MBTI to Big Five: What Your INTJ, ENFP, or INFP Looks Like in Science
Your MBTI Type Has a Big Five Fingerprint
If you know your MBTI type, you already know something about your Big Five profile — you just don't know the details. Research has mapped the statistical relationships between MBTI types and Big Five dimensions, and the results are fascinating.
How the Dimensions Connect
Each MBTI dimension roughly corresponds to a Big Five trait:
| MBTI Dimension | Big Five Equivalent | Correlation |
|---|---|---|
| E/I (Extraversion/Introversion) | Extraversion | Strong (r ≈ 0.74) |
| S/N (Sensing/Intuition) | Openness | Moderate-Strong (r ≈ 0.72) |
| T/F (Thinking/Feeling) | Agreeableness | Moderate (r ≈ 0.44) |
| J/P (Judging/Perceiving) | Conscientiousness | Moderate (r ≈ 0.49) |
The "missing" dimension: Neuroticism — MBTI doesn't measure emotional stability at all.
All 16 Types: Big Five Profiles
Based on research by McCrae & Costa (1989) and subsequent studies, here are the typical Big Five profiles for each MBTI type:
Analysts (NT types)
INTJ — The Strategist
- Openness: High (creative, abstract thinking)
- Conscientiousness: High (organized, goal-driven)
- Extraversion: Low (independent, reserved)
- Agreeableness: Low-Medium (direct, challenging)
- Neuroticism: Varies (not measured by MBTI)
INTP — The Logician
- Openness: Very High (theoretical, unconventional)
- Conscientiousness: Low-Medium (flexible, spontaneous)
- Extraversion: Low (introspective, quiet)
- Agreeableness: Low-Medium (objective, detached)
- Neuroticism: Varies
ENTJ — The Commander
- Openness: High (strategic, innovative)
- Conscientiousness: High (structured, decisive)
- Extraversion: High (assertive, energetic)
- Agreeableness: Low (competitive, direct)
- Neuroticism: Varies
ENTP — The Debater
- Openness: Very High (inventive, questioning)
- Conscientiousness: Low (flexible, resist routine)
- Extraversion: High (engaging, talkative)
- Agreeableness: Low-Medium (provocative, challenging)
- Neuroticism: Varies
Diplomats (NF types)
INFJ — The Advocate
- Openness: High (idealistic, insightful)
- Conscientiousness: Medium-High (purposeful)
- Extraversion: Low (private, one-on-one)
- Agreeableness: High (empathetic, warm)
- Neuroticism: Varies (often higher)
INFP — The Idealist
- Openness: Very High (imaginative, values-driven)
- Conscientiousness: Low-Medium (flexible)
- Extraversion: Low (reflective, reserved)
- Agreeableness: High (compassionate, accommodating)
- Neuroticism: Varies (often higher)
ENFJ — The Protagonist
- Openness: High (visionary, expressive)
- Conscientiousness: Medium-High (organized for people)
- Extraversion: High (charismatic, sociable)
- Agreeableness: Very High (nurturing, giving)
- Neuroticism: Varies
ENFP — The Campaigner
- Openness: Very High (enthusiastic, imaginative)
- Conscientiousness: Low (spontaneous, scattered)
- Extraversion: High (energetic, expressive)
- Agreeableness: High (warm, supportive)
- Neuroticism: Varies
Sentinels (SJ types)
ISTJ — The Inspector
- Openness: Low (practical, conventional)
- Conscientiousness: Very High (reliable, thorough)
- Extraversion: Low (quiet, reserved)
- Agreeableness: Medium (dutiful, respectful)
- Neuroticism: Varies (often low)
ISFJ — The Protector
- Openness: Low (traditional, practical)
- Conscientiousness: High (dependable, careful)
- Extraversion: Low (gentle, reserved)
- Agreeableness: Very High (nurturing, loyal)
- Neuroticism: Varies
ESTJ — The Executive
- Openness: Low (practical, traditional)
- Conscientiousness: Very High (organized, decisive)
- Extraversion: High (direct, commanding)
- Agreeableness: Low-Medium (blunt, task-focused)
- Neuroticism: Varies (often low)
ESFJ — The Consul
- Openness: Low-Medium (traditional, community-minded)
- Conscientiousness: High (responsible, caring)
- Extraversion: High (warm, sociable)
- Agreeableness: Very High (helpful, harmonious)
- Neuroticism: Varies
Explorers (SP types)
ISTP — The Craftsman
- Openness: Medium (practical creativity)
- Conscientiousness: Low-Medium (adaptable)
- Extraversion: Low (reserved, observing)
- Agreeableness: Low (independent, detached)
- Neuroticism: Varies (often low)
ISFP — The Adventurer
- Openness: Medium-High (aesthetic, experiential)
- Conscientiousness: Low-Medium (go-with-the-flow)
- Extraversion: Low (gentle, reserved)
- Agreeableness: High (kind, sensitive)
- Neuroticism: Varies
ESTP — The Entrepreneur
- Openness: Medium (action-oriented creativity)
- Conscientiousness: Low (spontaneous, risk-taking)
- Extraversion: Very High (bold, energetic)
- Agreeableness: Low (competitive, direct)
- Neuroticism: Varies (often low)
ESFP — The Entertainer
- Openness: Medium (experiential, fun-seeking)
- Conscientiousness: Low (spontaneous, playful)
- Extraversion: Very High (outgoing, lively)
- Agreeableness: High (friendly, generous)
- Neuroticism: Varies
The Critical Gap: Neuroticism
Notice the pattern? For every single type, Neuroticism says "Varies." That's because MBTI simply doesn't measure this dimension — and it's arguably the most consequential one.
Two people who are both "INFP" might have very different lives: one with low Neuroticism who is a calm, grounded idealist, and one with high Neuroticism who struggles with anxiety and self-doubt.
The Big Five captures this distinction. MBTI doesn't.
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