Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsKey CharacteristicsCognitive FunctionsPersonal RelationshipsCareer PathsInteraction TipsNext in Myers-Briggs Type Indicator GuideINFP: Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Key Characteristics
Cognitive Functions
Personal Relationships
Career Paths
Interaction Tips
Next in Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Guide
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Perhaps that’s because INFJ is the rarest MBTI personality type, making up only 1% to 3% of the U.S. population.Or maybe it’s because they’re walking, talking contradictions. INFJs are easy-going perfectionists. They’re both logical and emotional, creative and analytical.
Learn more about what it means to be an INFJ personality type below.
INFJ-A vs. INFJ-TAn INFJ-A is referred to as an “Assertive Advocate” and often displays confidence with a relaxed demeanor. An INFJ-T is known as a “Turbulent Advocate” and tends to be less confident and more easily stressed.
INFJ-A vs. INFJ-T
An INFJ-A is referred to as an “Assertive Advocate” and often displays confidence with a relaxed demeanor. An INFJ-T is known as a “Turbulent Advocate” and tends to be less confident and more easily stressed.
Key Characteristics of INFJ
Verywell / JR Bee
If you are an INFJ, it means that you are likely to have certain characteristics. These characteristics can include:
StrengthsSensitive to the needs of othersReservedHighly creative and artisticFocused on the futureValues close, deep relationshipsEnjoys thinking about the meaning of lifeIdealisticWeaknessesCan be overly sensitiveSometimes difficult to get to knowCan have overly high expectationsStubbornDislikes confrontation
StrengthsSensitive to the needs of othersReservedHighly creative and artisticFocused on the futureValues close, deep relationshipsEnjoys thinking about the meaning of lifeIdealistic
Sensitive to the needs of others
Reserved
Highly creative and artistic
Focused on the future
Values close, deep relationships
Enjoys thinking about the meaning of life
Idealistic
WeaknessesCan be overly sensitiveSometimes difficult to get to knowCan have overly high expectationsStubbornDislikes confrontation
Can be overly sensitive
Sometimes difficult to get to know
Can have overly high expectations
Stubborn
Dislikes confrontation
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1:49
Click Play to Learn More About the INFJ Personality Type
Are You an Introvert or Extrovert?
Cognitive Functions of an INFJ
While the MBTI is extremely popular, it has also been the source of considerable criticism due in part to its poorvalidityandreliability.If you do take the MBTI, use caution when considering the meaning of your results.
Dominant: Introverted Intuition
People with an INFJ personality type are dominant in introverted intuition. This means:
Auxiliary: Extraverted Feeling
The auxiliary function for an INFJ is extraverted feeling. This means:
Tertiary: Introverted Thinking
The tertiary function for INFJs is introverted thinking. This means:
Inferior: Extraverted Sensing
The inferior function for an INFJ is extraverted sensing. This means:
INFJs You Might KnowSome famous people who are considered to be INFJs include:Oprah Winfrey, television personalityMartin Luther King, Jr., civil rights leaderAtticus Finch, character in Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird"Carl Jung, psychoanalystTaylor Swift, musician
INFJs You Might Know
Some famous people who are considered to be INFJs include:Oprah Winfrey, television personalityMartin Luther King, Jr., civil rights leaderAtticus Finch, character in Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird"Carl Jung, psychoanalystTaylor Swift, musician
Some famous people who are considered to be INFJs include:
Personal Relationships With INFJs
INFJs also have a talent for language and are usually quite good at expressing themselves. They have a vivid inner life but are often hesitant to share this with others, except for those closest to them. While they are quiet and sensitive, INFJs can also begood leaders. Even when they don’t take on overt leadership roles, they often act as quiet influencers behind the scenes.
INFJs are interested in helping others and making the world a better place. They tend to be excellent listeners and are good at interacting with people which whom they are emotionally close and connected. While they care deeply about others, INFJs tend to be introverted and only willing to share their “true selves” with a select few. After being in social situations, INFJs need time to themselves to “recharge.”
INFJ CompatibilityMTBI personality types most compatible with INFJ areENTPandENFP. Personality types least compatible with an INFJ areISTPandESTP.
INFJ Compatibility
MTBI personality types most compatible with INFJ areENTPandENFP. Personality types least compatible with an INFJ areISTPandESTP.
Career Paths for INFJs
INFJs do well in careers where they can express their creativity. Because people with INFJ personalities have such deeply held convictions and values, they do particularly well in jobs that support these principles. INFJs often do best in careers that mix their need for creativity with their desire to make meaningful changes in the world.
INFJs are usually high achievers and excel in academics and the workplace. They can beperfectionistsat times and put a great deal of effort into their work. Co-workers tend to feel that INFJs are hardworking, positive, and easy to get along with. Because they are introverted, however, they may find that they need to retreat at times to recharge.
In managerial roles, INFJs can sometimes struggle to exert authority. They tend to lead with sensitivity and are good at helping subordinates feel appreciated in the workplace. Jobs that require a great deal of routine or adherence to strict rules can be difficult for INFJs.
Popular INFJ CareersArtistActorEntrepreneurReligious workerMusicianLibrarianCounselorPsychologistWriterTeacherPhotographer
Popular INFJ Careers
ArtistActorEntrepreneurReligious workerMusicianLibrarianCounselorPsychologistWriterTeacherPhotographer
Tips for Interacting With INFJs
If someone in your life is an INFJ, here are some tips for interacting with them based on the relationship you have.
Friendships
Because they are reserved and private, INFJs can be difficult to get to know. They place a high value on close, deeprelationshipsand can be hurt easily—although they often hide these feelings from others. Interacting with an INFJ friend involves understanding and supporting their need to retreat and recharge.
Parenting
Because INFJs are so skilled at understanding feelings, they tend to be very close and connected to their children. They have high standards and can have very high behavioral expectations.
INFJs are concerned withraising childrenthat are kind, caring, and compassionate. They encourage their children to pursue their interests and talents so they can fully realize their individual potential.
Relationships
INFJs have an innate ability to understand other people’s feelings and enjoy being in close,intimate relationships. They tend to flourish best in romantic relationships with people who share their core values.
As a partner, it is important to provide the support and emotional intimacy that an INFJ craves. Sincerity, honesty, and authenticity are all traits that the INFJ appreciates in their partner.
2 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Center for Applications of Psychological Type.Estimated frequencies of the types in the United States population.Capraro RM, Capraro MM.Myers-Briggs Type Indicator score reliability across studies: A meta-analytic reliability generalization study.Educ Psychol Meas. 2002;62(4):590-602. doi:10.1177/0013164402062004004Additional ReadingReynierse, JH. The case against type dynamics. Journal of Psychological Type. 2009;69(1):1-20.The Myers & Briggs Foundation.The 16 MBTI Types.Myers, I. B. (1998). Introduction to Type: A Guide to Understanding Your Results on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. Mountain View, CA: CPP, Inc.
2 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Center for Applications of Psychological Type.Estimated frequencies of the types in the United States population.Capraro RM, Capraro MM.Myers-Briggs Type Indicator score reliability across studies: A meta-analytic reliability generalization study.Educ Psychol Meas. 2002;62(4):590-602. doi:10.1177/0013164402062004004Additional ReadingReynierse, JH. The case against type dynamics. Journal of Psychological Type. 2009;69(1):1-20.The Myers & Briggs Foundation.The 16 MBTI Types.Myers, I. B. (1998). Introduction to Type: A Guide to Understanding Your Results on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. Mountain View, CA: CPP, Inc.
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Center for Applications of Psychological Type.Estimated frequencies of the types in the United States population.Capraro RM, Capraro MM.Myers-Briggs Type Indicator score reliability across studies: A meta-analytic reliability generalization study.Educ Psychol Meas. 2002;62(4):590-602. doi:10.1177/0013164402062004004
Center for Applications of Psychological Type.Estimated frequencies of the types in the United States population.
Capraro RM, Capraro MM.Myers-Briggs Type Indicator score reliability across studies: A meta-analytic reliability generalization study.Educ Psychol Meas. 2002;62(4):590-602. doi:10.1177/0013164402062004004
Reynierse, JH. The case against type dynamics. Journal of Psychological Type. 2009;69(1):1-20.The Myers & Briggs Foundation.The 16 MBTI Types.Myers, I. B. (1998). Introduction to Type: A Guide to Understanding Your Results on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. Mountain View, CA: CPP, Inc.
Reynierse, JH. The case against type dynamics. Journal of Psychological Type. 2009;69(1):1-20.
The Myers & Briggs Foundation.The 16 MBTI Types.
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