The concept of personality type refers to the psychological classification of different types of individuals. Personality types can be distinguished from personality traits, which come in different levels or degrees. Types involve qualitative differences between people, whereas traits involve quantitative differences.

According to type theories, for example, introverts and extraverts are two fundamentally different categories of people. According to trait theories, introversion and extraversion are part of a continuous dimension, with many people in the middle. While typologies of all sorts have existed throughout time the most influential idea of psychological types originated in the theoretical work of Carl Jung, published as Psychological Types in 1921.

Other typologies such as Socionics, MBTI, and Keirsey Temperament Sorter all have roots in Jungian philosophy. One well known example of personality types is Type A theory. According to this theory, impatient, hostile people are classified as Type A, whereas calm, laid back individuals are designated as Type B.

The theory originally suggested that Type A individuals were more at risk for heart attacks, but this claim has not been supported by empirical research. Developmental psychologist Jerome Kagan is a prominent contemporary advocate of type theory. He suggests that shy, withdrawn children are best viewed as having an inhibited temperament, which is qualitatively different from other children.

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