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Carl Jung pioneered the principles of positive psychology. An article by Llewellyn E. van Zyl Ph.D. from Psychology Today Key points Carl Jung pioneered ideas of personal growth, strengths, meaning, and well-being. Jung's individuation process mirrors modern thinking on self-actualization and personal growth. Jung stressed meaning and purpose as crucial for mental health and well-being. Jung's idea about archetypes laid the foundation for psychology's emphasis on strength-based growth. If you've ever read anything about positive psychology, you've likely come across names like Martin Seligman and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, who hailed in the discipline in 2000. But the roots of positive psychology can be traced a lot further back, all the way to Carl Jung. Yes, the same Carl Jung often associated with the shadow, archetypes, and the unconscious . While history has overlooked his contributions, Jung was perhaps the first true pioneer of what we now call positive psychology. Let's look at his contributions to a now flourishing field. The Hidden Positive Side of the Psyche Jung was deeply passionate about understanding how individuals can grow, develop, and ultimately thrive. At a time when Freud ’s psychoanalysis dominated psychology with its strong focus on psychopathology, Jung believed that every individual has the potential for growth and fulfilment. In his work, Jung (1908) challenged the negative views of the human psyche and instead proposed that individuals possess an innate ability to move toward wholeness and well-being. He didn’t just ask, “What’s wrong with you?” He also asked, “What’s right with you?” Individuation: A Journey to Wholeness One of Jung’s most significant contributions to positive psychology is the concept of individuation. This is the process of integrating all the parts of our personality to become whole or our "true selves." Unlike concepts such as self-actualisation, which focuses on reaching a final, optimal state of functioning, Jung believed that individuation was a lifelong journey of personal growth and development. He saw it as integrating all aspects of one’s personality, the good and the bad, into a unified, authentic self. Individuation is not about becoming perfect. It's really about becoming whole by embracing that we are flawed beings with both developmental areas/weaknesses and strengths. For Jung, individuation was a pathway to true personal growth and fulfilment. These ideas mirror positive psychology’s emphasis on balancing the positive and negative and reaching one’s full potential. The Importance of Meaning Jung’s influence on positive psychology is perhaps most evident in his exploration of meaning. In Modern Man in Search of a Soul (1933), Jung suggested that many psychological problems stem from a lack of purpose and that searching for purpose was a central part of the human experience. Jung famously said, “Man can stand the most incredible hardships when he is convinced that they make sense.” This insight laid the groundwork for Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy and the ideas in his book Man’s Search for Meaning . By proposing that every individual needs to connect to something larger than themselves, Jung in his later theories pushed for people to find deeper meaning and purpose as a means to achieve full individuation. In the context of positive psychology, meaning is a critical component of well-being. Research consistently shows that meaning is one of the strongest predictors of happiness , success, and resilience . Jung’s early conceptual work anticipated what we now take as common knowledge: The search for meaning isn’t a luxury but a fundamental human need. Embracing Strengths, Archetypes, and Self-Reflection Jung’s exploration of archetypes as universal, recurring symbols or themes in the human experience was ground-breaking. He believed that archetypes, such as The Hero, The Wise Old Man, or The Caregiver , represent potential paths for personal growth. The archetypal patterns provide individuals with frameworks for understanding their strengths, much like how positive psychology encourages people to identify and cultivate their strengths today. Jung argued that connecting with archetypes helps individuals unlock their inner resources, which helps them develop a greater sense of self-awareness and leads them to a more fulfilled life. His idea is echoed in modern positive psychology’s emphasis on leveraging one's strengths as a path to flourishing. Further, he also promoted self-reflection and introspection as a means of self-healing, which are both central techniques used in the majority of positive psychological interventions aimed at improving well-being. The Shadow and Positive Transformation One of the more controversial aspects of Jung’s theory at the time was his concept of the shadow: the dark parts of ourselves we hide, deny, or reject. While it might seem counterintuitive, Jung saw embracing of our shadow as a pathway to personal growth. By confronting and integrating our shadow, he argued, we can achieve a more authentic and complete version of ourselves. Although positive psychology often focuses on strengths and virtues, it doesn’t shy away from the fact that growth often comes from facing challenges and adversities. More modern approaches in positive psychology states that we need to understand, and appreciate the value of negative experiences, as these are what help push us to grow. Jung’s work reminds us that happiness and well-being aren’t about avoiding negative experiences but, rather, confronting them and valuing them for the contributions they make to our growth trajectories. In this way, Jung anticipated the modern positive psychology view of post-traumatic growth , whereby individuals grow stronger and more resilient after facing adversity. Spirituality and Transcendence Another area in which Jung’s influence shines is his exploration of spirituality and transcendence. He believed that spirituality plays a crucial role in psychological well-being. Jung’s approach wasn’t about religion per se but, rather, about connecting with something greater than oneself, which echoes the positive psychology focus on spirituality as a pathway to well-being. This aspect of transcendence and connection is a cornerstone of the positive psychology movement and a core virtue in the VIA Strengths Framework. The idea that feeling part of something bigger than ourselves can enhance our sense of purpose, meaning, and happiness is deeply rooted in Jung’s theories. Conclusion So, was Carl Jung the real father of positive psychology? The evidence is hard to ignore. While he might not have coined the term, he was undoubtedly its first true champion. He mapped out the terrain long before Seligman arrived, showing us that the path to a fulfilling life isn’t about avoiding the darkness but integrating it. References Peterson, C., & Seligman, M. E. P. (2004). Character Strengths and Virtues: A Handbook and Classification . Oxford University Press. Seligman, M. E., & Csikszentmihalyi, M. (2000). Positive psychology: An introduction (Vol. 55, No. 1, p. 5). American Psychological Association. Seligman, M. E. P. (2011). Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-being . Free Press. van Zyl, L. E., Gaffaney, J., van der Vaart, L., Dik, B. J., & Donaldson, S. I. (2024). The critiques and criticisms of positive psychology: A systematic review. The Journal of Positive Psychology , 19 (2), 206-235. I'd like to thank Prof. dr. Danie du Toit for his input on earlier drafts of this manuscript.

How do you perceive the world? In this animation video we introduce Sensing (S) and Intuition (N). We explain the two different ways of perceiving our outer and inner worlds in a visual and musical way. This animation video was produced by BAPT member, Josh Leach. Script, Animation, Voiceover and Music by Josh Leach, BAPT member Script and Production by Jerry Gilpin, BAPT Treasurer Editing by Shaun Hill

In this animation video we explore two different decision-making styles, Thinking and Feeling, and how they can be Extraverted or Introverted.

Find a Type Practitioner Search BAPT's Register of Type Practitioners to see who is available in your area. Some of BAPT members are certified practitioners in psychological or personality type. If you would like to join the Register of Type Practitioners please complete this registration form . BAPT encourages members to follow the principles for type practice which is set out in BAPT's ethical statement . Disclaimer : BAPT's register of type practitioners aims to connect members and non-members with type practitioner services only. BAPT does not take responsibility for ensuring the accuracy of the information provided on the registration list. It is your responsibility to ensure the type practitioner is suitably certified or qualified to provide the services set out in their profile. Filter by Type instruments Select Type instruments Filter by Location Select Location Jean-Luc Dupont Geographical area: Europe Type instruments used: Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Step I, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Step II Non-Type instruments: MTRI® ActionTypes® Process Communication Model® Certification/Qualification: MTRI® ActionTypes® Process Communication Model® Systemic Coaching Organisational development Services: Training Coaching Team building Email address: contact@metamorphoses.be Website: www.metamorphoses.be LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanlucdupont/ Trudy McCutcheon Geographical area: Australia Type instruments used: Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Step I, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Step II, Majors Personality Type Inventory (MajorsPTI) Non-Type instruments: Certification/Qualification: MBTI Step I MBTI Step II Majors MPTI Services: Email address: trudymccutcheon58@gmail.com Website: LinkedIn: Dan Collison Geographical area: UK London Type instruments used: Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Step I, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Step II Non-Type instruments: Certification/Qualification: MBTI Step I & Step II Services: Email address: dcollison3@gmail.com Website: LinkedIn: Lynn Hankins Geographical area: North America Type instruments used: The Murphy-Meisgeier Type Indicator for Children (MMTIC), TypeCoach Non-Type instruments: SDS, Strong Interest Inventory Certification/Qualification: MMTIC, TypeCoach Certification and Master Certification (finalizing);Certified Grief Recovery Specialist Services: Career Coaching teens and adults, MMTIC administration; TypeCoach Influence Course + additional offerings Email address: lynn.hankins@utdallas.edu Website: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnhankins/ Colin Fenn Geographical area: UK Type instruments used: Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Step I, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Step II, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Step III, TypeCoach Non-Type instruments: Hogan assessments, Kornferry Inventory of leadership styles & Emotional Intelligence, reflections 360, FIRO B, TK Conflict instrument, MSCEIT. Certification/Qualification: MSc HRD and Organisational Change, Senior Practitioner Coach (EMCC), Diplomas - Career Guidance and Counselling; Applied management and training management; Business coaching; sports psychology;performance coaching MBTI STEP 1,2, 3 and for all tools above Services: Leadership programmes, Executive and management coaching, Team development Email address: Website: https://leadershipfootprints.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cfenn/ Jim Borritt Geographical area: UK South East Type instruments used: Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Step I, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Step II, Other Non-Type instruments: Interaction Styles The Leadership Circle TKI Conflict Management Emotional Intelligence 360 Profile FIRO-B Certification/Qualification: MSc - Human Resource Development Certificate of Humanistic Psychology of Carl Rogers Services: Leadership Coaching Development Coaching Team Development Email address: jim.borritt@jbadevelop.co.uk Website: LinkedIn: Richard Owen Geographical area: UK South East Type instruments used: Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Step I, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Step II, Type Dynamics Indicator TDI, Majors Personality Type Inventory (MajorsPTI) Non-Type instruments: NEO PI-3 Lumina Spark & Emotion HUCAMA Factors Hogan Quintax Saville Wave Certification/Qualification: MSc Organisational Psychology ICF PCC Credential British Psychological Society (BPS) Test User: Occupational Personality and Ability Services: Coaching for personal and professional development. Relationship coaching. Career coaching. Online or in person in Brighton, UK. Email address: Website: https://personalityparts.com/ LinkedIn: Tamsin Regnes Geographical area: UK Type instruments used: Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Step I, TypeCoach Non-Type instruments: Certification/Qualification: As above Services: Team building workshops Enhancing team dynamics sessions Communication workshops Email address: tamsin.regnes@outlook.com Website: http://www.tamsin-regnes.co.uk LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/tamsin-regnes/ Elizabeth Dunn Geographical area: UK South West Type instruments used: Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Step I, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Step II Non-Type instruments: Certification/Qualification: Myers Briggs Type Indicator I & II PG Dip Transpersonal Child, Adolescent & Family studies PG Dip Psychotherapeutic Counselling, University of Sussex BA Sociology & Social Anthropology Services: Coaching, facilitation & consulting around transformation & leadership development Email address: elizabeth@imaginalconsulting.com Website: https://imaginalconsulting.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethjdunn/ Sarah Perrott Geographical area: UK London Type instruments used: Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Step I, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Step II, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Step III, Enneagram Non-Type instruments: TEIQue, TEAM EI, TKI, HeartMath, NLP, FIRO-B Certification/Qualification: Services: Career Coaching and Resilience Email address: sarah@crescoconsulting.co.uk Website: http://www.crescoconsulting.co.uk LinkedIn: René Bujard Geographical area: Worldwide Type instruments used: Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Step I, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Step II Non-Type instruments: FIRO-B, TKI Certification/Qualification: Services: Use of type in corporate settings, with teams and executives Email address: rene@bujard.eu Website: LinkedIn: Isobel Webster Geographical area: UK Midlands Type instruments used: Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Step I Non-Type instruments: Certification/Qualification: Services: Email address: isobel@cafechurch.com Website: LinkedIn: Laurence Bennett Geographical area: UK South West Type instruments used: Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Step I Non-Type instruments: Certification/Qualification: Services: Learning and Development, Leadership Development, Team Effectiveness, Ministry Coaching. Assoc. CIPD Email address: Website: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lolbennett Catherine Stothart Geographical area: UK North West Type instruments used: Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Step I, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Step II Non-Type instruments: OPQ, EQ-i, Hogan, TalentQ Certification/Qualification: Services: Leadership coaching and team-building Email address: catherine@essenwood.co.uk Website: http://essenwood.co.uk LinkedIn: John Fielder Geographical area: UK South East Type instruments used: Type Dynamics Indicator, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Step I Non-Type instruments: FIRO-B Certification/Qualification: Services: Career Management, NLP Training & Coaching. Email address: johnfielder@btopenworld.com Website: LinkedIn: http://uk.linkedin.com/in/johnfielder/ Roy Childs Geographical area: Worldwide Type instruments used: Type Mapping, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Step I, Type Dynamics Indicator TDI Non-Type instruments: FIRO Elements, 16PF, 15FQ+, NEO, HDS, OPQ, Type Mapping Certification/Qualification: Services: Psychometrics for selection and development, Coaching, Team Development Email address: roy.childs@teamfocus.co.uk Website: http://www.teamfocus.co.uk LinkedIn: Erica Donnison Geographical area: UK North West Type instruments used: Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Step I Non-Type instruments: Certification/Qualification: Services: Combining MBTI with the Alexander Technique to provide a unique psychophysical intervention helping people become aware of their mental and physical habits and learn how to change them if they choose to Email address: erica.donnison@mac.com Website: LinkedIn: Angelina Bennet Geographical area: UK South East Type instruments used: Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Step I, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Step II, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Step III Non-Type instruments: 16PF, CPI, EQi, CPP, HDS, 360, FIRO-B, SPM Certification/Qualification: Services: Coaching, Personal Development, Occupational Psychology, Psychometrics Email address: angelina@ipotential.co.uk Website: http://www.ipotential.co.uk LinkedIn: Sue Colton Geographical area: UK South East Type instruments used: Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Step I, The Murphy-Meisgeier Type Indicator for Children (MMTIC) Non-Type instruments: SHL/OPQ, 16PF, NEO-PI, Leadership Judgement Inventory (LJI), Hogan, WPI, Implicitly, Talent Q, Watson Glaser, Ability testing, FIRO-B Certification/Qualification: Services: Employee engagement, behavioural assessment, competency design, outplacement Email address: sue.colton@btopenworld.com Website: LinkedIn: Nicholas Toko Geographical area: Worldwide Type instruments used: Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Step I, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Step II, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Step III, Other Non-Type instruments: Gifts Compass Inventory (GCI), SOSIE Personality Test, Occupational Personality Questionnaire (OPQ). Certification/Qualification: British Psychological Society (BPS) Test User: Occupational Personality and Ability Jungian analyst-in-training Services: Personality assessment and development for individuals, teams, business leaders and managers. Psychoanalytic personality assessment and development for individuals, business leaders and managers. Email address: nicholas@nicholastoko.com Website: http://www.nicholastoko.com LinkedIn: Jerry Gilpin Geographical area: Worldwide Type instruments used: Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Step I, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Step II, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Step III Non-Type instruments: Strong Interest Inventory, EQ-i, FIRO-B Certification/Qualification: Services: Email address: jerry@perceptiondevelopment.co.uk Website: http://www.perceptiondevelopment.co.uk LinkedIn:

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How do you Judge the world? Thinking v Feeling Play Video Scroll down What is BAPT? Personality. Let's Talk About It. About BAPT Every day, across the world, people strive to discover just what it is that makes them who they are - why they act, think and feel in certain ways…and why others may be different. The British Association for Psychological Type (BAPT) is a non-profit, membership-led organisation based in the United Kingdom that focuses on promoting the understanding and application of personality type, particularly the psychological type model developed by Carl Jung and popularised by the best known and most trusted personality self-discovery tool - Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI). At BAPT we are fully committed to working collaboratively and engaging with other Type Associations and enthusiasts across the globe. Come Grow! Become a Whole Person Personal Growth Make a difference in your home, community and the world Relationships and Family Work and Career Live with more understanding of yourself and others Personal Growth Relationships and Family Join our community Our annual conference Learning and support from the type community Webinars An Ethical Voice for Type Our Values Ethical Accessible Inclusive Sustainable Find out more Do you share our enthusiasm for type? Join the conversation! Conferences Subscribe to our newsletter For non-BAPT members: Stay informed about our upcoming events and newly released content about psychological type available to members and non-members. First name Last name Email Sign Up Thank you for subscribing!