Following are a few of the many ways type can enrich daily life. To read about other applications of type go to Type Use for Everyday Life. You may also locate articles, papers, and books about specific applications of the MBTI^® instrument through the searchable bibliographic database at the Center for Applications of Psychological Type.

Relationships

Type differences in relationships can be a source of growth and/or conflict. However, there are no best or more successful combinations of types in relationships. Two persons who share all four preferences are as likely to get along easily as are a couple who share only one or two preferences. Understanding and applying type theory to relationships can enhance communication, provide people with a better understanding of how they deal with conflict, and provide tools for a variety of situations including successfully making decisions and engaging in activities together.

Careers

Research has clearly shown that people are attracted to careers that allow them to make use of their natural type preferences. Though all four letters of your type can affect the kind of career that interests you, the two middle letters (ST, SF, NF, or NT) of your type have a particular importance for your career choice.

Education

Type can tell us many things about the way people prefer to learn. For example, people with a preference for Extraversion often prefer learning situations that allow them to talk with others and to become physically engaged with the environment. Those with a preference for Introversion often prefer learning environments that allow them to engage in quiet reflection, where they can process their thoughts internally until they are more developed. An understanding of type leads to the appreciation that there are many different and equally valuable ways to learn. Type can also help you identify some of your strengths and challenges as you approach studying and learning.

Spirituality

Many people find type provides a way of understanding their spiritual path and development: their natural gifts as well as potential blind spots. People of different types are drawn to various spiritual practices and have various ways of expressing their understanding of spirituality. Those who prefer Introversion, for example, might be more drawn to solitary or reflective practices, while those who prefer Extraversion might be more drawn to group or active spiritual practices.

Workplace and Organizations

Type is widely used in the workplace and in organizational settings. As we have already noted, different types are clearly drawn to different careers. However, within any specific job or work setting many different types are represented. This diversity in types is healthy and stimulating, but it can also lead to misunderstandings and frictions in the workplace. Understanding and applying type to the workplace can result in increased communication, more effective teams, and more satisfied employees and customers.

Counseling

Jung originally developed his theory of types as part of his counseling practice with clients. The core of type theory has its roots in the practice of psychological counseling, and type is used there today. Type can shed light on a number of issues commonly dealt with in counseling: self-esteem, relationship difficulties, life development and transitions, decision making, and others. Type can also provide a nonjudgmental language for talking about issues in counseling.