Jungian Typology: Definition, History, and Characteristics
Introduction
Jungian typology, introduced by the Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung, is a theory of personality that proposes that individual psychological behavior is largely determined by innate individual preferences, attitudes, and values. Jung’s typology has been used in psychological research, counseling, and other fields to help individuals better understand themselves and others. This article will provide an overview of Jungian typology, including its definition, history, characteristics, and additional resources for further reading.
Definition
Jungian typology is a theory of personality that was developed by Carl Jung in the early 20th century. Jung’s theory proposes that an individual’s psychological behavior is largely determined by innate individual preferences, attitudes, and values. Jung’s typology is based on four distinct psychological types: the extraverted type (E), the introverted type (I), the intuitive type (N), and the thinking type (T). These four types are further divided into eight distinct subtypes, which are based on a combination of the four psychological types.
History
Carl Jung developed Jungian typology in the early 20th century as a result of his psychoanalytical studies. His work was heavily influenced by the works of Sigmund Freud and Alfred Adler, as well as the theories of William James. Jung’s typology was initially used to categorize and analyze behaviors and personalities, but it has since been used in psychological research, counselor training, and other fields.
Characteristics
The four psychological types of Jungian typology are the extraverted type (E), the introverted type (I), the intuitive type (N), and the thinking type (T). These types are further divided into eight distinct subtypes that are based on a combination of the four psychological types. The eight subtypes are as follows:
Extraverted Intuitive (EN): These individuals are outgoing, creative, and imaginative. They are also highly perceptive and can quickly spot patterns and make connections.
Extraverted Thinking (ET): These individuals are organized, logical, and analytical. They are highly organized and have good problem-solving skills.
Introverted Intuitive (IN): These individuals are independent, creative thinkers who are highly intuitive and have a deep understanding of the world around them.
Introverted Thinking (IT): These individuals are logical and analytical thinkers who are highly focused and have a strong attention to detail.
Extraverted Feeling (EF): These individuals are sensitive, empathetic, and socially oriented. They are also highly expressive and can easily connect with others.
Introverted Feeling (IF): These individuals are highly reflective and introspective. They are also very sensitive and compassionate.
Extraverted Sensing (ES): These individuals are highly aware of their environment and can quickly process sensory information. They are also very practical and down-to-earth.
Introverted Sensing (IS): These individuals are highly reflective and introspective. They are also very detail-oriented and have a deep understanding of the world around them.
Conclusion
Jungian typology is a theory of personality developed by the Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung. This theory proposes that an individual’s psychological behavior is largely determined by innate individual preferences, attitudes, and values. Jung’s typology is divided into four distinct psychological types and eight subtypes, which are based on a combination of the four psychological types. Jungian typology has been used in psychological research, counselor training, and other fields to help individuals better understand themselves and others.
References
Adler, A. (1931). The practice and theory of individual psychology. London: Routledge.
Forsyth, J. P., & Kelly, I. W. (2019). Jungian typology theory and its implications for counseling. The Journal of Humanistic Counseling, 58(2), 173-188.
Jung, C. G. (1921). Psychological types. London: Routledge & Kegan Paul.
James, W. (1890). The principles of psychology. New York: Henry Holt and Company.
Sparks, G. J., & Sparks, C. (2020). Jungian typology: Theory and applications. New York: Routledge.