In Two Is Enough I suggested that certain personality types may be more likely to remain childless by choice. My theory is that Introverts and those that are Myers-Briggs Thinker and Judger types might be more predisposed or inclined to challenge the assumption of parenthood and embrace a childfree life.
The members of Goodreads.com The Childfree Life book club are testing this theory in the discussion thread and are posting their types. The majority who have posted their types after taking a Carl Jung and Isabel Myers-Briggs topology personality test are reporting they are T/J’s (Thinkers/Judgers) and most are introverts as defined by this test.
How about you? Are you childless by choice? If so, click on the link above and take a few minutes to do the test and post your type here. We’ll see if the theory proves out.
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35 comments:
ISTJ but apparently only just on the edge
You are:
moderately expressed introvert
slightly expressed sensing personality
slightly expressed thinking personality
moderately expressed judging personality
INFJ, here!
xx Dee
I am a strong INT but tend to vacillate between J and P. I've always thought my introversion was a big factor in me not wanting a child to care for 24/7.
I'm an ISFJ. I definitely prefer to spend time at home with my husband and rarely seek out social events. I'm also a counselor in a high school. There are enough kids there for me to handle.
We're still deciding... and I happen to be INTJ and husband is INTP. Maybe that explain why!
Funny! I've always been an ENTJ, and people think I've very outgoing, but the older I get, the more solitary I've become. I haven't taken the test recently, but just now, I was INTJ, so I guess I AM more solitary.
And apparently your TJ theory is true for us!
I usually get INTJ whenever I take those tests, and I got it again. I know it's one of the rarest personality types. :-)
I always get I and J. It's the middle ones that sometimes change up.
PS-This part of the INTJ description is me to a T!
"Masterminds are not at all eager to take command, preferring to stay in the background until others demonstrate their inability to lead."
Wow. Interesting stuff. I do think your type can change over time. I've been a INTJ forever but have moved closer to an E as I age. I guess that my job forces me into social interations that I have learned to navigate and enjoy for short periods.
I think my husband said he was an ENFP but very close to a J, and obviously he's childfree too. His career recommendations included elementary school teacher and we just about fell out of our chairs laughing at that one.
I'm a strong ENTP (have been for years, although I know this can change as the years progress). I can't remember what my husband last tested at (and he doesn't want to re-take the test right now), but I do know that he was introverted (and definitely still is). I've known since I was young that I didn't want children, but my husband came to his own understanding throughout college (before I met him, so I had no influence on his decision). :D
This is a very interesting idea, though! I'd love to hear how the results come out.
INTJ
I'm an ISFJ:
distinctively expressed introvert
slightly expressed sensing personality
slightly expressed feeling personality
moderately expressed judging personality
ENFJ here, but then again, I've always been 'different' :D
INTJ
ENTJ, just barely E, used to be INTJ, but the "Teacher" suits me. I create projects around the world (Cambodia and Hong Kong in the past, Sicily in the future) then gather people to them.
We are debating on having kids, husband's an Introvert.
I've scored as ISFJ in the past. This time ISTJ.
I'm ISFJ
~Jen
INTJ
I've taken a couple of these and I usually get the same thing. Maybe a bit of a weak "I". It depends on how anti-social I'm feeling that day.
Howdy, I'm an INFJ and I've known since I can remember having conscious thoughts that I did NOT want to have children. EVER. NEVER EVER! :D
INTJ here. I think you are on to something regarding Introverts and being Childfree.
ISFJ and I've never wanted children.
Consistently an INFJ. I've taken the test every couple years since I was 14 and I'm in my early 20's now, hasn't changed. ^_^
More support for that theory - INTJ here! (and apparently 100% on the Introvert part).
Yep, INTJ too. What's up with that? hmmm, I need to go think about this...haha
ISTJ - Introvert 44% but friends would disagree apparently! I think it suits me.
I have always said no children. My partner does not want children. We won't have children.
INTP.
Shockingly, I'm INTJ..But only just. Very comfortable with being Childless, despite coming from a culture where having no kids by choice is viewed with suspicion at best. I could regale you with stories of relatives slyly prying about any indiscretions or other activities (hopefully) resulting in children and their disappointment when I'd always say "nope, none".
INFP. Child Free by Choice & loving it!
INFJ-childfree and plan to remain that way!
This is a really interesting study. I have always been INTJ since I learned of the test many years ago, but my Judging area isn't strong. On this version you have linked I scored:
Introverted = 89
Intuitive = 75
Thinking = 100
Judging = 1
And I have also always been Childfree by Choice for as far back as my memory goes. pretty cool.
INTP...
I think a survey like this is somewhat self-selecting because (most likely) the majority of people sitting around at the computer reading these forums are introverted thinkers. Just a thought...
Mark,
I agree this is a self-selected sample! Extroverts are not as likely to be hanging out here but there are a few. Thanks for keeping us honest!
I'm an ISFP. I've always had "teacher" on my list & that was my first Bachelors degree but I never taught b/c I left student teaching HATING the children. :) I figured teaching would make me not want kids but now 10 years later, I don't think I want them at all.
Glad to see that another former profession & the one I'm currently in ARE on the list! Whew!
I'm a little concerned by the famous people on my list. Many are crazy. :-/
I realise this survey is done and dusted but here's me:
ENFJ
Extraverted 67
Intuitive 62
Feeling 50
Judging 67
I'm very definitely an extrovert!
I am in the process of reading your book right now, and I just reached the personality section. Everything you said is completely true!! I am an introverted, planning perfectionist! All of the above. Seriously wow <3 I don't usually like reading, but I love your book!
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