The psychological type profile of Salvation Army officers working within the United Kingdom: diversity, strengths, and weaknesses in ministry

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study draws on psychological type theory that has its origins in the work of Carl Jung to explore the psychological profile of Salvation Army officers serving within the UK. Data provided on the Francis Psychological Type Scales by 269 female officers and by 165 male officers draw attention to the distinctive psychological characteristics of these officers and to the ways in which they differ from the population of the UK as a whole. The female officers show clear preference for introversion (68%), sensing (75%), feeling (66%), and judging (86%). The male officers show clear preference for introversion (76%), sensing (62%), thinking (60%), and judging (86%). This study discusses the strengths brought to active ministry by these psychological characteristics, but also draws attention to the weaknesses and vulnerabilities.