What Readers Are Saying

Many readers across Canada have found The New Personality Self-Portrait to be a valuable companion for self-discovery. They appreciate how clearly the 14 styles are described and how the mild-to-severe continuum makes it easy to see where they fit. Several have noted that it complements other personality tests by adding depth and flexibility. One reader called it their “new handbook for self-discovery,” while another highlighted how it helped their whole family learn about each other. The book has been praised for being both insightful and practical, offering a framework that people return to again and again.

What Makes This Guide Different?

Most personality books try to put you in a box, but The New Personality Self-Portrait takes a nuanced approach. It describes 14 distinct personality styles that exist on a spectrum from healthy to extreme. Instead of labelling you as one type, you’ll discover that you are a blend of several styles expressed in varying degrees. This perspective helps you understand why you think, work, love, and behave the way you do—without pigeonholing you.

The book builds on the work of psychiatrist John M. Oldham and science writer Lois B. Morris. Their framework draws from the DSM but focuses on normal personality variations. It shows how mild traits can be strengths, while more intense expressions may create challenges. This spectrum view makes it valuable for anyone curious about personality—whether you’re exploring your own patterns or trying to understand a partner, colleague, or family member.

Key Features and Benefits

• Self-Assessment Questionnaire: Identify your dominant styles and see where you fall on the spectrum from healthy to extreme.
• 14 Personality Styles: Conscientious, Vigilant, Solitary, Adventurous, Leisurely, Dramatic, Self-Confident, Sensitive, Idiosyncratic, Mercurial, Aggressive, Devoted, and more.
• Mild, Moderate, Severe: Each style is explained across its full range, helping you distinguish between adaptive traits and potential problems.
• Real-Life Examples: Case studies illustrate how styles play out in relationships, work, and daily life.
• Practical Guidance: Tips for leveraging your strengths and managing challenges, plus insight into how others’ styles affect you.

Who Is This Book For?

This book is ideal for Canadians seeking deeper self-knowledge. It’s particularly helpful for:

• Individuals curious about personality. If you’ve taken the Myers-Briggs or Enneagram and want a more flexible, clinically informed model, this book is an excellent next step.
• People in relationships. Understanding your partner’s style can reduce conflict and improve communication.
• Mental health professionals. Therapists and counsellors can use this framework to help clients understand patterns without pathologizing normal variation.
• Managers and leaders. Gain insight into team dynamics and learn to adapt your style for better collaboration.

About the Authors

John M. Oldham, M.D., is a distinguished psychiatrist and former president of the American College of Psychiatrists. He is an expert on personality disorders and has contributed to the DSM. Lois B. Morris is an award-winning science writer specializing in mental health. Together, they combine clinical authority with accessible writing, making complex concepts understandable for a general audience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this book about personality disorders?

The book covers personality styles, which are normal variations. It also describes how extreme expressions can resemble personality disorders, but it is not intended as a diagnostic tool. If you have concerns about a personality disorder, please consult a qualified mental health professional.

Do I need to take a test first?

No. The book includes a self-assessment questionnaire, but you can also read the descriptions and identify with the styles intuitively. Many readers find they recognize themselves and others without formal scoring.

Can this book help me change my personality?

The goal is self-understanding, not drastic change. By recognizing your patterns, you can learn to work with your natural tendencies and adapt more flexibly. The book offers strategies for growth within each style.

How is this different from the Myers-Briggs?

The Myers-Briggs categorizes you into one of 16 types, while this book views personality as a blend of 14 continuous traits. It also addresses the full spectrum from healthy to extreme, which most type-based systems do not.

This book is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. If you are experiencing distress or believe you may have a personality disorder, please seek help from a qualified mental health professional in your province.