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The INFP personality type (introversion, intuition, feeling and perceiving) is widely recognized as one of the 16 personalities under the Jungian Personality Type Indicator.
The INFP personality type has a unique set of characteristics that set them apart from others. Often referred to as “idealists” or “mediators“, they tend to be introverted and driven by high values. These individuals have a deep desire to make the world a better place and are always looking for ways to help others. In addition, they are highly creative and spend a lot of time exploring their own purpose in life, as well as thinking about how they can use their skills and talents to best serve humanity.
If you’re wondering about compatibility with an INFP, it’s important to note that their opposite personality type is ESTJ. Other similar personality types include INTP and ENFJ. Knowing this information can be helpful when it comes to forming relationships or working with individuals of this type. Overall, the INFP personality type is a valuable asset to any team or community, and their unique perspectives and insights should be valued and appreciated.
Who are the Mediators?
Mediators, also known as INFPs, are individuals who possess a brilliant and passionate inner world. They may appear to be introverted or unpretentious initially, but beneath the surface, there is a flourishing and vivid imagination. These creative types can easily lose themselves in daydreams, crafting a wide variety of stories and dialogues in their minds. One of the most distinguishing features of Mediators is their sensitivity. They can experience profound emotional reactions to music, art, nature, and those around them.
These personalities are often idealistic and empathetic, yearning for deep connections and wishing to offer aid to others. However, due to the small percentage of the population possessing this characteristic, it is common for Mediators to feel marginalized or overlooked. They can feel adrift in a society that does not recognize their unique traits.
Mediators, being naturally curious about humanity’s core, share a genuine interest in the complexities of human nature. They are innately introspective and in tune with their thoughts and emotions, yet outgoing and approachable to learn more about others. Therefore, they are compassionate and non-judgmental, with a willingness to listen and offer support to those who need it. When individuals open up to them or require comfort, Mediators feel privileged to lend an ear and assist in any way possible.
INFP Characteristics
INFPs are introverted individuals, who tend to be reserved and quiet. The prospect of being in social situations may take a toll on their energy levels, and they prefer communicating with a selected group of close friends. However, being an introvert does not necessarily translate to being shy, as INFPs derive their energy from spending time alone. Intuition is a significant contribution to their decision-making abilities, and they tend to focus on the big picture rather than micromanage the details. Even so, they can be meticulous about things or projects that pique their interest while overlooking mundane tasks. Personal feelings are a crucial influence on the decision-making abilities of INFPs, and they are more influenced by these factors than by objective information. When making choices, they prefer to keep their options open and may delay the process to gauge possible changes before ultimately deciding based on personal values rather than logical reasoning.
INFPs Strenghts
Loyal and devoted
Sensitive to feelings
Caring and interested in others
Works well alone
Value close relationships
Good at seeing “the big picture”
INFPs Weaknesses
Can be overly idealistic
Tends to take everything personally
Difficult to get to know
Sometimes loses sight of the little things
Overlooks details
I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge. That myth is more potent than history. That dreams are more powerful than facts. That hope always triumphs over experience. That laughter is the only cure for grief. And I believe that love is stronger than death
INFP Cognitive functions
When we talk about individual personalities, we are actually talking about cognitive functions that are unique to every individual. These cognitive functions are sensing, thinking, feeling, and intuition, and each of these functions varies in terms of dominance. The way these functions are ordered hierarchically can play a significant role in how each person perceives and interacts with the world.
It is also worth noting that these functions can be either extraverted or introverted. The extraverted functions are the ones that are more focused on external factors, such as interacting with others and responding to the world around us. On the other hand, introverted functions are those that are primarily focused on internal processes like self-reflection and analysis.
The variation in these different cognitive functions and their focus allows for endless possibilities when it comes to understanding people and their unique personalities. By understanding these functions, we can gain better insight into ourselves and those around us, leading to greater understanding and more meaningful relationships.
Dominant: Introverted Feeling
INFPs, also known as “Mediators,” have a unique way of experiencing their emotions. Though their feelings are intense, these sensitive introverts often keep them internalized. They value their private space and reflection time, where they contemplate and process the many emotions they experience. Their deep sense of compassion and empathy towards others is driven by their insatiable curiosity for the world around them. Unfortunately, this often leads people to misunderstand them as distant or uninterested, which is simply not the case. As an INFP, it is important to find ways to express these powerful emotions, whether through writing, artistic expression, or sharing their thoughts with trusted friends and family. Understanding themselves and finding healthy ways to communicate their feelings can greatly enhance their relationships and lead to a more fulfilling life.
Auxiliary: Extraverted Intuition
The INFP personality type is a unique and special breed. They have a remarkable ability to explore situations in depth, using their imagination and ‘what if’ scenarios to test possible outcomes and ramifications. Unlike other personality types, INFPs do not jump to conclusions or make decisions flippantly. Rather, they carefully consider all options, taking into account both the positives and negatives before finally deciding on a course of action. Their inner lives are strong drivers of their thoughts and behaviours; they are deeply introspective and reflective individuals who strive to better understand themselves and their place in the world. When it comes to engaging with the outside world, INFPs rely heavily on their intuition, which allows them to make intuitive leaps and draw connections that others might miss. INFPs are natural big-picture thinkers, and they have a talent for identifying the things that will shape the course of the future. With their innate ability to see the potential for positive change in the world, INFPs are well-suited to be transformative leaders who can inspire and motivate others to make a real difference.
Tertiary: Introverted Sensing
As a personality type, INFPs tend to have an interesting way of processing and retaining information. Unlike some other types, INFPs have the ability to create extremely vivid memories of the events and experiences they encounter. These memories are stored in their minds, and they often revisit them time and again, replaying the incidents to analyze experiences in less stressful settings. The memories are usually associated with intense emotions, so recalling them can often feel like reliving the experience all over again. This unique way of processing information can sometimes be overwhelming for INFPs, but it is also a gift. In many cases, it allows them to truly understand and empathize with people on a deep level. Additionally, their ability to recall events with such clarity and emotion can make them excellent storytellers, bringing events to life in a way that others cannot.
Inferior: Extraverted Thinking
The INFP personality type is associated with a cognitive function that involves organizing and finding meaning in the world. This function is primarily unconscious but can come to the surface during times of pressure. When facing stress, an INFP may rely on objective, logical thinking instead of their typical emotional intuition. However, because INFPs tend to be more emotionally driven, they may struggle with feeling productive and efficient. Developing their extraverted thinking function can help INFPs find a better balance and improve their sense of productivity. Extraverted thinking refers to a way of thinking that is focused on logic and facts rather than intuition and emotion. By practising this type of thinking, INFPs can improve their ability to be productive and efficient in their daily lives.
INFP Personal Relationships
The INFP personality type is characterized by idealism and high expectations, especially in relationships. They may have an idealized vision of their perfect partner, which can be difficult for anyone to fulfil. Despite caring deeply about others, INFPs can be difficult to get to know due to their introverted nature. However, they do form close bonds with the few individuals they choose to let into their inner circle. Conflict is something that INFPs try to avoid, and during arguments, they may focus more on how it makes them feel rather than the details. Others may perceive INFPs as overly emotional or irrational during such times, but they can also be skilled at mediating conflicts and helping others express their feelings. While INFPs are reserved and private, they place great importance on the feelings and emotions of their loved ones and are very loyal to them. All in all, individuals with an INFP personality tend to focus their energy inwardly on intense feelings and strong values.
INFP Career Paths
INFPs are known for their ability to excel in careers that allow them to unleash their creativity and express their unique vision. Even though they work well with others, they tend to thrive in solitude and prefer to work alone. As a result of their creative and introspective nature, INFPs are often very artistic and spiritual, and they possess a natural talent for language and communication. Many INFPs choose to express their thoughts and emotions through writing rather than speaking.
Furthermore, INFPs are highly ethical individuals who are deeply passionate about advocating for and defending their beliefs. They possess an open mind and are genuinely interested in learning about others, and they are always willing to listen and consider various perspectives on a particular issue.
If you identify as an INFP and are searching for career opportunities that align with your personality type, there are various popular options to consider. These include working as an
- artist,
- counsellor,
- graphic designer,
- librarian,
- psychologist,
- physical therapist,
- social worker, or
- writer.
Tips for Interacting With INFPs
Friendships
It is said that those with an INFP personality type tend to have a smaller social circle. However, their friendships are often strong and resilient, lasting for many years. One of their greatest strengths is their ability to empathize with others, though they may struggle with expressing their own emotions to others. Despite their desire for a deeper emotional connection with those around them, socializing can prove to be quite challenging for INFPs. Nevertheless, the reward for those who take the time to get to know an INFP can be immeasurable. The key is to exercise patience and understanding in order to form an intimate and meaningful relationship with them. So, if you’re looking to get to know an INFP, allocate some time and effort – you might just be blown away by what they have to offer!
Parenting
Being a parent is one of the most challenging yet rewarding roles in life. For those who are INFP, they tend to show exceptional qualities in their parenting style. INFP parents are often perceived as supportive, warm, and caring. They possess the natural ability to establish clear boundaries for their children, helping them develop strong values and behaviours that will guide them through life. Their ultimate goal as parents is to help their children grow as individuals, appreciate all the wonders of the world and enjoy the beauty of life.
As the journey of parenthood can be a challenging one, INFP parents may face some difficulties in sharing their own emotions with their children, but they always strive towards creating harmony in the household. Despite the challenges, INFP parents are praised for their unique and empathetic parenting style, providing their children with a nurturing environment to grow and thrive.
Relationships
As with many personality types, INFPs can face some challenges when forming close bonds with potential romantic partners. This stems from their deep desire for genuine and authentic connections. Once they do form a relationship, they approach it with a strong sense of loyalty and devotion that can be hard to match. However, it is important to note that INFPs can sometimes hold overly romanticized views of relationships and may have unreasonably high expectations that may cause disappointment in their partners. Furthermore, they have a tendency to take comments to heart, and this may lead to misunderstandings and conflicts in relationships. If your partner is an INFP, it’s essential to respect their need for space and understand that they may struggle to open up at times. Be mindful of their sensitivity to criticism, and remember that they tend to prioritize the happiness of their partner over their own.
Interesting Facts about INFPs
- On personality trait measures, score as Artistic, Reflective, Careless, Sensitive, Flexible, and Appreciative
- Among the least likely of all types to suffer from heart disease
- In men, among those least likely to report chronic pain
- Second highest of all types to report marital dissatisfaction
- Among those most likely to have suicidal thoughts in college
- Tend to be more successful than the average in learning a foreign language
- Among the types most likely to be dissatisfied with their work
- Personal values include Autonomy and Creativity
- Overrepresented in occupations in counselling, writing, and the arts
How rare is the INFP personality type?
INFPs make up:
- 6.3% of the general population
- 7.6% of women
- 4.9% of men
INFP Famous Persons
Famous INFPs include:
- Audrey Hepburn
- Winona Ryder
- Alicia Keys
- John Lennon
- Kim Tae-hyung (V)
- Kurt Cobain
- Keanu Reeves
- Tori Amos
- Morrissey
- Chloe Sevigny
- William Shakespeare
- Bill Watterson
- A.A. Milne
- Helen Keller
- Carl Rogers
- Isabel Briggs Myers (creator of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator)
INFP Book Recommendations
Here is a collection of the best books and other items on the market for the INFP personality type:
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Your Thoughts about the INFP Personality Type
It’s highly recommended that you jot down any ideas or reflections that come to mind regarding the INFP personality type, including related behaviours, emotions, situations, or other associations you may make. This way, you can refer back to them on your Dashboard or Reflect pop-ups, compare them with your current behaviours, and make any necessary adjustments to keep evolving. Learn more about this feature and how it can benefit you.
