Personality Type resources

I have found a number of books and web sites useful as I've explored this topic. The links below are not exhaustive - simply the places I have personally found helpful. (These links all work as of December 2005.)

There are also workshops and weekends around, at which you can take the Myers-Briggs Temperament Indicator (which is the official M-B questionnaire) and discuss the issues that come up. Type 'myers briggs workshop' into a search engine to explore your options.

Web sources

Working out your Myers-Briggs type - This gives a useful overview of how to understand and work out your preferences. It includes suggestions to consider if you can work out two of your letters but are not sure of the others. It also includes short (though simplistic) descriptions of each of the sixteen types.

Personality type quiz - A quick look at the four pairs of preferences. Read the paragraphs under each dimension, not just the bullet points. There is a short description, and extra links such as 'how to parent a <type>' and 'how to love a <type>'.

The sixteen Myers-Briggs types - Some very good longer descriptions (up to about four pages) of each of the types. Draws out more of the subtle differences between the types, to help you decide between them.

Jungian function theory - This is the basis of the M-B system, and gives a clearer idea of the dynamics involved in the inter-relationship between preferences. The 'working out the letters' approach is really just a shortcut for getting at the underlying dynamics discussed here. A good, clear description.

Temperament - If you are unclear about your preferences in one or more dimensions, consider looking at Temperament. It may be easier to get your head 'round. There is also a useful link to the difference between temperament and character.

Working out your team role - A look at one's role at work and a comparison with personality type, providing a possible basis for understanding the stress points and potential directions for change in your job.

Books

(I've linked to The Book Depository for value where possible,
but I have no formal relationship with them.)

Gifts Differing: Understanding Personality Type (Book Depository) - The original book by Isabel Briggs Myers who developed the MBTI. Clear and readable, focussing mainly on the strengths of each type. Also describes how the system was developed.

What Type am I? (Book Depository) - A really clear and simple explanation of the basics of type. Well laid out with cartoons and bullet points, making it easy to dip into. A recommended 'first' book, especially if you don't like the idea of masses of dense text.

Type Talk (Book Depository) - A lively and observant look at the different types and temperaments, and how to see the differences in people around you. Includes more of the weaknesses of each type, rather than just the strengths.

Do What You Are (AbeBooks: out of print) - A great book to investigate possible career choices, with worksheets to help you think through your own situation.

Nurture by Nature (Book Depository) - Applying the understanding of type to parenting. A fascinating look at how type develops through maturity, and very practical.

Just your Type (Book Depository) - Understanding the joys and stresses of couple relationships between the different personality types.

Was that really me? (Book Depository) - Sometimes when we're under particular pressure, we find ourselves behaving differently, or 'out of character'. This book looks at how these behaviours are linked to our basic type, and are an expression of of our 3rd and 4th functions. A deeper look into the dynamics of type.

Please Understand Me II (Book Depository) - Looks at the four temperaments, and how they relate to the 16 M-B types. However, the focus is on differences in behaviour, rather than interior preferences. Includes a questionnaire. The alternative approach to descriptions may be more useful for some.

Survival Games Personalities Play (Amazon: out of print) - An advanced book, looking at the 4 temperaments, core needs, what might trigger them to become dysfunctional, and how that is evidenced. Intervention strategies for clinicians in cluded.

Pray Your Way (Amazon: out of print) - An interesting look at how differences in type lead to different approachs to prayer and spirituality. Logical, when you think about it.

Soul Types (Amazon: out of print) - Offers a deeper understanding of type and type dynamics, in the context of what supports or hinders our spiritual development. Very clear, grouped by dominant function and laid out in a way that makes it easy to compare between types.