Stikked
Anteil
INFPs generally see themselves as special individuals, equipped with a unique blend of skills and abilities. Many feel, however, that they don?t know themselves well enough (Fi) and have yet to find their proper place in
With Introverted Feeling (Fi) as their dominant function, INFPs? (and ISFPs?) emotions are deep, intense, and personal. This depth and intensity of emotions contributes to a deep sense of loyalty, even jealousy, toward objects of their affection. In forging intense bonds and loyalties, INFPs across the centuries have been compelled to do whatever necessary to ensure the survival of their offspring. INFPs can commonly be found helping the sick, the needy, the disabled, children, and animals. They love to rescue those in need, such as adopting pets from an animal shelter. They also take up ?niche? causes that have personally affected them, such as rallying for research for a rare disease.
(*Please do not post this profile onto other websites.)
In order to feel inspired, many INFPs depend on and come to expect a certain level of emotional intensity (Fi). For better or worse, they may feel they are not fully alive without a stiff emotional cocktail in hand. They may seek out, even if largely unconsciously, experiences that arouse or intensify feelings of passion or inspiration. They may turn to relationships, novels, poetry, music, or movies to jump start their emotions.
The intensity of their Feelings notwithstanding, since Fi is introverted in direction, INFPs? Feeling preference is not always evident when viewed from without. Like other Introverts, INFPs can sometimes appear cool and aloof. Despite their relative lack of overt emotional expressiveness, as outward Perceivers, INFPs generally present as open, receptive, and non-threatening (Ne). This, in combination with their Fi concern for the welfare of others, can result in INFPs serving as a veritable dumping ground for others? problems. This may engender a sense of bearing the emotional weight of the world, leading some INFPs to have a tragic or melancholic air about them.
Many INFPs are well-described as ?earthy,? both in appearance and lifestyle. They are content with rather meager or Bohemian living arrangements, commonly flanked with second-hand furniture and decor. They are willing to forego material extras for the sake of holding closer to their ideals. Designer clothes, fine meals, and extravagant vacations are generally lower on their priority list.
Although body types do not always closely correspond to personality types (especially in females), there is evidence to suggest that INFPs are disposed to an ectomorphic build. If mesomorphs are envisioned as square and chiseled and endomorphs as rounder in shape, ectomorphs can be pictured as more linear and lanky. While it is not all that unusual, at least in the Western world, to encounter INFPs who have taken on a rounder shape, only rarely are they heavily muscled.
Of all types, INFPs are among those most explicitly concerned with achieving a holistic balance of mind (Ne), body (Si), and emotions (Fi). Toward this end, they often populate self-help, ?human potential,? or bodywork seminars. Such holistic practices may also serve as attractive and viable career paths for many INFPs. They may find their niche in alternative or complementary medicine, homeopathy, naturopathy, Reiki, etc. Others might opt to study psychology, nursing, or ecology. Because Ne and Si are adjacent in their functional stack, INFPs, like INTPs, enjoy work that allows them to bridge theory (N) and practice (S).
INFPs are also drawn to all sorts of creative endeavors?poetry, music, drama, fiction writing, the fine arts, and the like. Creative expression is in many ways the lifeblood of artistically-inclined INFPs. Creative work not only provides INFPs an enjoyable sense of absorption, but an opportunity for self-discovery and self-expression. In contrast to INFJs, their art tends to be less realistic or aesthetic in focus (Se) and more about creative (Ne) self-expression (Fi).
Overview of INFPs? Functional Stack & Type Development
INFPs? functional stack is composed of the following functions:
Dominant: Introverted Feeling (Fi)
Auxiliary: Extraverted Intuition (Ne)
Tertiary: Introverted Sensing (Si)
Inferior: Extraverted Thinking (Te)
INFPs? personality type development can be broadly conceived as consisting of three phases:
Phase I (Teens-20s)
This phase is characterized by the development and employment of INFPs? dominant function, Introverted Feeling (Fi). Phase I INFPs tend to be highly idealistic and quick to judge (even if keeping most of their opinions to themselves). In this phase, they have yet to grasp the bigger picture of reality (Ne). While their Fi confers a strong sense of right and wrong, their moral sensibilities have yet to be opened by the use and development of their Ne.
Phase II (20s & 30s)
Once their dominant Fi reaches a certain threshold of strength and dominance, INFPs? inferior function, Extraverted Thinking (Te), enters the picture and begins to play a more influential role. This can be confusing because Te is not next in line in their functional stack. Its undue influence derives from its bipolar relationship with INFPs? dominant Fi.
In general, the inferior function seems to have its own agenda, exhibiting needs and desires contrary to those of the dominant function. What often results is a sort of love-hate, either-or situation, in which a person alternates between indulging and depriving the inferior. Less obvious, but no less problematic, is the way in which the inferior can unconsciously influence decision-making. As I?ve discussed elsewhere, the inferior function is a primary culprit in unwise career and relational decision-making. Unfortunately, its influence peaks in Phase II of type development, which happens to the time when people are making life-altering decisions about their careers and relationships. INFPs? Fi-Te tug-of-war will be elucidated later in this profile.
In addition, Phase II for INFPs is characterized by seeking and experimentation. In developing their auxiliary function, Extraverted Intuition (Ne), INFPs explore new ideas and open some of their Fi judgments. They realize that some of their earlier judgments were premature, too black-and-white, or uncritically inherited artifacts from their childhood. This compels them to embark on a journey of discovering their own truth, including coming to a clearer understanding of themselves and their place in the world.
Phase III (30s, 40s, & Beyond)
If all goes well and they are fortunate enough to enter Phase III, INFPs become increasingly aware of the insidious ways of their inferior Te. As they become more aware of their inferior and learn to function more authentically as INFPs, they experience greater balance between their Fi and Te. They learn that integrating their Te happens naturally and indirectly as they go about authentically using their Fi, Ne, and Si. As they cultivate conditions that support their natural strengths, Phase III INFPs come to experience a heightened sense of peace, wholeness, and satisfaction.
INFPs? Dominant Function: Introverted Feeling (Fi)
According to Myers-Briggs theory, we have two basic options for approaching life and information. The first option, Perceiving, involves a more passive and non-controlling approach to life. The natural inclination of types with a dominant Perceiving function (i.e., IJs and EPs) is not to control, but to allow. IJs allow inner information to have its way (Si/Ni), while EPs display great openness to circulating new ideas (Ne) or experiences (Se).
The second option, Judging, involves a desire to control, predict, and order. Judging implores us to take control, or to at least shield ourselves from life?s caprices. This is accomplished by way of the Thinking (Ti or Te) or Feeling (Fi or Fe) functions. Types whose dominant function is a Judging function (i.e., EJs and IPs) prefer this approach, focusing their Judging efforts on others/ the outer world (EJs) or themselves/ the inner world (IPs).
Since IPs? dominant function is a Judging function (Ti or Fi), they are inner Judgers. As such, they are far more serious than they appear outwardly and tend to think in terms of what they should be doing. They like to set goals for themselves (especially INPs), even if they rarely end up sticking to them. They tend to approach things with an agenda or a certain set of expectations. Upon waking, they consciously determine what they want to/should do and initiate the process. At least when it comes to initiating tasks, IPs are as disciplined as any EJ. It is only after starting a task that IPs get sidetracked and start looking more like Perceivers. This is understandable when we examine IPs? functional stack. They start off with a judgment (Fi or Ti), which impels them to begin work on a task. Once started, however, the next function in their stack is a Perceiving function (Ne or Se), which can cause them to become distracted or sidetracked, even to the point of losing sight of their original purpose (this is why IPs are sometimes said to lack follow-through or staying power.). This can be frustrating for IPs, since the endpoint or ?goal? of their functional stack (i.e., their inferior function) is a Judging function (Fe or Te), which compels them to come to a conclusion or finish what they start. In fact, this explains why IPs may at times be careless in their work, since they are driven by a desire for closure. It also explains why IPs may resist being interrupted in the middle of a project, fearing this could hinder them from reaching a conclusion or endpoint. And since IPs like to be in control of both starting and finishing what their projects, they cannot rightly be considered spontaneous in the way that EPs are, at least not with respect to responding to other people. Just as EJs are sometimes viewed as outer control freaks, it seems that IPs have their own inner control freak.
As we?ve seen, Introverted Feeling (Fi) is INFPs? dominant function. Fi is inwardly directed, actively navigating and managing personal feelings and values on a largely independent basis. While Fe turns to others for emotional support and kinship, Fi deals with emotions more independently. When INFPs do opt to outwardly express their feelings and values, they often do so indirectly?through active (S), creative (N), or rational (Te) expressions.
Since Fi judgments are formed on an independent rather than collective basis, INFPs tend to be wary of Fe judgments and expressions. To INFPs, Fe expressions can seem generic, predictable, shallow, fake, or contrived. There is little INFPs deplore more than those who seem inauthentic or disingenuous. Their relative distaste for Fe may lead some INFPs to withhold expressing positive sentiments. They may even unwittingly repress positive emotions to bolster their ideal of real and authentic Feeling. They may even assume the role of the victim or martyr, expressing their melancholy and grievances through art, poetry, or music. These Fi-Fe differences can make communication uncomfortable between Fi and Fe types. INFPs may find themselves questioning the Fe type?s sincerity, while Fe types may wish INFPs would extravert more Feeling to create a greater sense of interpersonal rapport and emotional resonance.
Fi is also less concerned with cultivating ?good feelings? in the environment than Fe is. Rather than focusing on general morale or interpersonal harmony, Fi is inspired to help specific individuals in need. As we?ve seen, INFPs are commonly concerned with helping the sick, the needy, children, and animals. They take up ?niche? causes that have personally affected them, such as rallying for research for a rare disease.
Fi also works to shape its own worldview?a personalized system of values?that can serve as a platform for self-understanding and decision-making. In this sense, it is similar to Ti, which also involves a process of building or modifying an inner structure. This Fi structuring process was nicely illustrated by one of my INFP
?My inner values and feelings (Fi) are like a building, a structure of affections that inform my worldview. This involves an inner love for certain things, and an inner repulsion for other things. My values and feelings form ?blocks? of varying hardness, depending on how strongly I feel about them; the stronger ones are more resilient?I constantly discover more about the structure as I go, and what I should change to make it better. For example, I didn?t have to factually discern a respect for human dignity; I simply found myself in situations where people did not respect human dignity, and it made me angry ?
As introverted Judging functions, Fi and Ti share much in common. Both are intensive and focused rather than broad and extensive. Both involve a more individualized or subjective process of Judging. Just as Ti runs counter to the standardized methods of Te, Fi diverges from the broad, collective focus of Fe. Both can be skeptical of large systems or standardized ways of doing things. As discussed in my post on the ?function pairs?, Fi is particularly skeptical of Fe approaches, whereas Ti is more critical of Te approaches.
Fi and Ti also differ largely in their interest areas. As we?ve seen, Fi types are often inspired to help the the sick, the needy, children, and animals. Ti types, by contrast, are generally far less motivated to directly help or care for others. INFPs are also more inclined toward art, poetry, and other means of self-expression. INTPs are typically more interested in philosophical/ intellectual pursuits than they are ?artistic? ones. Of course, these lines can sometimes be blurred on account of the inferior function, which can lead IFPs to pursue Te interests or ITPs to be unduly influenced by their Fe. This is why understanding Fi is best done in the context of the Fi-Te function pair.
INFPs? Auxiliary Function: Extraverted Intuition (Ne)
Intuition is sometimes described as a ?sixth sense.?
Intuition also works to synthesize and reinterpret information. It is quick to identify connections and patterns within a pool of data. This recognition of underlying patterns can lead to an entirely new way of looking at things. Instead of seeing fifty isolated puzzle pieces, for instance, Intuition can show us how those pieces might fit together to form a unified whole. For this reason, Intuitive types often prefer to see ?the big picture? before considering the individual parts or details.
The Myers-Briggs posits two varieties of Intuition: Introverted Intuition (Ni) and Extraverted Intuition (Ne). Since both include the general features of Intuition described above, many people struggle to differentiate between the two. To understand Jung?s distinctions between these two functions, it helps to have a background knowledge of his understanding of Introversion and Extraversion. Jung saw Extraversion as expansive and broad. Extraverts, for instance, are often depicted as more outwardly expansive and active, moving from here to there without focusing too long on any one thing. Their interactions with others might also be considered more extensive and superficial. In contrast, Jung viewed Introversion as more intensive and focused. Rather than expanding outward, the Introvert dives inward.In this light, Ni can be considered more intensive and focused than Ne is. While Ne generates myriad options and possibilities (i.e., sees many ways of assembling a group of puzzle pieces), Ni works more convergently, often producing a single comprehensive picture or vision (i.e., the way of solving the puzzle).
INFPs use Extraverted Intuition (Ne) as their auxiliary function. Ne can function either perceptively or expressively. The verbal expression of Ne amounts to something like ?brainstorming aloud.? When orating, NPs may not always seem to ?have a point? as they haphazardly move from one idea to the next. Even ideas that seem inwardly cogent to the INFP may suddenly sound incoherent when they attempt to convey them through their Ne.
In its receptive role, Ne prompts INFPs to gather information. Ne does not merely gather overt information as Se does. Se is more straightforward, involving a direct apprehension of information through one or more of the primary senses. Ne is different in that it goes beyond or looks behind sense data. This allows INFPs to discern otherwise hidden patterns, possibilities, and potentials. Their Ne is constantly scanning for relationships or patterns within a pool of facts or experiences. INFPs commonly employ the receptive side of their Ne in activities such as reading, researching, and conversing with others. They enjoy asking questions that allow them to gain insight or knowledge from others, often making INFPs good facilitators of conversation.
Its extraverted nature makes Ne more divergent, extensive, and open-ended than its introverted cousin, Ni. Ni is more intensive and convergent, conferring a greater sense of conviction and closure. Once Ni has done its work, INJs are more apt to feel there is a single correct solution. NPs, on the other hand, because of the divergent nature of Ne, seem to disposed to multiplying rather than reducing the number of options or possibilities.
INFPs also use their Ne to sniff out intriguing possibilities. They commonly enjoy and assume the role of wanderer or seeker. Rarely do they know in advance exactly what they are seeking, which is partly why they find operating in Ne mode so
Ne also confers an open-mindedness. It helps INFPs see truth on both sides of an issue without forming unwarranted judgments or premature conclusions, including an openness to alternative or Bohemian lifestyles. INFPs are among those most likely to suddenly become vegetarians, join a commune, or decide to live out of the back of a van. They often fancy the notion of a ?raw? or organic lifestyle.
Like INTPs, INFPs have a love-hate relationship with their Ne. They love the fact that it helps them remain open-minded, to see the bigger picture, and to see the value of different options or perspectives. INFPs also enjoy the sense of adventure, expectancy, and wonderment toward life?s mysteries that their Ne confers, of not knowing who or what will manifest next in
INFPs? Tertiary Function: Introverted Sensing (Si)
There are two varieties of Myers-Briggs Sensing: Introverted Sensing (Si) and Extraverted Sensing (Se). Whether a type uses Si or Se can contribute to significant differences in lifestyle preferences. Se involves the perception of information through the five senses (i.e., sight, smell, touch, sound, and taste). It is sensual, instinctual, and appetitive. Se types love novel sensations, physical thrills, and material comforts. They are ?sensation-seekers,? relishing novel experiences and the thrill of action. Because Se is concerned with ?here and now? experiences, it can also be associated with a present temporal orientation (versus past or future). Adopting an
Si is a conservative function. It involves a strong attachment to past precedent?to the routine, familiar, and predictable. Those with Si in their functional stack often eat a relatively bland or at least consistent diet. Since Si types ?eat to live? rather than ?live to eat,? they are less likely to overeat or consider themselves ?foodies? than Se types. Si types are not only conservative with regard to their diet, but with respect to the material world in general. They are less apt to lather on make-up or concern themselves with current styles and fashions, opting for a more ?natural? and less embellished appearance. Many INFPs end up as vegetarians, eat organic or whole foods, and sport a bohemian lifestyle. Like other Si types, they have less of a need for novel physical pleasures, lavish surroundings, or material comforts.
This tendency toward material conservationism can also be seen in the creative and artistic approaches of NP types. Their approach often entails creatively reusing and recombining (Ne) existing resources (Si) to make something new. While this commonly involves the use of organic or natural materials, they are also known to supply their creative projects with items from thrift shops or garage sales.
A most overlooked feature of Si is its perception of internal bodily sensations?the body as felt and experienced from within. More than any other function, Si perceives a raw and basic sense of ?being? that exists apart from thought or outward stimuli. Historically, Eastern philosophical and religious traditions have done a better job exploring this aspect of human experience than those of the West. This dimension of Si is engaged during activities that direct attention to one?s internal bodily state, such as yoga, Tai-Chi, or meditation. INFPs interested in exploring this element of Si may find great delight and benefit from these sorts of practices.
INFPs? Fourth/Inferior Function: Extraverted Thinking (Te)
For those unfamiliar with the powerful influence of the inferior function on personality, as well as common strategies for dealing with it, I encourage you to explore my post, Understanding the Inferior Function.
Despite being largely unconscious, the inferior function it has its own set of needs and refuses to let its voice go unheard. One way the inferior asserts itself is by serving as a sort of goal or idealized endpoint for personal growth. As the complement to the dominant function, it carries the promise of psychological balance and wholeness. This is why people sometimes describe experiences with their inferior as ecstatic or magical, experiences that allow them to glimpse the long-lost ?other half? of themselves.
As is true of other types, INFPs can be easily blinded to the degree to which their inferior function impacts their decisions and behavior. Without sufficient awareness and integration of their inferior, INFPs will continue to feel incomplete and be prone to unwise decision-making in their careers, lifestyle, and relationships. As discussed in my INFP careers post, INFPs may be enticed by their inferior function, Extraverted Thinking (Te), to pursue less than ideal careers, such as computer science, mathematics, or the hard sciences. Or, in their relationships, INFPs might pair with ETJ types in attempt to quickly obtain, even if unwittingly, what they are lacking and striving to find in themselves. In order to be subconsciously controlled by their inferior function, INFPs seeking self-knowledge and personal growth must work to understand the ways in which their inferior Te manifests in their personality.
For both ISFPs and INFPs, the Fi-Te pairing engenders a tension between individuality and subjectivity (Fi), on the one hand, and standardized ways of doing things (Te), on the other. Consciously, INFPs tend to emphasize the former, championing the unique values and preferences of the individual (Fi). Unconsciously, however, they are drawn to ?objective? truths and standardized ways of operating (Te).
Since all Introverts? inferior function is extraverted in direction, it is sensitive to externalities. For INFPs, their inferior Te is sensitive to problems in external systems, systems that allow Fi concerns like hunger, homelessness, or other injustices to persist. This is one of the primary ways in which their Te works in tandem with their Fi. Their Te draws conclusions about external circumstances and their Fi provides the subjective response to those Te judgments. When INFPs experience ?negative feelings? about a situation, they often stem from unconscious information that something is amiss in the Te environment. The world relies on INFPs (and ISFPs) to use this Te-Fi process to identify and rally against potential injustices and dehumanization, to ensure that the individual (Fi) doesn?t get lost in the system (Te). On the reverse end, it depends on ETJs to ensure that systems don?t get tossed out with the individual.
INFPs? Te can also contribute a desire to organize the environment. INFPs can enjoy a great deal of guilty pleasure from ordering and organizing, giving their Te the sense of external control and gratification it seeks. Their Te may also inspire ISFPs to ?be responsible,? follow the rules, or ?do things by the book.? INFPs who are regularly in the grip of their Te may be so bent on being responsible or pious that they fail to spend time sufficient time exploring ideas or functioning creatively (Ne). And because responsibility is culturally endorsed as a positive virtue, they may fail to realize that being obsessed with it is actually quite unhealthy for them, forfeiting some degree of open-mindedness (Ne) and compassion (Fi). In the grip of their Te, they can become rigid, particular, and dogmatic, appearing more like ETJs than IFPs.
The inferior position of their Te may contribute to a lack of assertiveness and a propensity for conflict avoidance. Since their Te is inferior, INFPs may feel they have little control or power in the outside world. Consequently, when it comes to expressing their judgments, INFPs, like other IPs, often avoid doing so directly. Instead, they may simply swallow the judgment and try to deal with its attendant feelings by way of their Fi. They may also approach the issue more obliquely through jokes, quips, questions (Ne), or actions. Like other P-types, INFPs have also been known to express themselves through passive-aggressive behavior.
Personal Growth for INFPs
One of the keys to healthy functioning for any personality type is optimizing circumstances. If our work, relationships, or lifestyle are prohibiting authentic functioning according to our type, we must seriously consider if a change might be in order.
With regard to relationships, self-actualizing INFPs can benefit from becoming more open, assertive, and communicative in their relationships. Healthy relationships for any type is founded on openness and honesty. So although self-assertiveness can be especially challenging for INFPs, they must find the courage to give voice to their feelings and convictions in their relationships. This includes being willing to use their Te to dialogue about uncomfortable topics that may introduce temporary pain or conflict.
In addition to optimizing circumstances and relationships, healthy psychological functioning requires regular use the dominant and auxiliary functions. Less healthy functioning, by contrast, involves leading with or being controlled by the inferior function, or what Elaine Schallock has dubbed ?jumping the (functional) stack.? Unfortunately, it can sometimes be tricky to discern between healthy functioning versus jumping the stack. The term ?grip experience? is also used to describe the inferior function, since it can be incredibly difficult to escape its addictive grasp. This is partly due to the fact that indulging the inferior can feel magical or good, at least for a while. Grip experiences can also masquerade as ?flow experiences,? in which we feel focused and engaged.
One way of differentiating grip experiences from healthy functioning is the latter allows for interruptions or diversions. When our best and most conscious self (i.e., dominant function) is at the helm, we can get up, walk away from what we are doing, and enjoy alternatives. We are not locked into a single activity or mode of functioning, but remain psychologically supple and flexible. Grip experiences, by contrast, are like an
It is therefore critical for INFPs (as well as other types) to learn to differentiate between healthy functioning versus being in
Healthy functioning for INFPs also includes regularly partaking in