MBTI Temperaments

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Because applying the implications of the 16 MBTI personality types to ourselves and those around us can be daunting, psychologist David West Keirsey, PhD, grouped the types into four more easily understood temperaments.¹

1) Artisans
Those with a Sensing (S) preference, indicating a penchant for gathering information through the senses, plus the Perceiving (P) preference, indicating a tendency to value openness to experience as well as an inclination toward spontaneity and flexibility, are the Artisans. Artisans are naturally interactive with the here and now, seeking pleasure and stimulation wherever it can be found. Artisans, approximately 17% to 29% of the population,² can be appreciated for being people who add spice, joy, and beauty to our lives.

2) Guardians
Guardians combine the Sensing (S) preference for observation and information gathering with a Judging (J) preference for order and predictability. “SJ” people tend to be practical, traditional, dutiful, and dependable, and are society’s stable foundation (37% to 53% of the population).² Guardians want to know that they are doing the responsible thing and they hold themselves and others to stewardship standards that protect and preserve a secure, just community for us all.

3) Idealists
When people with future-oriented Intuition (N) combine this preference for information gathering with a Feeling (F) preference for relationship-centered decision making, it is easy to understand why they’re called Idealists. They are typically caring, creative, inspirational, and authentic, holding high standards for personal integrity. Representing 13% to 21% of the population, ² Idealists are especially interested in empowering and developing others.

4) Rationals
Rationals broadly amass information using their preference for Intuition (N). They are typically drawn to possibilities and ideas. Combining this capacity for complex information gathering with the tendency to make decisions based on their logical Thinking (T) preference, Rationals are often viewed as strategic thinkers. Though they make up only a small percentage of the population, perhaps 9% to 19%,² they contribute by using their analytical skills to solve problems and to develop theoretical frameworks.

References
1. Please Understand Me II: Temperament, Character, Intelligence. Keirsey D. Prometheus Nemesis, 1998.

2. Center for Application of Psychological Type. capt.org/mbti-assessment/estimated-frequencies.htm