and objective data, while those favoring feeling are more inclined to consider people and emotions when reaching a conclusion.
Judging (J) – Perceiving (P)
The last scale pertains to how individuals engage with the outside world. Those leaning toward judging prefer structure and firm decisions, while those favoring perceiving tend to be more open, flexible, and adaptable.
While distinct personality types are prevalent in both men and women, certain patterns emerge across the general population. Here, The Future Rocks' Editorial team ranked the top 5 most common personality types, and a styling guide on how to dress like your famous MBTI celebrity.
ISFJ (Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, Judging)
"The Protector" or "The Defender”, making up to 9% to 14% of the population
The most common MBTI personality type is ISFJ, representing up to 14% of the general populace. It's notably more prevalent among women, comprising around 19% of the female population, while among men, it accounts for approximately 8%. Characterized by empathy and loyalty, ISFJs are highly attuned to others' emotions, dedicating themselves to the well-being and protection of their loved ones. They thrive in structured, habitual lifestyles built upon established values.
In their professional lives, ISFJs are drawn to collaborative, organized roles that involve assisting others. Common career paths for ISFJs include social work, healthcare, office management, teaching, and childcare. In relationships, ISFJs are deeply caring but may exhibit reserved tendencies, sometimes struggling to assert their own needs while being inclined to self-sacrifice.
Famous ISFJ Rep
As one of the most famous ISFJs out there, Kate Middleton’s fashion style is stylish, appropriate, and iconically Kate. Here, the Duchess of Cambridge was seen at The Championships at Wimbledon in 2019. Adorned with a pair of simple yet elegant hoop earrings, the gold echoes with the caring aura radiated from Her Royal Highness. You too, can channel your inner Duchess with Unsaid's Meta Mini Hoop Earrings.
ESFJ (Extroverted, Sensing, Feeling, Judging)
"The Caregiver” or "The Consul", making up to 12% of the population
Approximately 12% of the general population embodies the ESFJ personality type, according to the Myers Briggs Type Indicator, with women representing around 17% of this group. Conversely, men make up only 8% of individuals fitting the characteristics common to this type. ESFJ, standing for Extroverted, Sensing, Feeling, and Judging, is renowned for warmth, responsibility, and sociability. Individuals of this type place emphasis on social harmony, tradition, and organization while excelling at fostering relationships and managing details.
Described as warm, outgoing, and conscientious, ESFJs prioritize stability and harmony in their relationships and surroundings. They naturally excel in caregiving roles, thrive in teamwork, and are adept at cooperation. Practical and detail-oriented, ESFJs favor clear guidelines and structured environments, making them well-suited for careers in healthcare, education, and social work. If you identify as an ESFJ, take pride in your inherent strengths and embrace your ability to positively impact the world.
Famous ESFJ Rep
Being both an ESFJ and a Sagittarius, Taylor Swift is almost bound to be "outward-tuning" in all ways possible. Here she was, at the 81st Golden Globe Awards, working her charms for the camera before the big night. While Swift definitely had her reason to glam up, you don't have to be a Golden Globe nominee to treat yourself with Rêver's Cascade Pear Earrings.
ISTJ (Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging)
“The Inspector”, making up to 11% to 14% of the population
The ISTJ personality type holds the third position among the most common personality types, according to the Myers Briggs Type Indicator, representing 12% of the general population. Notably, it stands as the most prevalent personality type among men, accounting for around 16% of men, while comprising only 7% of women.
Individuals with an ISTJ personality are characterized as reserved, practical, and quiet, valuing order and organization across various aspects of their lives, including home, work, family, and projects. Loyalty, tradition, and responsibility are paramount to ISTJs. While they may have a reputation for being straightforward, they are also recognized for their kindness, loyalty, and reliability.
ISTJs are known for their meticulous planning, preferring to map out details well in advance. They approach their goals and tasks with logical realism, demonstrating a steady work ethic and the ability to maintain focus. Emphasizing traditions and rules, ISTJs prefer established procedures, occasionally appearing inflexible in their dedication to maintaining structure.
Famous ISTJ Rep
Definitely one to emphasize on traditions and rules, Queen Elizabeth II's reign of over 70 years is the longest of any British monarch. Not just a loyal servant to the 32 sovereign states she's served over the course of her lifetime, her choice of fashion accessories had always remained consistent with her signature pearls. It may not have been the obvious choice for the fellow ISTJs out there, but Monarc's Embrasé pearl hoop earrings could just be the missing piece in your jewelry box.
ISFP (Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving)
“The Composer”, making up to 5% to 10% of the population
Adding to the list of common personality types is the ISFP, according to the Myers Briggs Type Indicator, encompassing 9% of the general population. Referred to as 'The Composer', this personality type is fairly evenly distributed between men and women, constituting 10% of women and 8% of men, ranking as the fourth most common personality type overall.
Individuals with ISFP personalities possess a profound affinity for animals and a deep connection to nature, often seeking careers or hobbies that immerse them in outdoor environments and interactions with animals. Their preference for focusing on the present makes them well-suited for careers addressing practical, real-world issues, particularly those offering personal autonomy and freedom. Key traits of ISFPs include a peaceful, caring nature, a keen attention to detail, a present-focused mindset, diligence, and a preference for practical, hands-on activities over abstract theories.
Famous ISFP Rep
Known as "The Composer" among all personality types, it's no surprise to see some big names in the music industry among the extensive list of famous ISFPs out there. Don't worry, embracing your inner Gaga doesn't necessarily equate to putting on a meat dress for your big night out. Nue's Radiance Climbers Earrings may work just as fine.
ESTJ (Extraverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging)
“The Director”, making up to 8% to 14% of the population
The ESTJ personality type ranks fifth as one of the most common personality types, according to the Myers Briggs Type Indicator, representing approximately 9% of the general population. Notably, it stands as the second most common personality type among men, accounting for around 11% of men, while making up just 6% of women.
Described as logical and assertive, individuals with the ESTJ personality are characterized by their proactive, rule-oriented nature, ensuring smooth operation and adherence to regulations. They strongly embrace traditions, standards, and laws, placing substantial value on security and stability. As active participants in civic and community realms, ESTJs prioritize maintaining the established order.
Their traditionalist approach may sometimes lead to perceptions of rigidity, stubbornness, and inflexibility, yet it also facilitates their assumption of leadership roles. Their self-assurance and resolute convictions enable them to effectively implement plans, although their assertiveness can occasionally be perceived as overly critical or aggressive. Often viewed as predictable, stable, committed, and practical, ESTJs are known for their candid and frank expression of opinions, which, at times, may be interpreted as harsh or overly critical.
Famous ESTJ Rep
Taking a slight shift towards the political end, an ESTJ definitely stands out from other common personality types with their assertiveness and leadership skills. Here at the 2023 US Open Tennis Championships, the former First Lady Michelle Obama, an ESTJ Rep, shows you how they charm the crowd like no one else. Even if you're not big on giving speeches, Loyal.e Paris' Ride+love Large Semi-pavée Earrings could be your shortcut to at least looking the part.