Personality Types

Part of a series by the authors that explores the implications of temperament in our everyday lives  Based on the Myers-Briggs Temperament Indicator ™, these books not only explain temperament and how it affects us, but also give concrete and useful ways we can use the knowledge of temperament to better communicate with, and relate to, others of differing types. 

While the theory behind their typing system ( and Keirsey's) differs somewhat from that of archetypal psychology which uses the gods and goddesses as archetypes, both involve similar systems that use personality typing and temperament to assess individual differences. 

Best-selling guide  helps people find the job that best suits their personality type. Provides specific job search strategies and  lists a wide array of occupations that are popular with each  personality type. The authors  highlight the strengths and pitfalls of each personality type and provide career advice using real-life examples.

Please Understand Me
by David Keirsey and Marilyn Bates

A "classic" book explaining the theory and implications of personality type and temperament. Clear illustrations of how temperament produces individual difference, and how understanding  and valuing differences in the personality type of yourself and others can result in greater understanding.

Type Talk:The 16 Personality Types That Determine How We Live, Love, and Work
by Otto Kroeger and Janet Thuesen

A layman's introduction to personality typology using a personality typing system based on the work of C. G. Jung. Sixteen personality types are described in detail,  and the authors illustrate how the different types are revealed in everyday life.

The 16 Personality Types, Descriptions for Self-Discovery
by Linda Berens and Dario Nardi

After providing an introduction to temperament  that gives you a vocabulary for understanding individual  differences and similarities, the authors present a method of identifying personality type that combines how others see you and how you see yourself. They supply descriptions of the sixteen personality types and ask you to choose the one thatbest describes you. Their  insightful descriptions of people sharing each type can assist you to develop  new views of yourself and to further develop your personality in ways consistent with your personality type.

The Complete Writer's Guide to Heroes and Heroines
by Tami D. Cowden, Caro LaFever, and Sue Viders

Although this book was designed for writers to help them develop believable characters, it is a delightful read for the general public. The authors present several archetypes that frequently appear in works of fiction, and relate these archetypal patterns to their associated personal characteristics.

What Type Am I?: Discover Who You Really Are
by Renee Baron

Based on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator™ of temperament. If you don't already know your Myers-Briggs Type, you can take the four 20-question quizzes for each of four categories to get an estimate. Then read on to find numerous tips for improving your life by using your knowledge of your personality type.

Gifts Differing
by Isabel Briggs Myers and Peter Myers

Classic publication that introduced the popular Myers-Briggs Temperament Indicator  (MBTI)™ that has been widely used in personal and career counseling. The MBTI instrument yields a classification of personality into 16 different types and was the most widely used instrument in personality research until the recent introduction of the IPIP questionairre.

What Color is Your Personality? by Carol Ritberger

Well-written book contains a self-assessment test, and outlines the 16 personality types based on the work of Jung. Each of the four major categories is typified by a different color, and the characteristics of each type are discussed. Section on dealing with stress and health issues is particularly interesting.  Ritberger's other book, Your Personality, Your Health: Connecting Personality with the Human Energy System,Chakras, and Wellness, explores the relationship between personality type, the human energy system, and the nature of illness and healing, identifying the power of individuals to heal themselves.

The New Personality Self-Portrait: Why You Think, Work, Love and Act the Way You Do
by John Oldham and Lois Morris

Identifies 14 personality types and discusses each in  terms of: typical behaviors and traits, advice for how to "get along" with that type, and activities to develop weak areas. Includes a personality quiz to identify your type.

The types were derived from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders that is used by psychologists and psychiatrists to diagnose mental disorders, and the authors list danger signs that can indicate the presence of a personality disorder, as opposed to a "normal" personality type.

Which one of the
Greek gods are you?

Investigate the online personality test that reveals which of the Greek gods is functioning as an archetype
(personality type) in your life.