The Myers-Briggs Yearbook: Every Type's “Most Likely To,” According to Research

If you’ve spent any amount of time in personality circles, you’ve probably heard plenty of stereotypes about the 16 Myers-Briggs types. INFJs are psychic. ESFPs are all about the main character energy. INTPs are science whizzes who can get us to the moon, but can’t remember to eat lunch. Some of these stereotypes are exaggerated, but others actually have a surprising amount of research behind them.

Growing up, I always wondered what senior superlative I’d get in school, but unfortunately “most likely to become someone who writes about personality type” wasn’t an option. So I thought it would be fun to look into what each type is most likely to do or be, based on the research. 

I didn’t have to look too far. Over the years, both Truity and The Myers-Briggs Company have gathered tons of data on everything from politics to parenting, from work preferences to emotional habits. This data reveals that certain types consistently show up more often in particular behaviors, lifestyles or attitudes, and I’ve used that statistical foundation to create this “most likely to” list.

What follows is not a set of stereotypes. These Myers Briggs “superlatives” are based on actual personality research, often involving large sample sizes. Though, of course it’s worth mentioning that no type is a monolith, and every individual is unique! 

So, what are you most likely to do, based on your personality type? Read on to find out! 

ENFJ: Most Likely to Believe in a Higher Power 

From Martin Luther King, Jr. to Pope John Paul II, ENFJs seem to know a thing or two about connecting with something bigger than themselves. 

According to Truity’s research on religion and personality type, ENFJs were the most likely type to believe in a higher power, with 91% of survey respondents saying they were believers. 

This tracks for a type that tends to orient itself around meaning, connection and service. ENFJs want life to matter. They’re deeply people-focused, but they’re also idealistic, emotionally intuitive and drawn to systems of belief that create a sense of shared purpose.

This doesn’t necessarily mean ENFJs are rigidly religious. Many are simply spiritual, and curiously drawn to practices and philosophies that help them feel connected to something larger than themselves.

INFJ: Most Likely to See a Therapist 

INFJs top the list for being likely to attend therapy. This will surprise absolutely no one who is or has ever met an INFJ, because it’s clear they spend a lot of time reflecting on their inner world. 

INFJs constantly analyze patterns, relationships, motivations and emotions, both their own and other people’s. They’re often deeply self-aware, but can also be extremely hard on themselves. This desire to understand and be understood is what drives many to therapy, and they enjoy its transformative impact. Therapy appeals more than other self-reflection experiences because it offers a structured and safe space to process all the thoughts they usually keep hidden. 

And don’t forget the type known as “the Counselor” often sits in the therapist chair themselves. When you’ve basically gotten the Ph.D.-level experience in unpacking your emotions, why not help others do the same? 

ENTP: Most Likely to Be an Entrepreneur 

Thinking of starting your own business? You might be an ENTP. Research from The Myers-Briggs Company found that ENTPs are disproportionately represented among entrepreneurs, which makes sense since ENTPs are idea generators. They love innovation, experimentation and possibility, and often feel stifled by the rules and repetitive systems of a typical 9-to-5.

Entrepreneurship gives ENTPs what they crave most: freedom, challenge, and the ability to chase their ideas at a pace that works for them. ENTPs also tend to be comfortable with risk. While other types may spend months evaluating an idea, the ENTP is already halfway through building the prototype and pitching it to strangers online.

Their biggest challenge is follow-through. The same mind that generates brilliant ideas can also get bored once the maintenance phase begins. Still, if someone is going to accidentally build a successful business from a random 2 a.m. idea, there’s a good chance they’re an ENTP.

INTP: Most Likely Type to Play Video Games 

Truity's gaming and personality research found that INTPs are the most likely of all types to identify as a gamer. Other types may play for escapism, and INTPs may enjoy that aspect of gaming too. But fundamentally, INTPs are drawn to systems, strategy, exploration and mastery. These are all things video games provide in spades. 

Games let INTPs experiment freely and learn mechanics without social pressure, offering intellectual stimulation and autonomy in equal measure. INTPs are also one of the types most likely to disappear into a hobby for 12 straight hours. The data found that the games holding their attention longest tend to involve world-building, open-ended exploration, complex strategy and deep lore, genres with the kind of unstructured rule-sets INTPs like to take apart and figure out on their own. 

ENTJ: Most Likely to Out-Earn Their Peers 

In our most predictable “most likely to,” the ENTJ tops the list as the highest-earning personality type. In Truity’s income study of more than 72,000 people, ENTJs reported the highest average income of all 16 personality types, earning more than $26,000 over the lowest-earning type. They also seem to get an early start, out-earning every other type during their twenties and thirties. 

This tracks for a type known for being ambitious, strategic and comfortable taking charge. ENTJs tend to set lofty goals and pursue them with confidence. They’re often willing to speak up, make difficult decisions and step into leadership roles – all traits associated with greater earning potential. 

Of course, money isn’t the only measure of career success, and being an ENTJ doesn’t guarantee an executive-level salary. But if your five-year plan includes a leadership role and possibly taking over the entire company, you may be right on schedule. (If there were a research-backed superlative for “Most Likely to Become Your Boss’s Boss,” the ENTJ would probably win that one, too.)

INTJ: Most Likely to Be Child Free

INTJs are known for questioning social expectations, so it makes sense that they would be the type most likely to think twice when it comes to having kids. Truity’s parenting research found that one-third of INTJ respondents neither had nor wanted children, making them the type most likely to prefer a child-free life. INTJs who were already parents also reported lower-than-average satisfaction with the parenting role. 

This doesn’t mean INTJs dislike children or can’t be devoted parents. But they do place an especially high value on independence and intellectual stimulation. The unpredictability and constant demands of parenting are less appealing to a type that needs to have control over their own time. 

INTJs are also less likely to follow a conventional life path simply because it’s expected of them. If parenthood fits into the life they genuinely want, they’ll approach it thoughtfully. If it doesn’t, they’re unlikely to be persuaded by tradition or social pressure.

ESTJ: Most Likely to Be a Republican 

In Truity’s personality and politics survey, ESTJ emerged as the personality type most representative of Republican voters. The research found that Republicans were much more likely to be Extraverted, Sensing and Judging, and ESTJs hit three of those preferences. 

ESTJs are responsible and pragmatic. They appreciate order and established systems, and they tend to be respectful of traditions and institutions. These traits may align with some conservative values, particularly those emphasizing personal responsibility, stability and maintaining the status quo (in an “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” kind of way). 

Of course, plenty of ESTJs are Democrats, independents or non-political. Personality doesn’t dictate anyone’s beliefs. But statistically, if someone is confidently sharing their conservative political views, handing out yard signs (please comply with your neighborhood rules!), and reminding their neighbors to vote in the Republican primary, there’s a decent chance they’re an ESTJ. 

ISTJ: Most Likely to Love a Job With Rules 

While some personality types hear “structured work environment” and start searching for the nearest exit, ISTJs breathe a sigh of relief. Research on ISTJs found that they are the type most likely to enjoy a workplace where everything is done by the book. This makes sense for a personality type known for valuing order and predictability. 

ISTJs like to understand what is expected of them and the correct process for getting it done. They’re practical and detail-oriented, with little patience for vague instructions or systems that seem to change every five minutes. Give an ISTJ a clear objective, a detailed process, and enough uninterrupted time to work, and they’ll deliver exactly what they promised.

This doesn’t mean ISTJs are incapable of creativity or change. They simply prefer changes to be carefully planned and communicated with plenty of time in advance to prepare. When the standards are clear and the system makes sense, ISTJs are in their element.

ENFP: Most Likely to Be a “Gifted” Kid 

You know the child who reads years above grade level, invents elaborate imaginary worlds in unnerving detail… and always forgets when their homework is due? There’s a high chance they will grow up to be an ENFP. Research found that ENFPs are overrepresented among academically talented elementary school students and, interestingly, psychologists have also identified them as one of the types most likely to struggle in traditional school environments. 

This seeming contradiction makes perfect sense for ENFPs. They’re imaginative, curious and quick to see connections between ideas – when something captures their interest, they absorb information at an astonishing pace. But when learning becomes repetitive or disconnected from anything meaningful, their attention can disappear quickly.

Many ENFPs thrive when they have freedom to explore and ask unconventional questions. Grades and colour-coded flashcards rarely capture their intelligence, since it often shows up as originality and the ability to imagine possibilities others miss. 

INFP: Most Likely to Vote Democrat 

If the ESTJ is most likely to identify as a Republican voter, you can bet that their four-letter opposite, the INFP, is most likely to have completely opposing political views. 

In Truity’s personality and politics survey, the INFP emerged as the personality type most representative of Democratic voters. Among Intuitive respondents who preferred one of the two major parties, 79% identified as Democrats while just 21% identified as Republicans. Strong Democrats were also more likely to be Feeling types. 

INFPs tend to care deeply about personal values and the well-being of people who are overlooked or disadvantaged. They’re also imaginative and open to new possibilities, which may make them more receptive to progressive ideas and social change. For many INFPs, politics is less about loyalty to an institution and more about whether its actions align with their moral convictions.

Of course, not every INFP is a Democrat, and INFPs also aren’t known for blindly following a party line. In fact, their independent streak may make them especially willing to criticize their own side when it falls short of their ideals. They may vote with the left, but rather than hand out lawn signs, their advocacy looks more like writing an impassioned Substack essay about everything the Democrats should be doing better.

ESFJ: Most Likely to Be Happily Married 

ESFJs report the highest satisfaction with their marriages or intimate relationships of all 16 personality types. This tracks for a type that puts relationships at the center of their life. If anyone is going to remember your anniversary, plan a thoughtful celebration, and make sure your favorite dessert is waiting at home, it’s an ESFJ.

These types are affectionate and attentive. They’re tuned in to the needs of the people they love and they show care by checking in with those needs and doing the everyday work that keeps a relationship strong. ESFJs are also intensely loyal to their partners. Once they commit, they’re deeply invested. 

Sadly, no personality type is guaranteed happily-ever-after. ESFJs may become overly focused on their partner and feel unappreciated when their efforts aren’t reciprocated. But when they feel loved and valued, few are more willing to invest in creating a happy, stable partnership.

ISFJ: Most Likely to Binge-watch TV 

The ISFJ may spend the day taking care of everyone else, but once they’re home with a blanket and snack, those next four episodes of Bake Off aren’t going to watch themselves! In fact, streaming services should be personally thanking ISFJs, since research found that they’re the most likely type to watch over three hours of television per day. 

ISFJs are hardworking and deeply responsible, so television may offer a much-needed escape from the demands they place on themselves. These reliable types tend to appreciate familiarity – stories and characters they can become invested in over time. A beloved series can provide the perfect combination of comforting routine and low-pressure relaxation.

ISFJs are known for their loyalty and that extends to their hobbies as well as their people. They’re not casually abandoning a show after six seasons, even if the writing has gone downhill and their favorite character left two years ago. They’ve made a commitment, and they’re seeing this story through.

ESFP: Most Likely to Have a Big Family 

For ESFPs, the phrase “the more, the merrier” applies to more than just their weekend plans. In Truity’s personality and parenting study, ESFPs were tied with ISFPs for having the largest families, with an average of 2.28 children. The national average number of children per woman in the United States is about 1.6 for comparison.  

The study also found that Sensors tend to have more children than Intuitives, and Feelers have more than Thinkers. 

This finding makes sense for a type that thrives on activity, connection and shared experiences. ESFPs make for warm and playful parents, and they stay fully engaged in the present moment. A busy household may be chaotic, but it suits them because it means constant company and conversation. 

Managing the laundry and logistics of a big family may be less exciting than creating Tuesday dance parties in the kitchen. But if anyone can make a crowded house feel lively and welcoming, it’s an ESFP.

ISFP: Most Likely to Be a Middle Child 

In Truity’s birth-order study, ISFPs were 41.67% more likely to be middle children. This finding was the strongest association found between any type and the middle-child position. And let’s face it, if you had to picture the sibling keeping the peace while making sure they got the last slice of pizza, you’d imagine an ISFP.

Middle children get a different childhood experience than their siblings. Stuck in the middle, they have to work hard to get their parents’ attention and they have a high sense of flexibility and independence as a result. They tend to develop strong social skills and learn quickly how to get along with others. 

That description fits the gentle, adaptable ISFP, who typically values harmony, but doesn’t feel the need to control everyone around them. Growing up between siblings may give them plenty of practice compromising and reading the room. ISFPs rarely fight for the spotlight. You’re more likely to find them in the corner with a sketchbook or guitar while the squabbles play out without them, and everyone only clocks years later that the middle child was the interesting one all along. 

ESTP: Most Likely to Be an Only Child 

ESTPs tend to move through life with the confidence of someone who never had to compete with a sibling for the front seat, and there may be a reason for that. In the same birth-order study, ESTP respondents were 100% more likely to be only children. This was an especially dramatic result, although it’s fair to say that ESTPs were underrepresented in Truity’s survey, so this particular finding carries some uncertainty. 

Only children are often described as confident and independent, traits that line up closely with the bold, spontaneous approach ESTPs bring to life. With no siblings around to set the rules or compete for attention, they may have had extra freedom to take risks and develop a strong sense that they can handle whatever happens next.

No doubt plenty of ESTPs grew up with siblings, and plenty of only children are nothing like ESTPs. But ESTPs do seem to have the self-assurance of a firstborn, the free spirit of the youngest, and absolutely no instinct to share the remote. So the only-child ESTP theory may hold up.

ISTP: Most Likely to Ruminate on the Past 

ISTPs may look calm and unbothered on the outside, but internally, they may still be replaying something that went wrong three weeks ago and calculating how they should have handled it. A study from The Myers-Briggs Company placed ISTPs highest on its “Rumination” scale, which measured tendencies such as recalling negative events, dwelling on things that went wrong, and considering how situations could have been handled differently. 

This may seem surprising for a type known for being so practical. But ISTPs are analytical troubleshooters at heart, and that instinct kicks in even over something that's already happened and can't be changed. What failed? What did I miss? What should I do differently next time? This analysis helps ISTPs learn from their experiences. 

On the downside, excessive rumination can force the ISTP into an endless mental repair job even when the matter is settled and there’s no action left to take. An ISTP may insist that they’re over something, and mean it, while the analysis keeps running underneath, using up precious energy that never resolves into anything. 

Discover Your Type and Your “Most Likely To”

No type fits one template and these superlatives won't hold true for every ENFP or ISTJ you know. But they do offer a data-backed glimpse into how personality shapes the way we work, love, vote and raise our families. If you're unsure of your own type, start with Truity's TypeFinder personality test, our version of the 16-types test. As for me? I’m an INFJ, and I’m signing off to go discuss this with my therapist.