Decoding Your MBTI Type Based on Function Stack: An In-Depth Guide

When interpreting your MBTI type based on function stack, it’s crucial to understand the principles that underlie Jungian psychology and the modern applications of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). This guide aims to help you understand the concept of function stacks and how to properly interpret your scores when taking an MBTI test. We will explore the validity of different function stacks, the rules governing them, and the significance of different MBTI types.

Introduction to Function Stacks

Function stacks in Jungian psychology refer to the ordered arrangement of the eight cognitive functions within an individual. These functions are categorized as either introverted or extroverted, and as either sensing (S), intuition (N), thinking (T), or feeling (F). The concept of function stacks helps to provide a deeper understanding of personality types and how these functions interact.

Understanding Proper Function Stacks

Function stacks should be interpreted according to the following rules:

Rule 1: Dissimilarity of Adjacent Functions

Adjacent functions in a stack must be dissimilar. This means that if one function is introverted, the next must be extroverted, and vice versa. Similarly, if one function is a perceiving function (S or N), the next must be a judging function (T or F), and vice versa.

Rule 2: Four Most Conscious Functions

Only the four most conscious functions appear in the function stack. Introverted and extroverted forms of the same function cannot both be present in the conscious stack.

Rule 3: Balanced Psyche

The stack is balanced in that each function is paired with its opposite. If the dominant function is extroverted, the auxiliary is introverted. If the dominant function is a Judging function (T or F), the auxiliary is a Perceiving function (S or N). Conversely, if the dominant function is a perceiving function (S or N), the auxiliary is a Judging function (T or F).

Example of Proper Function Stacks

Here are two possible function stacks based on the example given: Ne-Ti-Te-Ni-Si-Fi-Se-Fe.

ENTP

For an ENTP (Extraverted Intuition, Introverted Thinking, Extraverted Feeling, Introverted Sensing), the function stack would be:

dominant function: Ne extroverted intuition auxiliary function: Ti introverted thinking tertiary function: Fe extroverted feeling inferior function: Si introverted sensing

INTP

For an INTP (Introverted Intuition, Extraverted Thinking, Introverted Sensing, Extraverted Feeling), the function stack would be:

dominant function: Ti introverted thinking auxiliary function: Ne extroverted intuition tertiary function: Si introverted sensing inferior function: Fe extroverted feeling

These stacks adhere to the rules of function stack interpretation and provide a valid representation of ENTP and INTP types.

In-Depth Analysis of the Questionnaire

The original test results suggested a function stack of Ni-Ne-Ti-Fe-Fi-Te-Si-Se, which is considered impossible due to the following reasons:

Violation of Rule 1: The stack violates the rule that adjacent functions must be dissimilar. For example, Ni and Ne are both perceiving functions, and Fi and Fe are both feeling functions, which violates the rule of dissimilarity. Lack of Reference and Details: The test did not provide any reference or explanation for the function stack, which made it difficult to interpret the results accurately. Incomplete Stack: The stack does not conform to the rule of having four conscious functions and four subconscious functions, making it invalid.

Given these issues, it is important to question the reliability and validity of the test. It is possible that the test results were incomplete or improperly interpreted. However, for the purposes of understanding function stacks, the proper rules must be followed.

Conclusion

When interpreting function stacks for MBTI types, it is crucial to adhere to the rules governing function stacks. The example provided, Ni-Ne-Ti-Fe-Fi-Te-Si-Se, does not conform to these rules and is therefore invalid. Proper interpretation involves ensuring that adjacent functions are dissimilar, that there are four conscious functions, and that the stack is balanced.

Based on the function stack Ne-Ti-Te-Ni-Si-Fi-Se-Fe, the most likely types are:

ENTP: Ne-Ti-Fe-Si (Ne for extraverted intuition, Ti for introverted thinking, Fe for extraverted feeling, and Si for introverted sensing) INTP: Ti-Ne-Fi-Si (Ti for introverted thinking, Ne for extraverted intuition, Fi for introverted feeling, and Si for introverted sensing)

Understanding these principles and rules will help you interpret your MBTI type more accurately and understand the deeper nuances of your personality.