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INFJ Meaning
INFJ recharge through solitude (Introversion), gravitate towards conceptual thinking and future possibilities rather than concrete facts (Intuition), make decisions based on personal values and emotional implications rather than impersonal analysis (Feeling), and favor structured environments and planned outcomes over spontaneity (Judging).
People with this personality type are serious, logical, and hardworking.
They are also compassionate, conscientious, and reserved. They value close, deep connections and are sensitive to the needs of others, but also need time and space alone to recharge.
INFJs are sometimes referred to as “the Advocate,” “the Counselor,” or “the Idealist.”
INFJ is the rarest personality type. It is the least common type among men, and the third least common among women (after INTJ and ENTJ). INFJs make up:
Famous INFJs include Mohandas Gandhi, Oprah Winfrey, Eleanor Roosevelt, Jimmy Carter, Martin Luther King Jr., and Taylor Swift.
StrengthsWeaknessesSincereSensitiveEasygoingDifficult to get to knowPracticalConflict averseCompassionatePerfectionistic
Key INFJ Characteristics
INFJs are considerate
INJFs are idealists
INFJs are conscientious
INFJs are private individuals
Cognitive Functions of an INFJ
The MBTI suggests that the four different cognitive functions (thinking, feeling, intuition, and sensing) form a hierarchy where each function is either directed outwardly (extroverted) or inwardly (introverted). The order of these functions determines one’s personality.
The dominant function is the primary aspect of personality, while the auxiliary and tertiary functions play supportive roles.
Dominant: Introverted IntuitionINFJs greatly depend on their own intuition. They can be single-minded in their focus and will firmly stick to their instincts.Auxiliary: Extraverted FeelingINFJs are considerate and selfless, constantly seeking to fulfill the wants and needs of others.They sometimes struggle to say no to others, placing their own emotions and needs on the back burner.Tertiary: Introverted ThinkingINFJs are rational and insightful.They make decisions based on their own introspective ideas and theories and only rely on emotions when making decisions under stressful conditions.Inferior: Extraverted SensingThis is a less developed and largely unconscious aspect of the INFJ personality.However, this aspect of their personality helps INFJs to live in the present moment and remain aware of their surroundings.
Dominant: Introverted Intuition
Auxiliary: Extraverted Feeling
Tertiary: Introverted Thinking
Inferior: Extraverted Sensing
INFJ Hobbies, Interests, and Careers
INFJs appreciate work that is focused on humanitarian causes and improving the lives of others. They gain satisfaction from work that creates constructive and meaningful change in the world.
They do well in careers where they can use their creativity to implement visions that are consistent with their personal values.
Often, INFJs are found working in health care, religion, counseling, or teaching. They appreciate careers that enable them to problem solve, specifically the problems of other people.
Because INFJs have a deep care for the welfare of others and a high degree of intuition about people, they make talented psychologists, social workers, spiritual leaders, and teachers.
In their free time, INFJs enjoy writing, reading, art, socializing in small, intimate settings, and playing or listening to music. Their personal values include spirituality, learning, and community service.
INFJ Work Environments
INFJs are organized individuals who prefer harmonious, quiet settings. They like to work independently so they can implement their own visions or with co-workers who are similarly committed to positive change. They thrive in environments that promote fairness, equality, and unity.
They are best suited for organizations that value hard work, attention to detail, and adherence to rules. Although introverted, INFJs appreciate a team-focused environment where everyone is viewed on an equal playing field. They struggle in noisy, fast-paced settings where there is ambiguity or lack of structure.
Because they try to accommodate all points of view, INFJs may have trouble in competitive environments. INFJs value harmony, so they avoid workplaces that do not value the efforts of their people.
INFJ Personal Relationships
INFJs tend to develop the closest and most genuine relationships with those who share similar core values. They seek out deeper meanings in all areas of their lives, including relationships. INFJs crave deep connections and rarely will settle for superficial relationships.
People with this personality type sometimes feel misunderstood so they tend to only open up to those who make them feel understood, supported, and accepted for who they are.
They are excellent listeners and make loyal, caring, and devoted friends and partners.
Tips for Interacting With INFJs
Relationships
INJFs are reserved and private, so they can be difficult to get to know at first. However, they are more likely to be vulnerable with you if you take the time to understand their perspectives and appreciate their values.
They tend to form the closest romantic relationships with people who share their core beliefs and respect their deeply held morals.
Friendships
INFJs often need time to process and evaluate before they are ready to open up, so patience and authenticity are critical when befriending an INFJ.
INFJs also seek validation, so as a friend or partner, it is important to provide them with the support and intimacy that they crave and acknowledge their strengths and creativity. It is also important to be understanding and supporting of their need to retreat and recharge as INFJs areintrovertedat heart.
Parenting
INFJs are deeply devoted to their role as a parent. They tend to form strong and connected bonds with their children and are very skilled at understanding their children’s emotional states.
INFJs are willing to do essentially whatever it takes to better their children’s lives and want to create an atmosphere that is nurturing and loving.
They do have high expectations and can be firm disciplinarians when it comes to moral and ethical concerns. They want to raise their children to be compassionate, independent, and honorable.
Test
Answer these questions to find out if INFJ might be your personality type:
If you answer “yes” to most of these questions, you may have INFJ personality traits. However, remember that personality is complex, and a professional assessment would be needed for a definitive personality type determination.
Sources
King, S. P., & Mason, B. A. (2020). Myers‐Briggs Type Indicator. The Wiley Encyclopedia of Personality and Individual Differences: Measurement and Assessment, 315-319.
Myers, I. B. (1962). The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator: Manual (1962).
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. (2019, May 28). New World Encyclopedia, . Retrieved from https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/p/index.php?title=Myers-Briggs_Type_Indicator&oldid=1020015.
Myers, Isabel B.; Myers, Peter B. (1995) [1980]. Gifts Differing: Understanding Personality Type. Mountain View, CA: Davies-Black Publishing. ISBN 978-0-89106-074-1.
Pittenger, D. J. (2005).Cautionary Comments Regarding the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. Consulting Psychology Journal: Practice and Research, 57(3), 210-221.
The purpose of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator®. The Myers & Briggs Foundation: MBTI Basics. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/mbti-basics/
advocate personality
Saul McLeod, PhD
BSc (Hons) Psychology, MRes, PhD, University of Manchester
Saul McLeod, PhD., is a qualified psychology teacher with over 18 years of experience in further and higher education. He has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Clinical Psychology.
Olivia Guy-Evans, MSc
BSc (Hons) Psychology, MSc Psychology of Education
Olivia Guy-Evans is a writer and associate editor for Simply Psychology. She has previously worked in healthcare and educational sectors.
Julia Simkus
BA (Hons) Psychology, Princeton University
Julia Simkus is a graduate of Princeton University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She is currently studying for a Master’s Degree in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness in September 2023. Julia’s research has been published in peer reviewed journals.
