The personality types of the MBTI are associated with the work of which psychologist?

• A. Alfred Adler
• B. Carl G. Jung
• C. Sigmund Freud
• D. Erik Erikson

Answer: (B)

The idea behind MBTI comes from Carl Jung’s theory of psychological types. Jung proposed that people differ in their preferred ways of perceiving the world and making decisions, which he described along four dimensions (where you focus your energy, how you take in information, how you decide, and how you orient toward the outer world). The MBTI later built on Jung’s ideas to create a practical framework of 16 personality types, developed by Briggs and Myers. That direct link to Jung is why he’s the correct match here. The other psychologists—Adler, Freud, and Erikson—are associated with different theories (individual psychology, psychoanalysis, and psychosocial development, respectively).