Ethical Guidelines for the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator^® Instrument

• Identify type theory as the work of C.G. Jung and the instrument as the work of Isabel Briggs Myers and Katharine C. Briggs.
• Present psychological type as describing healthy personality differences, not psychological disorders or fixed traits.
• Be adamant that all types are valuable: no type is better, healthier, or more desirable in any way.
• Describe preference and types in nonjudgmental terms at all times; be aware of how your own type biases may influence your words.
• Present type preferences as tendencies, preferences, or inclinations, rather than absolutes.
• Stress that type does not imply excellence, competence, or natural ability, only what is preferred.
• Never imply that all people of a certain type behave in the same way; type should not encourage stereotyping or be used to put people in rigid categories.
• Explain how people sometimes act in ways contrary to their preferences because of pressure from family, relationships, job environment, or culture. Consistent forced use of non preferences can cause stress.
• When describing preferences, distinguish between what has been shown by research and what are anecdotes to illustrate type.
• Provide appropriate interpretation of the MBTI^® results for each and every administration of the MBTI instrument.

These guidelines are based on a collaborative effort between Myers & Briggs Foundation, The Myers-Briggs Company, and the Association for Psychological Type International, APTi.