INFJ

INFJs are insightful, creative, compassionate, and dedicated. INFJs have a unique ability to understand the emotions of those around them, and enjoy using this emotional sensitivity to create warm and supportive environments for growth. INFJs excel at recognizing the possibilities for personal development in others, and often have a plan for how others can achieve their goals.

Deeply intuitive, INFJs process ideas and information internally, always working to improve their understanding of people and relationships. They often have a talent for recognizing patterns and hidden meanings in the people and world around them, and often have learned to trust their insights. INFJs typically only share their innermost thoughts with those they trust, and may appear reserved or mysterious to others.

INFJs have strong personal values and typically have a vision for how to bring out the best in their selves, those they care about, and often humanity itself. They are excited about the future and possibilities, and enjoy using their organizational skills and imagination to create plans to achieve their grand visions. Once they have fully considered a situation, INFJs often act decisively, and are committed to accomplishing a task or fulfilling their responsibilities. Typically, INFJs lead with a quiet persuasion, inspiring others to follow them by their example and with their faith in their vision. At times, however, an INFJ can become pushy or controlling in their drive to guide others along the path they have chosen.

Loyal friends, INFJs value authentic relationships, often sensing insincerity and duplicity. INFJs take time to appreciate others, offering positive feedback and making sure everyone’s needs have been considered. Although INFJs are often more focused on the needs of others, and may neglect their own, they do not hesitate to speak up if they feel their personal values are being disregarded.

INFJ Type Dynamics

The core of the INFJ personality type [4] is Introverted Intuition. This dominant function guides the way Counselors make sense of things and explore information in their own minds. Using Intoverted Intuition, the INFJ contemplates connections and creates meaning. The reflect on their interpretation of patterns and possibilities to develop insight and understanding.

The auxiliary function for INFJs is Extraverted Feeling. This mental function supports their dominant Introverted Intuition to help them evaluate information and options in the world around them. When using Extraverted Feeling, the Counselor works to align the external world with their values. They focus on the needs of other people to support them in realizing their potential.

The tertiary Thinking function is less developed for most INFJs, especially early in life. When this function is not well developed, INFJs may have trouble using objective logic in decision-making.

The inferior function for INFJs, or that function which is least likely to be conscious and well developed, is Extraverted Sensing. When this function is not developed, the Counselor may favor imagination and idealism to a fault, and neglect the realities of the world around them.

INFJ in the Population

INFJ is the rarest type in the population. It is the least common type among men, and the third least common among women (after INTJ [5] and ENTJ [6]). INFJs make up:

2% of the general population
2% of women
1% of men

Popular Hobbies

Popular hobbies for the INFJ include writing, art appreciation, cultural events, reading, socializing in small, intimate settings, and playing or listening to music.

Famous INFJs

Famous INFJs [4] include Mohandas Gandhi, Eleanor Roosevelt, Emily Bronte, Carl Jung, Fyodor Dostoevsky, Florence Nightingale, Shirley MacLaine, and Jimmy Carter.

For more information: Famous INFJs [7]

Research on INFJ

Interesting facts about the INFJ [4]:

Least common type in the population
On personality trait scales, scored as Sincere, Sympathetic, Unassuming, Submissive, Easygoing, Reserved and Patient
Among highest of all types in college GPA
Among most likely to stay in college
Most likely of all types to cope with stress by seeing a therapist
Highest of all types in marital dissatisfaction
Personal values include Spirituality, Learning, and Community Service
Commonly found in careers in religion, counseling, teaching, and the arts

Work & Careers

INFJ at Work

At work, the INFJ is focused on the task of bettering the human condition. INFJ [4]s are dedicated, helpful, and principled workers who can be relied on to envision, plan, and carry out complex projects for humanitarian causes.

Although they are typically driven by lofty ideals, Counselors gain the most satisfaction from their work when they can turn their ideas into reality, creating constructive change for other people.

INFJs are typically organized and prefer work that allows them to complete projects in an orderly manner. They are often independent and tend to prefer a quiet environment that allows them the opportunity to fully develop their own thoughts and ideas.

The ideal work environment for an INFJ [4] is harmonious, industrious, and oriented to a humanitarian mission, with co-workers who are similarly committed to positive change. The ideal job for a Counselor allows them to use their creativity in an independent, organized environment to develop and implement a vision that is consistent with their personal values.

Popular Careers for the INFJ

Top careers for the INFJ [4] include:

Relationships

INFJ Communication Style

INFJs are reserved about communication, and often keep their most treasured ideas and insights private. They are oriented to values and connection, and will search for meaning in the information they take in. They think deeply and often need time to process and evaluate before they are ready to share their ideas. They seek validation and will take the time to appreciate others and their ideas. They are often talented at making connections to bring people together and integrate ideas, values, and human potential.

INFJs as Partners

In relationships, the INFJ [4] is supportive and guided by a sense of integrity. The INFJ's interest in human development applies to their mates as well, and they are encouraging of their partner's dreams, aspirations, and achievements.

INFJs want to maintain harmony in their relationships and are highly motivated to resolve conflicts. They tend to be creative problem-solvers and look for the emotional core of an issue to create a meeting of the minds. Although they desire cooperation, they are not willing to go along with an idea that does not feel authentic to them. When it comes to their core values and ethics, they are unwilling to compromise.

INFJs want a high degree of intimacy and emotional engagement, and are happiest when they feel they are sharing their innermost thoughts and feelings with their mates. INFJ [4]s value a partner who respects their deeply held values and ethics, and one who appreciates their creativity and inspiration.

INFJs as Parents

As parents, INFJs are devoted and loving. They tend to form strong bonds with their children and are very closely tuned in to their emotional states. Counselor parents naturally see the possibilities in their children and encourage them to develop their potential.

Although they support their children in their individual interests, INFJ parents are firm disciplinarians, particularly when it comes to moral or ethical concerns. They are concerned with their children's emotional health and spiritual development, and want to create a nurturing atmosphere that promotes growth and well-being.

For more information: Please Understand Me II [22]

Dynamics

INFJ Under Stress

INFJs often become stressed when working with large amounts of detailed information. Detail-oriented activities such as paying bills or preparing tax returns often bring on a stress response in INFJs. They also need plenty of private time and space to reflect and process thoughts. Being constantly surrounded by people, especially those they don’t connect with, can cause the Counselor stress. INFJs may also be stressed by situations that restrict their creativity. They want to have freedom to express their vision, and being limited by rigid structure often brings stress.

A stress response in the INFJ often manifests as an uncomfortable focus on the external environment. Because the INFJ’s inferior function is Sensing, they are unaccustomed to attending to the details in the world around them. When their focus turns to external sensory experience, this attention often feels stressful and frightening. The INFJ may worry that the physical environment will fail them: that belongings will break or go missing, or that resources will be inadequate. They may obsessively organize in an attempt to control their environments. Stress can also show itself through a tendency to overindulge in sensual pleasures: eating, drinking, or watching television.

For more information: Was That Really Me? [23]

To read more about the INFJ, visit the INFJ page at Truity.com [24].