Our nursing personality tests, videos, and articles have been discontinued. I no longer accept personality theory as accurate, valid, or helpful in determining career status or any other aspect of life. In fact, I now think that they can mislead people, lead to confusion, and corrupt people’s thinking.
Yes, some things can seem startlingly accurate when viewing personality test results. That’s because you essentially tell it facts about yourself, which can then be used to extrapolate other basic information. Did you tell a personality test that you prefer to stay at home rather than go to a party? Don’t be too shocked when your report tells you that you’re a loner, private person, or that socializing drains you. After all, that’s what you indicated on the test!
Also, personality test results contain vague statements to which most anyone could relate. Scientists refer to this as the “Barnum effect.” The Barnum effect can be very powerful and seductive, making people think that a test is more accurate than it really is. This is also how horoscopes and astrology work. For example, you’re probably a very hard worker who can be a bit lazy at times (most anyone could relate to that statement!).
Several articles have condemned the use of MBTI personality tests as inaccurate. And on those points, I agree.
Furthermore, most personality theories have their roots in astrology and occult practices, as does psychology in general. For example, the Myers-Briggs (MBTI) Type Indicator, a well known personality instrument used by thousands of individuals and employers, is based off the theories of occult practitioner Carl Jung.
Carl Jung held seances, used astrology charts with clients, tried to consult with the dead, and consulted with a mystical “spirit guide” named Philemon, from whom he acquired most of his information about the psychological types. The same is true of the Enneagram test, which also has strong ties to astrology and the occult.
The truth is that you are a unique individual created in the image of God. No personality test can capture the full essence of who you are or what you can become. There are far too many variables that go into why a person behaves a certain way.
Furthermore, human personality traits are dynamic and changeable. We are not crystallized at birth into an unchangeable mold or archetype, which astrology or inaccurate personality models would suggest.
Don’t allow yourself to become caught up in all of the many personality systems out there, for they all have the tendency to mislead you and corrupt your mind about your traits, abilities, and potential. They can also lead to stereotypes of other people, which are often inaccurate or incomplete. They also lead people to place an excessive focus on “self,” and give a false notion of how you can do “works” to improve yourself.
Thanks,
Ben