“Validity and Reliability of the Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis”, 2017-03 ():
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator is frequently used by health professions and educational programs to address the diversity of personalities that exist. No systematic review of the literature or meta-analysis of its validity and reliability has occurred.
This comprehensive literature search identified 221 potential studies, of which 7 met our inclusion criteria. 4 of the studies examined construct validity, but their varying methods did not permit pooling for meta-analysis.
These studies agree that the instrument has reasonable construct validity. The 3 studies of test-retest reliability did allow a meta-analysis to be performed, albeit with caution due to substantial heterogeneity. Results indicate that the Extrovert-Introvert, Sensing-Intuition, and Judging-Perceiving Subscales have satisfactory reliabilities of 0.75 or higher and that the Thinking-Feeling subscale has a reliability of 0.61.
The majority of studies were conducted on college-age students; thus, the evidence to support the tool’s utility applies more to this group, and careful thought should be given when applying it to other individuals.
[Keywords: Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, personality, reliability, validity]