Use of the Jung/Myers Model of Personality Types to Identify and Engage with Individuals at Greatest Risk of Experiencing Depression and Anxiety.

Depression is the leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide. Objectives were (1) to determine the strength of the association between personality type with depression and anxiety using the Preferred Communication Style Questionnaire (PCSQ©) and the Four-Item Patient Health Questionnaire for Depression and Anxiety (PHQ-4) and (2) evaluate the extent to which severity of depression and anxiety is associated with personality type. Data were collected via a self-administered online survey of 10,500. Chi-square analysis compared personality types and depression and anxiety. Practical significance was determined by calculating the percentage-from-expected score based on established statistics reflecting each personality type's percentage in the US population. Personality type was strongly associated with both depression and anxiety with certain types at significantly greater risk than others. Findings can improve the research and clinical community's understanding of the specific risk factors and triggers for depression and anxiety, and result in more efficacious, tailored treatment options.