Are You Really Your Type? The Science—and the Myth—of Personality Testing

What the Experts—and ‘The Personality Brokers’—Want You to Know Before Taking the MBTI

It’s tempting to believe that a simple test can reveal who you really are. The MBTI offers just that—a four-letter summary of your inner world. But as Merve Emre’s The Personality Brokers and decades of psychological research reveal, the truth is far more complex.

Unlike models like the Big Five, which are based on decades of data and statistical analysis, the MBTI was created by two self-taught enthusiasts. Studies show that MBTI results often change over time and don’t reliably predict behavior. Despite this, the test remains wildly popular—perhaps because it offers gentle, affirming feedback and a sense of belonging.

So what should you do? Use the MBTI as a starting point for self-reflection, not a final answer. Embrace the complexity of personality, and remember that growth is always possible. As Emre’s book shows, the real journey is not about fitting into a box, but about exploring the many facets of who you are.

Before you take your next personality test, ask yourself: Are you seeking understanding—or just a comforting label? The answer might change the way you see yourself forever.

References: Psychology Today, The Personality Brokers, The New Republic