Thursday, June 19, 2008

Self-Absorption (Updated)

I have always been fond of reading about the distinctions arrived at by the Myers-Briggs Personality Inventory. Therefore, I got really excited when I found this site, with a test included, that gives a more in-depth analysis of personality types than others I've seen. It doesn't sugar coat anything.

I'm ENFP (Extrovert/Intuitive/Feeling/Perceiving). The following excerpt gives me insight into a stable personality trait that I have struggled with and perhaps confused with dysthymia and other maladies:
Because ENFPs live in the world of exciting possibilities, the details of everyday life are seen as trivial drudgery. They place no importance on detailed, maintenance-type tasks, and will frequently remain oblivious to these types of concerns. When they do have to perform these tasks, they do not enjoy themselves. This is a challenging area of life for most ENFPs, and can be frustrating for ENFP's family members.
I hear that.

If you take the test and feel like sharing insights and surprises, please do.

Update: I couldn't help but include this find, the second comment beneath Jonathan Martins's article "DNC to file complaint to FEC on McCain." The comment is, by the way, a nonsequitur to anything reported in Martin's article:
Obama is an ENFP he will pick thinks off the floor and eat it . This type is not afraid of germs . Obama blew his nose at his raslly last week even telling everyone about it .
Well, now.

14 comments:

slag said...

Fascinating. We're practically opposites. The last time I took the Kiersey test was in college and my results then were the same: Extreme INTJ. So true.

Also, have you tried the RHETI test? http://www.trans4mind.com/rheti_html/test.html. Interesting stuff, if you're into that kind of thing.

A.F. said...

Isn't it interesting how people usually test the same over time? Two of my closest friends, both writers, are INTJ, and I really admire the ability to commit to a project and follow through.

I'll check out the RHETI test.

Anonymous said...

I've never taken it. I hesitate to do so now, as I'm in a foul mood. Perhaps it wouldn't matter? Maybe it would help?

I did have the honor of taking the Minnesota Multi-Phasic Personality Inventory once, though. It was a doozie. I don't know how I scored, but MississippiRiverLandAirlines (not its real name;) hired me after getting the results, so it must have been alright. That was another lifetime. *sigh*

A.F. said...

Oh, take the test anyway! The cool part about it is that it most always has the same result. It's fun :)

Clifton said...

I was an IXFJ. There wasn't a write up for a profile to describe me. I am not how I feel about that. I guess borderline is accurate for me since I am usually ready to laugh and cry at the same time.

A.F. said...

Oh, Cliff, you went through the whole test and then didn't get the write up? I know it means you're between intuitive and sensing and that also that you're indescribable, which is definitely funky (in the good sense:)

Professor Zero said...

It's strange - I'm ENFP and never come out with another description unless I try to trump the test ... and I identify with the ENFP description but not that part of it.

Is that description something the researchers came up with or the popularizers?

I will also take the RHETI test when I can!

Anonymous said...

I'm an ENFP too. It sounds so much like me it's scary!

"....needs to believe they are living their lives as their true self. They see meaning in everything (which gets me in trouble with others!) and are on a continuous quest to adapt their lives and values to achieve inner peace. They're constantly aware and somewhat fearful of losing touch with themselves. (oh boy so true) Since emotional excitement is usually an important part (!) of an ENFP's life and because they are focused on keeping "centered" , the ENFP is usually an intense individual..."

Wowzer.

A.F. said...

I thought I remembered an ENFP discussion coming up on your blog once but I couldn't find it.

No, it's researchers and not popularizers who came up with that part of it. An MSW told me ten years or so ago told me all about this description, that it's a problem for highscoring NFP teenagers especially, not doing mundane homework and getting labelled ADD, etc. I didn't identify with that part of it then, either. This was the first time I ever saw it written up like that and it does apply to me now. I'm glad that you are spared :)

A.F. said...

Et tu, Charlotte? I know, I identify with that part, too. Ha, do you by chance get in trouble with others because you get peeved with them about not seeing meaning in everything?

Anonymous said...

I tried to comment last night and Blogger would have nothing of it.

Okay. I took it. ENFP. No kidding. Isn't that funny? The details are spot on. It's a little disconcerting to be so easily defined. So, does this mean I don't have ADHD? ;)

A.F. said...

Ha, so you're ENFP, too, Sophmom?? There are enough of us here to start an ENFP revolution...though we'll have to nicely ask slag and clifton if to help us stay focused ;)

Anonymous said...

Exactly!

Anonymous said...

I'm ENTP. It seems about right. My T could be an F on a different day, possibly, but maybe not. It's interesting how I complement GB--maybe she'll comment with her designation.