[NOS-NOS]

So for a long time I thought I was INTJ, based on several tests that I took. Then today I was rated as INFP. So my question is, because of our bipolar fluctuations in mood, thoughts and mind-states can we honestly get an accurate Myers-Briggs type? Or is it like trying to hit a moving target? Thoughts?.....

[fern46]

I think it is a moving target for everyone and potentially even more so for those who shift like people with extreme mood states.

For example, I started out as an ESTP, but I've worked with and lean on my intuition more the older I get. I imagine my values might be different if I were to profile myself now.

I've tested people and teams on their communication styles and then again at a later time. Their styles shift after they become consciously aware of the pros and cons of each and shift their natural tendencies to better accommodate others.

[NOS-NOS]

Originally Posted by fern46

I think it is a moving target for everyone and potentially even more so for those who shift like people with extreme mood states.

For example, I started out as an ESTP, but I've worked with and lean on my intuition more the older I get. I imagine my values might be different if I were to profile myself now.

I've tested people and teams on their communication styles and then again at a later time. Their styles shift after they become consciously aware of the pros and cons of each and shift their natural tendencies to better accommodate others.

I would then question if the typology is even a valid assessment? assuming we believe personality to be relatively set and unchangeable? Is there proven test-retest reliability? I wonder....

[fern46]

Originally Posted by NOS-NOS

I would then question if the typology is even a valid assessment? assuming we believe personality to be relatively set and unchangeable? Is there proven test-retest reliability? I wonder....

I think the typical thinking is that it is unchanging for the most part, but extreme circumstances can greatly affect one's personality. I think it is perhaps a reliable point in time assessment. Teams I have worked with seem to find value in better understanding themselves and their current patterns as well as those of their teammates. It generally leads to better collaboration even if things shift over time. Any assessment system is dubious when it seeks to label subjects that are perpetually changing.

Personally, I feel there is value in understanding each of the aspects as a spectrum so one can underatand their behavior in comparison to the opposite at any given moment. So if you understand the qualities of an introvert and an extrovert you can work to balance yourself and draw from one side another depending on which might serve you more in a given situation. So one might be an introvert, but needs a change. They can foster their extroverted qualities to experience a more social state. The same can be said for Sensing/intuitive, thinking/feeling, and judging/perceptive.

Just my opinion.

[NOS-NOS]

Originally Posted by fern46

I think the typical thinking is that it is unchanging for the most part, but extreme circumstances can greatly affect one's personality. I think it is perhaps a reliable point in time assessment. Teams I have worked with seem to find value in better understanding themselves and their current patterns as well as those of their teammates. It generally leads to better collaboration even if things shift over time. Any assessment system is dubious when it seeks to label subjects that are perpetually changing.

Personally, I feel there is value in understanding each of the aspects as a spectrum so one can underatand their behavior in comparison to the opposite at any given moment. So if you understand the qualities of an introvert and an extrovert you can work to balance yourself and draw from one side another depending on which might serve you more in a given situation. So one might be an introvert, but needs a change. They can foster their extroverted qualities to experience a more social state. The same can be said for Sensing/intuitive, thinking/feeling, and judging/perceptive.

Just my opinion.

I can agree with that. And like you said before, people with mood disorders might have more variability in test results in a shorter period. For example, when depressed my introversion is stronger; when manic I love being around people and engaging with them socially.

[Sometimes psychotic]

I used to be intj.....it hasn’t been stable since I got therapy and meds....I feel those changed several aspects of my personality.....

[bpcyclist]

I never understood this classification, what it meant, or what I was supposed to do with it. Baffled, to this day.