This article was featured in One Story to Read Today, a newsletter from The Atlantic that provides daily recommendations for must-read articles. If you want to receive this newsletter, you can sign up for it here.
Throughout history, people have tried to categorize their inner workings in various ways. From the four bodily fluids theory of ancient Greece to Carl Jung’s psychological types, humans have made great efforts to understand and define their personalities. Even in 2022, BuzzFeed contributor introduced the idea that everyone is either an apple or a banana. With the multitude of personality measurements available today, it can be difficult to determine which one to believe in. Research suggests that self-evaluation is driven by three motives: self-assessment, self-enhancement, and self-verification. However, different personality tests appeal to different people based on their preferences and reasons for taking the test. In essence, the choice of the metric itself can say something about a person’s personality.
To explore the relationship between personality and test preference, The Atlantic created a quiz. Although the quiz is not scientific, it offers a fun way to gain insights into individual preferences. The quiz includes astrology as one of the results, despite it not being a test but rather a way to categorize individuals based on their birth chart. The quiz invites participants to approach it with an open mind and a generous spirit, much like how an Aquarius would.
Ultimately, people’s attraction to specific personality tests is not random. For example, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) categorizes individuals into 16 different personality types. Developed by Katharine Briggs and Isabel Briggs Myers, the MBTI is widely used in the corporate world, despite scientific reservations. Another popular system is the Enneagram, which appeals to those seeking spiritual enlightenment. The Enneagram sorts individuals into nine personality types and helps them understand their motivations and how to navigate back to their core virtues. This system has gained popularity among some Christians due to how it aligns with their beliefs.
Other personality measures include the Big Five, which rates individuals on five personality traits, and astrology, which has seen a resurgence in popularity thanks to Millennials and the internet. Additionally, online quizzes based on favorite fictional characters, such as Sex and the City or Harry Potter, offer another way for individuals to explore their personality traits.
It’s important to note that most at-home personality tests should not be taken too seriously. Jennifer Fayard, a psychology professor, cautions against over-reliance on these tests, as they are not scientifically validated and can lead to negative effects. However, the motivation behind taking a personality test is often the desire for certainty and a sense of belonging. Self-knowledge can provide comfort and guidance in navigating life’s unpredictability. Moreover, personality tests can offer a sense of identity and community.
In conclusion, personality tests continue to be popular due to the innate human need to understand oneself. While they may not be scientifically-backed, they appeal to individuals seeking self-assessment, self-enhancement, and self-verification. Ultimately, the choice of a personality test can say something about an individual’s personality, and participating in these tests can provide valuable insights and a sense of clarity.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
