Myers-Briggs and The Big Five Correlation

Many ofent wonder if the Big Five personality traits correlate to Myers-Briggs personality traits.

While there isn’t a one-to-one correlation, the Big Five personality traits can be somewhat mapped to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) types in a rough and generalized manner.

However, it’s important to remember that while there are correlations, the two systems measure different dimensions of personality and are based on different theoretical foundations.

You can see a comparison of the Big 5 vs MBTI (Myers-Briggs) here.

Big Five Personality Traits

The Big Five personality traits, also known as the Five-Factor Model, include the following:

  1. Openness to Experience (inventive/curious vs. consistent/cautious)
  2. Conscientiousness (efficient/organized vs. easy-going/careless)
  3. Extraversion (outgoing/energetic vs. solitary/reserved)
  4. Agreeableness (friendly/compassionate vs. challenging/detached)
  5. Neuroticism (sensitive/nervous vs. secure/confident)

Myers-Briggs Personality Traits

MBTI (the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator), on the other hand, categorizes people into 16 personality types based on four dichotomies:

  • Introversion vs. Extraversion
  • Intuition vs. Sensing
  • Thinking vs. Feeling
  • Judging vs. Perceiving.

MBTI (the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) Personality Types Mapped to the Big Five Traits

Below, we’ll map each MBTI (the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) personality type to the above Big Five personality Types

INFP (Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving)

  1. Openness to Experience: Likely high. INFPs are typically imaginative, curious, and open to new experiences.
  2. Conscientiousness: Variable, but often moderate. INFPs can be organized and dedicated, especially to values-driven tasks, but may also have a tendency towards being somewhat unstructured.
  3. Extraversion: Likely low. Being introverted, INFPs usually prefer solitude or small group interactions.
  4. Agreeableness: Likely high. INFPs are generally empathetic, caring, and cooperative.
  5. Neuroticism: Possibly higher. INFPs can be sensitive and may experience a range of emotions deeply.

ISTJ (Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging)

  1. Openness to Experience: Typically low. ISTJs tend to prefer familiarity and have a practical approach to life.
  2. Conscientiousness: High. They are known for being organized, reliable, and diligent.
  3. Extraversion: Low, as they are introverted and often prefer solitude or small group interactions.
  4. Agreeableness: Moderate. While ISTJs can be cooperative, they also value logic and objectivity over pleasing others.
  5. Neuroticism: Likely low. ISTJs are generally calm and prefer stability.

ISFJ (Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, Judging)

  • Openness to Experience: Low to moderate. ISFJs are grounded and practical but can be open-minded within their known realms.
  • Conscientiousness: High. They are known for their attention to detail and a strong sense of duty.
  • Extraversion: Low, as they are introverted.
  • Agreeableness: High. ISFJs are caring and compassionate and put others’ needs often above their own.
  • Neuroticism: Moderate to high. They can be sensitive and concerned about others.

INFJ (Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Judging)

  • Openness to Experience: High. INFJs are imaginative and often have a rich inner world.
  • Conscientiousness: Moderate to high. They have a sense of vision and purpose, often coupled with a strong organizational ability.
  • Extraversion: Low. INFJs are introverted and prefer deep connections with a few.
  • Agreeableness: High. They are empathetic and value harmony.
  • Neuroticism: Moderate to high. INFJs can be sensitive to stress and emotional experiences.

INTJ (Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging)

  • Openness to Experience: High. INTJs are innovative, strategic thinkers and often open to new ideas.
  • Conscientiousness: High. They are organized and have a clear vision of what they want to achieve.
  • Extraversion: Low. INTJs are introverted and often prefer working alone.
  • Agreeableness: Low to moderate. While they can be cooperative, INTJs value logic and efficiency over social harmony.
  • Neuroticism: Moderate. They can be sensitive to failure or inefficiency.

ISTP (Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, Perceiving)

  • Openness to Experience: Moderate. ISTPs are practical but often open to new experiences, especially hands-on activities.
  • Conscientiousness: Low to moderate. They prefer flexibility and spontaneity over structure.
  • Extraversion: Low. ISTPs enjoy solitude or interaction in a practical context.
  • Agreeableness: Low to moderate. They value logic and are often direct and straightforward.
  • Neuroticism: Low. ISTPs are typically calm and adaptable.

ISFP (Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving)

  • Openness to Experience: Moderate to high. ISFPs are creative and open to new experiences, particularly in the aesthetic realm.
  • Conscientiousness: Low to moderate. They prefer living in the moment rather than planning.
  • Extraversion: Low. ISFPs appreciate solitude or interactions in a comfortable, aesthetic environment.
  • Agreeableness: High. They are sensitive and empathetic.
  • Neuroticism: Moderate. ISFPs can be sensitive to criticism and conflict.

INFP (Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving)

  • Openness to Experience: High. INFPs are imaginative and curious.
  • Conscientiousness: Moderate. They can be organized when it aligns with their values.
  • Extraversion: Low. INFPs prefer solitude or small group interactions.
  • Agreeableness: High. They are empathetic and cooperative.
  • Neuroticism: Possibly higher. INFPs can be sensitive and experience emotions deeply.

INTP (Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Perceiving)

  • Openness to Experience: High. INTPs are abstract thinkers and open to new ideas.
  • Conscientiousness: Low to moderate. They prefer flexibility and are often less focused on organization.
  • Extraversion: Low. INTPs are typically introverted and prefer solitary activities.
  • Agreeableness: Moderate. They value logic over social harmony but can be cooperative.
  • Neuroticism: Moderate. INTPs can be prone to self-doubt and worry.

ESTP (Extraverted, Sensing, Thinking, Perceiving)

  • Openness to Experience: Moderate to high. ESTPs are adventurous and open to new experiences, especially physical or sensory ones.
  • Conscientiousness: Low. They prefer spontaneity and flexibility over structure and planning.
  • Extraversion: High. ESTPs are outgoing and enjoy engaging with the external world.
  • Agreeableness: Moderate. They are direct and competitive, though they can be charming and persuasive.
  • Neuroticism: Low. ESTPs are generally resilient and adaptable in the face of stress.

ESFP (Extraverted, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving)

  • Openness to Experience: Moderate. ESFPs enjoy new experiences, especially those involving aesthetics and sensory stimulation.
  • Conscientiousness: Low. They live in the moment and often act on impulse.
  • Extraversion: High. ESFPs are sociable and enjoy being the center of attention.
  • Agreeableness: High. They are friendly, sympathetic, and eager to help.
  • Neuroticism: Moderate. ESFPs can be sensitive to criticism and conflict.

ENFP (Extraverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving)

  • Openness to Experience: High. ENFPs are imaginative, curious, and open to new ideas and experiences.
  • Conscientiousness: Moderate. They can be organized but often prefer flexibility and spontaneity.
  • Extraversion: High. ENFPs are enthusiastic and thrive in social situations.
  • Agreeableness: High. They are empathetic, caring, and cooperative.
  • Neuroticism: Moderate. ENFPs can be sensitive to stress and emotional upheaval.

ENTP (Extraverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Perceiving)

  • Openness to Experience: High. ENTPs are innovative, intellectually curious, and open to new ideas.
  • Conscientiousness: Low to moderate. They prefer flexibility and are often less focused on details.
  • Extraversion: High. ENTPs enjoy engaging in debates and discussions with others.
  • Agreeableness: Moderate. While they enjoy intellectual sparring, they can be cooperative when it suits their goals.
  • Neuroticism: Moderate. ENTPs may experience stress in response to routine or limitations.

ESTJ (Extraverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging)

  • Openness to Experience: Low to moderate. ESTJs prefer practical, real-world applications and may be resistant to abstract or theoretical concepts.
  • Conscientiousness: High. They are organized, dependable, and have a strong sense of duty.
  • Extraversion: High. ESTJs are sociable and prefer to take charge in social and work situations.
  • Agreeableness: Moderate. They value efficiency and productivity over personal feelings.
  • Neuroticism: Low. ESTJs are generally confident and handle stress well.

ESFJ (Extraverted, Sensing, Feeling, Judging)

  • Openness to Experience: Low to moderate. ESFJs are practical and grounded, though they may be open to new experiences in familiar contexts.
  • Conscientiousness: High. They are detail-oriented and take their responsibilities seriously.
  • Extraversion: High. ESFJs enjoy social interactions and nurturing relationships.
  • Agreeableness: High. They are warm, caring, and considerate.
  • Neuroticism: Moderate. ESFJs can be sensitive to criticism and the needs of others.

ENFJ (Extraverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Judging)

  • Openness to Experience: High. ENFJs are imaginative and open to new ideas, especially those that benefit others.
  • Conscientiousness: High. They are organized and have a clear vision, especially in social or ethical realms.
  • Extraversion: High. ENFJs thrive in social settings and enjoy inspiring others.
  • Agreeableness: Very high. They are empathetic, caring, and harmonious.
  • Neuroticism: Moderate. ENFJs can be sensitive to the needs and emotions of others, sometimes to their own detriment.

ENTJ (Extraverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging)

  • Openness to Experience: High. ENTJs are strategic thinkers and open to exploring new ideas and approaches.
  • Conscientiousness: Very high. They are goal-oriented and efficient, with a strong drive to achieve their objectives.
  • Extraversion: High. ENTJs are assertive and enjoy leading and interacting with others.
  • Agreeableness: Moderate. They prioritize effectiveness and logic over social harmony.
  • Neuroticism: Low. ENTJs are typically confident and handle stress and challenges effectively.

Unveiling the Tapestry of Personalities: A Mosaic of MBTI and the Big Five

the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator’s intertwining paths and Big Five traits weave a rich and colorful tapestry of human character.

Our exploration has not just been an exercise in theoretical mapping; it has opened doors to a deeper, more vivid understanding of ourselves and those around us.

Each MBTI type, when seen through the prism of the Big Five, reveals a unique spectrum of traits, challenging us to think beyond boxes and labels. This vibrant confluence of personality models reminds us of the infinite complexities that make us human, inviting us to embrace the diversity in ourselves and in others with curiosity and appreciation.