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 personality tests can mislead people, lead to confusion, and corrupt people’s thinking.
Yes, some things can seem strangely accurate when viewing personality test results. That’s because you provide basic 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, leading people to 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 was a Gnostic who held seances, used astrology charts with clients, tried to consult with the dead, is alleged to have cheated on his wife, and consulted with a mystical “spirit guide” named Philemon, from whom he acquired most of his information about his debunked theory on the psychological types. The same is true of the Enneagram test, which also has strong ties to the occult and mysticism.
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 into an unchangeable mold or archetype at birth, which astrology or inaccurate personality models tend to 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. In addition, these tests often lead to an excessive focus on “self,” all while pushing the idea that by following their occult pseudoscience “self-help” techniques, you can finally improve yourself.
Thanks,
Ben