The HPTI

We have been using the MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) for around fifteen years. This indicator is based on four personality dimensions derived from Carl Jung’s theory of psychological types: how each person recharges him/herself (Extraversion/Introversion); how each person perceives his/her environment (Sensation/Intuition), how each person tends to make decisions (Thinking/Feeling) and how each manages his/her space and time (Judgement/Perception). The combination of preferences of each person in these 4 dimensions therefore gives 16 personality profiles. Our clinical experience has shown us that a combination of both the HPEI and Jungian theory is especially relevant for understanding behavioural differences between people of the same Enneagram Type. Thus, for example, we find both extrovert and introvert people in all the Types, which of course significantly modulates the energy they exhibit in the outside world.

We have therefore elected to validate another questionnaire (the HPTI – Halin Prémont Type Indicator) which covers the 4 Jungian dimensions. In relation to the MBTI, we chose to formulate a number of questions based on concrete, contextualised situations in daily life. The factor analyses conducted at end July 2010 clearly highlighted 4 independent factors for both the French and Dutch versions. We achieve satisfactory Cronbach Alpha scores for the 4 dimensions (French version): .75 for E/I, .72 for S/N, .71 for T/F and .73 pour J/P. We selected 8 questions for E/I, 13 questions for S/N, 11 questions for T/F and 10 for J/P.

On the basis of our in-depth analyses and interviews, we are currently creating personality reports combining the HPEI and the HPTI. The appropriate combination of these two instruments not only refines descriptions of the personality in terms of drive and behaviour, but gives precise indications on personal or professional developmental paths.