A communication model is described as an alternative way in identifying key areas of how humans communicate, make decisions and interact with each other (Mishra, 2017).The Myers Briggs personality indicator has existed since 1943 and is a reliable way to understand the behaviours and preferences of particular individuals (The history of the MBTI® assessment, n.d.). The aim is to explore personality types and administer these into categories based on the outcomes of questions which were answered (Mishra, 2017). One of the defining characteristics of chiropractic practise is creating an intimate relationship with your patient. If you are aware of your own personality type and can recognise the personality type of your patient and how you might improve on your communication to create this critical relationship then the Myers Briggs type indicator would be very useful.
The Myers Briggs communication model consists of sixteen different personality types and the individuals are divided into different categories based on the answer to several questions (Myers Briggs, n.d.). The provided questions are broken into four different categories including- favourite world, information, decisions and structures. Within each of these dichotomies, each individual falls into two of these preferences (MBTI, 2017). The first category is the favourite world, where the choices are either introvert or extravert. This category is based around where the individual focuses there attention. Those who fall into the extrovert preference are often referred to as someone who focuses their energy on the outer world compared to an introvert whose energy is oriented towards the inner world (Myers Briggs, n.d.) . An introvert is often more shy and quiet within themselves, however in saying this introverts enjoy social gatherings but tend to drain faster whilst being involved in this type of social environment compared to an extrovert being more outgoing and a socially confident person (MBTI, 2017). The category of information can either be sensing or intuitive and relates to the way the individual studies information. Sensing is someone who processes there information through there senses and prefers to view information through facts and data which have been received from the outside. If an individual suits more of the intuitive category information is preferred in the form of patterns, impressions ands possibilities. They are more likely to stimulate there ideas and decisions within there own mind and often look at the bigger picture. Under the decisions category there are two branches including thinking and feeling. Thinking refers to a large decision being made by the use of logic compared to the feeling category which is used by emotion in order to guide the individuals decisions (MBTI, 2017). The last category is structures which is simply the way the individual deals with the world and can be grouped as either judging or perceiving. Those who are drawn to the judging category are often those that are organised and stick to a plan, whereas perceiving keeps there options open and have a spontaneous mind set when it comes to making decisions or creating ideas (Humanmetrics, 2013). Each of these preferences are then collated into a personality type with a four letter code (The Myers and Briggs Foundation, n.d.). For example, if someone had the abbreviation of ISTJ they are commonly known to be the “Inspector”, which simply means the individual is an introvert, they have clear goals and deadlines and would prefer to work in an organised environment. They are systematic and take there responsibilities in a serious manner. (Humanmetrics, 2013).
Every personality type in the Myers briggs test are unique, however the model consistently emphasises and expresses the importance in appreciating the differences between each personality type. (MBTI, 2017). This is an important factor to take into consideration especially in the health profession such as being a chiropractor. It is of significant value to establish a unique environment with the patient in order to establish a social type of environment. (Bower, 2015). If the chiropractor has a deep understanding of this model then this process becomes a lot more simple. Understanding the model will allow the chiropractor to have a better understanding on ways to portray ideas to the patient depending on the personality type. It is of importance in terms of the patients comfort that they feel comfortable and are willing to express their ideas in order for objectives from both parties to be achieved more successfully. It will help the patient be more willing to not only agree to a health plan but also being more actively involved and wanting to make a conscious effort to live life with optimal health. The last reason for this models relevance in chiropractic is the model allows the chiropractor to self evaluate and be more self aware (Bower, 2015) By this I mean, they can apply themselves to the model and not only compare this to how they interact with there patients but also how they deal with problems or issues within practise. By taking a more vitalistic approach and using the different preferences in the model, it could potentially ensure that the chiropractor are making more concise and informed decisions for the best care of the patient.
The Myers Briggs personality indicator is an effective tool for providing a way of recognising and appreciating differing personality types and how each intercommunicates. The acquisition of this skilled identification is a necessity for any health professional if they wish to build open and intimate relationships with their patients. As a future chiropractic practitioner I would see this model of communication extremely useful and practical in providing a successful practice.