Carl Jung & personality theory

Carl jung Important and controversial psychological theorist Best known for his studies of the human psyche, dream analysis, the collective unconscious and archetypes His work was primarily focused on establishing and developing a relationship between the conscious and unconscious processes of the human psyche

Individuation Jung’s term for the process of establishing a connection between the ego and the self: Ego - the center of consciousness Self – the center of the total psyche, including both conscious and unconscious processes Constant interplay between the two; inextricable parts of a single system Jung believed that integrating all aspects of the psyche would lead to the wholeness of a person

The conscious mind “the ego” Composed of various perceptions, memories, sensations and feelings

The Unconscious Mind Where most of the work of the mind gets done The repository of automatic skills (ex: riding a bike) The source of intuition and dreams and the engine of information processing Can be the source of hidden beliefs, fears, and attitudes that can interfere with everyday life Most forms of psychotherapy aim to bring into conscious awareness many of these hidden hindrances, so that we can examine them and choose how to deal with them

Jung and Personality Types Jung developed the theory that each individual has a personality type. He believed that personality preferences are an innate inborn predisposition He also recognized that our preferences interact with and are shaped by environmental influences: family, country, education, etc. His theories have been worked on by contemporary psychologists to create personality typing inventories and tests. Personality typing is a tool with many uses, especially notable for its helpfulness in the areas of growth and personal development.

THE BIG IDEA Development and applications of psychological personality types are founded on the idea that being self-aware of your type can help you: Appreciate your own strengths, gifts, areas of need, and potential Help you understand and appreciate how other people may differ from you

Isabel Myers and Kathryn Briggs Were fascinated by Jung’s theories on personality types Believed that an understanding and appreciation of individual differences would result in enhanced harmony and productivity in diverse groups Developed the MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator), which is used worldwide by governments, business, military, and other organizations for professional and personal development purposes

The MBTI An indicator – NOT a test Forced-choice questions No right or wrong answers There are no good or bad types – all types have some natural strengths and some possible pitfalls/blind spots

Activity Go to: www.humanmetrics.com Take the “Jung Typology Test” As you answer the questions: Think of what you prefer when you do not have outside pressures to behave in a particular way Think of yourself, outside of the the roles you play at work or in personal life Record your results in detail (taking a picture might be a good idea)

Extraversion or Introversion YOUR RESULTS The MBTI examines four sets of opposites: Extraversion or Introversion Sensing or iNtuition Thinking or Feeling Judging or Perceiving Like our right and left hands, we all use both sides, but one is our natural preference