MBTI Family Tree: How to Create One Using the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator #

Family trees are fascinating tools that not only trace lineage and heritage but can also reveal patterns and traits that are passed down through generations. By incorporating the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), a widely used personality assessment, you can add an intriguing layer of psychological insight to your family tree. This unique approach allows you to explore how personality types within your family may influence dynamics, relationships, and even career paths. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a family tree enriched with MBTI personality types.

Step 1: Gather Family Information #

Start by collecting as much information as possible about your family members. This includes basic data like names, birthdates, and relationships (e.g., parent, child, sibling). For living relatives, you might also gather information about their careers, interests, and significant life events.

Step 2: Conduct MBTI Assessments #

The next step is to determine the MBTI types of your family members. The MBTI categorizes personalities into 16 types based on four dichotomies: Introversion (I) vs. Extraversion (E), Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N), Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F), and Judging (J) vs. Perceiving (P). You can find numerous MBTI tests online, both free and paid.

For living relatives, encourage them to take an MBTI test. For those who are deceased or unable to take the test, you can try to infer their MBTI type based on known behaviors, writings, or stories about them, though this should be done cautiously and with the understanding that it may not be entirely accurate.

Step 3: Design Your Family Tree #

Once you have all the necessary information, it’s time to design your family tree. You can use genealogy software, an online platform, or even create it manually on a large piece of paper. Start with the oldest known ancestors at the top and work your way down to the current generation.

Step 4: Incorporate MBTI Types #

Next to each person’s name, include their MBTI type. This might look like “John Doe (ESTJ)” or “Jane Smith (INFP).” If you’re using software or an online platform, you might also choose different colors or symbols to represent each of the MBTI categories (e.g., a different color for each of the four dichotomies).

With your MBTI-enriched family tree complete, take some time to analyze the patterns and traits that emerge. You might notice certain MBTI types clustering in branches of the family or see trends in how certain types might have influenced career choices or relationships.

Sharing your findings with family members can be a fun and engaging way to discuss family history and dynamics. It might also offer insights into how different personality types interact and support one another within your family.

Tips for Success #

Be Respectful: #

Not everyone may be comfortable sharing their MBTI type or having it speculated upon. Always ask for permission before including personal information in the family tree.

Use It as a Tool for Understanding: #

The MBTI is just one lens through which to view personality. Use it to foster understanding and empathy among family members, not to pigeonhole or stereotype.

Keep It Updated: #

As more family members take the MBTI test or as new members are added to the family, update your tree to reflect these changes.

Utilize specialized services: #

I personally recommend MyHeritage.com. It’s an excellent tool for discovering your family story, growing your family tree, and finding new relatives. Additionally, you have the option to add comments about MBTI types for each relative, enriching your family tree with psychological insights.

Creating a family tree using the MBTI offers a unique way to connect with your heritage and understand the personalities that have shaped your family. It’s a project that combines genealogy with psychology, offering insights that go beyond names and dates to explore the very essence of what makes your family unique.