Verywell / Madelyn Goodnight
The Keirsey Temperament Sorter is aself-report personality assessmentcreated by psychologist David Keirsey.
It was introduced to the public in his 1978 book “just Understand Me.”
The questionnaire divides people intofour temperaments, which Keirsey labeled Artisan, Guardian, Idealist, and Rational.
Verywell / Madelyn Goodnight
Communication
Theability to communicateis a cornerstone of human experience.
Each quadrant represents one of the four temperaments.
According to the Keirsey Group, 30% to 35% of the world’s population are Artisans.
Guardian
Guardiansare dependable, hard-working individuals who keep the wheels of society turning.
They are concrete and cooperative, which means they follow the rules and respect authority.
They are dedicated to maintaining law and order and believe in customs and traditions.
According to the Keirsey Group, 40% to 45% of the world’s population are Guardians.
Idealist
Idealiststend to focus on personal growth, self-improvement, and people reaching their potential.
According to the Keirsey Group, 15% to 20% of the world’s population are Idealists.
Rational
Rationals are the rarest of the four temperaments.
Rationals value intelligence, independent thinking, and logic.
The 16 Character Types
Each of Keirsey’s temperaments is subdivided into four character types.
However, the emphases of the Keirsey Temperament Sorter and MBTI are different.
The MBTI focuses on interior thoughts and feelings and especially the dichotomy between extraversion and introversion.
The Keirsey Sorter is interested in external behavior and especially the dichotomy between intuition and sensing.
The 16 types are listed below and separated by temperament.
It has been taken by over 100 million people in 170 countries and translated into 18 languages.
Keirsey.com.Portrait of an artisan.
Keirsey.com.Portrait of a guardian.
Keirsey.com.Portrait of an idealist.
Keirsey.com.Portrait of a rational.
Keirsey.com.Learn about the artisan composer.
Keirsey.com.Learn about the artisan crafter.
Keirsey.com.Learn about the artisan performer.
Keirsey.com.Learn about the artisan promoter.
Keirsey.com.Learn about the guardian inspector.
Keirsey.com.Learn about the guardian protector.
Keirsey.com.Learn about the guardian provider.
Keirsey.com.Learn about the guardian supervisor.
Keirsey.com.Learn about the idealist champion.
Keirsey.com.Learn about the idealist counselor.
Keirsey.com.Learn about the idealist healer.
Keirsey.com.Learn about the idealist teacher.
Keirsey.com.Learn about the rational architect.
Keirsey.com.Learn about the rational fieldmarshal.
Keirsey.com.Learn about the rational inventor.
Keirsey.com.Learn about the rational mastermind.
Kelly KR, Jugovic H.Concurrent validity of the online version of the Keirsey Temperament Sorter II.J Career Assess.
2007;67(8):71-83.
