The theory of psychological types in the psychology of religion and spirituality

Abstract

The main objective of this paper is to present the current state of empirical research on the application of the theory of Jungian types to the psychology of religion and spirituality, pointing out the necessity of broadening them by including Polish context. The paper presents an outline of this theory and the methods of studying these types (MBTI, KTS, FPTS) used in religion and spirituality. Next, the author presents the results of research on the relation between aspects of the theory of psychological types and the religiosity variables, prayer, and spirituality of individuals as well as groups and centers connected with religion and spirituality. The paper concludes with comments concerning the most important empirical findings and their value for science and practice. A need for research aimed at the verification and generalization of the obtained results with reference to the modern reinterpretations of Jung's theory and methods of studying personality is also pointed out.Keywords: psychological types; religiosity; Christian spirituality.The theory of psychological types is probably the best-known part of Carl G. Jung's (1921Jung's ( , 1971Jung's ( , 1997 complex analytical psychology, popularized by his successors. The theory has applications not only in the psychology of personality but also in education and upbringing, interpersonal training and counseling, professional career preparation and development, and, finally, in the psychology of religion, pastoral psychology, empirical theology, and the psychology of spirituality.

The faces of religiosity in Poland

“…The first article, by W. Chaim, is titled "The theory of psychological types in the psychology of religion and spirituality" (Chaim, 2017). Its aim was to answer the following questions: Can certain psychological types have stronger inclinations for religiosity (spirituality) than others?…”