INFP: The Healer

INFPs make up 4.5% of the US population.

INFPs are creative idealists, guided by their own core values and beliefs. To an INFP, values are paramount; they show little concern for mundane practicality and social conformity, and are guided by their own idealism and sense of what is right. Typically unconventional, INFPs often develop an offbeat personal style and enjoy expressing themselves with creative pursuits like writing or art. INFPs want work that they find personally meaningful; although they are not often ambitious, they can become quite involved in projects that they believe in. INFPs are sensitive, caring and compassionate. They are deeply concerned with the personal growth of themselves and others. However, they can sometimes seem aloof; they tend to be independent, soft-spoken, and reserved, and prefer relationships where they feel a real connection. INFPs are typically flexible and accommodating, but will react strongly if they feel their values are being violated.

Popular hobbies for INFPs include poetry, creative writing, music, photography, theater, and visual art.

At work, the INFP is not particularly motivated by money or status, preferring work that aligns with their personal values and drive to help others. An ideal job for an INFP allows them to express their individuality, be creative, and work towards a socially positive goal. They enjoy working autonomously and having control over how and when to complete a project. An ideal work environment for an INFP is cooperative, supportive, and flexible.

In leadership positions, INFPs are passionate about their ideals and motivate others through encouragement and positive vision. They are supportive and creative leaders and can most effectively lead small, cooperative teams of people that are similarly motivated to achieve a positive mission. Because of their flexible nature and strong desire for harmony, they may avoid conflict and delay making difficult decisions.

Popular careers for INFP types include:

artist writer graphic designer musician architect interior designer

counselor psychologist special education teacher public health educator librarian social science researcher

massage therapist religious worker alternative medicine practitioner physical therapist corporate trainer human resources recruiter

In relationships, the INFP is nurturing, empathic, and loyal. INFPs select their friends and lovers carefully, looking for a strong bond and congruent values. They tend to be open-minded and accepting of others’ behavior and preferences, so long as their core values are not violated. They are self-aware and often spiritual. Close and harmonious relationships are important to INFPs, although they also need a lot of independent time to think and reflect. They can be very sensitive, but often keep negative reactions to themselves because they are reluctant to engage in confrontation. INFPs value a partner who is committed, supportive, patient, and loving.

Good matches for an INFP include other Intuitive Feeling types (INFP, ENFP, INFJ, ENFJ) as well as Intuitive Thinking types (INTP, ENTP, INTJ, ENTJ). INFPs are attracted to other Intuitive types because of their similarly creative and unconventional thinking, and INFPs paired with other NFs have one of the highest rates of relationship satisfaction of all possible type combinations. INFPs have low satisfaction in relationships with Sensing, Thinking, Judging types (ISTJ and ESTJ), where they often feel stifled and controlled.

As parents, INFPs are caring, supportive, and adaptable. They rarely establish a strict or structured household, preferring instead to address problems and situations as they arise. They often allow their children a lot of latitude and influence in making decisions, and may leave the creation and enforcement of household rules up to another parent. Children of INFPs often find that they have the freedom to express themselves and make their own decisions—until they violate their INFP parent’s values. When values are in question, the INFP parent becomes firm and inflexible.

Famous INFPs include Isabel Myers (creator of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator), St. John the disciple, Carl Rogers, Princess Diana, George Orwell, Audrey Hepburn, Fred Rogers, A.A. Milne, Helen Keller, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Julia Roberts, and William Shakespeare.

Interesting facts about the INFP:

• On personality trait measures, score as Artistic, Reflective, Careless, Sensitive, Flexible, and Appreciative
• Among least likely to suffer heart disease
• In men, among least likely to report chronic pain
• Second highest of all types to report marital dissatisfaction
• Among most likely to have suicidal thoughts in college
• Tend to be more successful than the average in learning a foreign language
• Among types most likely to be dissatisfied with their work
• Personal values include Autonomy and Creativity
• Overrepresented in occupations in counseling, writing, and the arts

Recommended resources:
Famous INFP People

Sources:
MBTI Manual, Third Edition, Briggs Myers et. al.
Introduction to Type and Careers, Hammer
Just Your Type, Tieger and Barron-Tieger
Please Understand Me II, David Keirsey
Do What You Are, Tieger and Barron-Tieger
Quick Guide to the 16 Personality Types in Organizations, Berens et. al.

©2007 by Molly Owens.