Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Profile of Undergraduate Therapeutic Recreation Students

Abstract

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) has been used globally to identify personality preferences of different professions and to classify occupations based on these tendencies, creating professional profiles. Research shows that people with similar personalities and preferences tend to gravitate to like professions, but is this true of recreational therapy? This study was conducted over a three-year period with undergraduate students majoring in therapeutic recreation. Students completed the MBTI as part of an administration class to understand their personality type and the impact on their management style. Results of the MBTI were analyzed to identify if there was a predominate preference on the MBTI. This study replicated a study conducted by Jin and Austin (2000). The results of this study showed that approximately 60% of students identified as one of three personality types (ESFJ, ENFJ, or ENFP). Information on personality type, as well as implications for students, instructors, and placement supervisors, are presented. Information from this study may assist in the classroom and in career counseling for individuals interested in being recreational therapists. Subscribe to TRJ