This section Type and Development talks about the developmental path of each of the 16 personality types as well as suggesting possible growth paths for each of them.
With the understanding of type comes the understanding of strengths and weaknesses of each personality. The tendency for us is to focus on the weaknesses and consider how we can develop them to become a more whole personality; in fact, with that understanding we might even impose certain expectations on other personalities, expecting them to work on those areas they are weak in.
However, it is actually counterproductive and may hurt someone’s development if premature development of the weaker areas is demanded of any personality.
Click below to read more about the developmental paths of each personality:
Type and Development:
The 4 Mental Functions
Personality theory talks about the 4 mental functions being used in hierarchy in any person’s life; namely, the Sensing, Intuition, Thinking and Feeling functions. All of us use these functions, but not with equal comfort.
The level of comfort each personality uses each of these functions is put in a hierarchy.
- The DOMINANT FUNCTION is the first and strongest mental function of an individual. This dominant function is developed the earliest in an individual’s life from birth to teen-hood. As a result, the dominant function is being used more frequently and therefore with the greatest comfort.
- The AUXILIARY FUNCTION is the 2nd strongest mental function of an individual. This auxiliary function is like a support to the dominant function. This function is developed from teen-hood onwards to around 30 years old. Society often categorizes the change in behaviour and orientation in teenagers as rebellion or identity crisis; but often are teenagers exploring their auxiliary function.
For most people, their dominant and auxiliary function will be well-developed by their late 20s to 30s. Their strengths and weaknesses are more pronounced by this time. That is when the need for development of the tertiary function comes.
- The TERTIARY FUNCTION is the 2nd weakest mental function, and will usually develop from 30 years old to mid-life. It is a time of life where the individual feels their personal growth has plateau, and discovers the need to develop the tertiary function to become more complete.
- The INFERIOR FUNCTION is the weakest mental function of the individual. In their youth, the inferior function often came out in uncontrolled, unexpected ways under stress. Through mid-life, individuals begin to feel the tension to learn more about this.
The goal of personality development is to help every person become a whole and complete individual.
A complete individual is one that uses each mental function appropriately as and when the situation calls for it. i.e When it is time to be merciful and caring, they do it. When it is time to be firm, logical and objective, they do it.
Click below to read more about the developmental paths of each personality:
Knights
Explorers
Healers
Wizards
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