Value In Every Process

Acting from your best self & relating to others through cognitive function theory.

[infj-mbti]

the types in one word

It’s extremely difficult to encapsulate all of a type (or even all of a function) in one word, so this is more the first word that comes to mind when I think of each type

ISTJ: duty

ISFJ: care

INFJ: vision

INTJ: focus

ISTP: individuality

ISFP: beauty

INFP: creativity

INTP: knowledge

ESTP: action

ESFP: fun

ENFP: possibilities

ENTP: ideas

ESTJ: organize

ESFJ: friendship

ENFJ: harmony

ENTJ: improve

[funkymbtifiction]

The Effect of Emotional Abuse on Each Type: INFP

SUBMITTED by hannah-elizabeth-j

^^^^^^^^^ My work is done.

Oh, like a real analysis/description? Okay then.

I’ve seen a few posts/requests on here about the effects of emotional abuse and the affect that it has on each Myers Briggs type so, as someone who works with a lot of domestic abuse victims I thought that I’d give my two cents worth. I wanted them to be quite detailed to give people a fair amount of information so this will be the general format; a general description of what it will look like, how this differs from similar types (ie. the ENFJ compared to the INFJ and ESFJ) and a character in fiction who acts similar to this (may not be for the same reason and I might not get one for each type but I’ll try).

INFP

There will be some variation depending on when the abuse took place in their life but there are somethings that will remain the same.

Ever want to see an INFP that defies every stereotype in the book?

From my experience an INFP who has come from an abusive home will contradict pretty much every stereotype there is.

Chances are while they are in an abusive situation these are some of the last people that you would ever see crying or really showing any form of emotion. Until they get out, there will be no torched art work taking place, no heart-breaking poems and no idealism.

Here’s the thing, as far as I’m concerned you can’t really give abusive people a Myers Briggs type.  In fiction, sure it’s easy but as far as real life goes, it doesn’t work because they all end up as ENTJ’s or ESTJ’s and that simply can’t be true.

But I digress, the point of me saying that was that the profile of an abuser is the polar opposite of an INFP profile (this isn’t me saying that all INFP’s are wonderful people because that’s impossible) the point is that an abuser will make an INFP suppress every part of themselves more than with any other type that I’ve come across.

An abusive person doesn’t want you to have a moral code, independent emotions or for there to be any level of removal from a reality that they can control. The result of this is that the INFP can’t use their dominant or auxiliary functions and stay safe at the same time.

But, since is still their type what you will see when an INFP is in an abusive situation is a person who just seems, for want of a better word, empty. The INFP will have suppressed their most natural selves because the truth is you can talk my ear off all about Fi having its own value system that is totally independent and this is what they will act on but, this changes if you are manipulated and never know one day to the next if you are going to be safe.

Its highly unlikely that they will have any of the usual INFP traits of having personal interests or hobbies or anything that would fuel their Fi or Ne, they will simply be surviving, just getting though the day with nothing extra, you may see an excessive amount of reading or TV watching. Anything in short that means they can be their natural selves without anyone noticing.

So in this stage, they would be pretty impossible people to type.

After this person had left their lives say hello to the inferior Te grip. This will just be made worse by the fact that control is something they have never had(and if the abuser was a parent) or hadn’t had  for  a long period of time.

Suddenly it is ‘my way or the high way.’ They will want to have a say in everything, no one will be able to tell them what to do, how to do it or when to do it. I’ve seen a studious INFP friend of mine get in a lot of trouble when she was in this situation because she refused  to work at school or do her homework. Did she really have an issue with school? No, she liked it. But they were telling her what to do and when to do it by and she wasn’t having any of it. She had a strong element of enneagram 8(tri-type) in  she was more confrontational than most would be. Many would just passively refuse to do things because they will not be told what to do anymore.

When this phase of over, its pretty much just all tears and trying to revaluate everything. They finally have the freedom to be who they are but at this point they have no bloody clue who that is. And I don’t mean in a sense of ‘I’m in my 20’s and an trying to find  myself’ sort of way. They have never been able to be who they are so from what I’ve seen they tend to go back and forth between emotional extremes for a few months. Sudden flashes of anger, then idealism and wanting peace. Then they just want to cry all the time, then it is their sole mission to be happy.

If this is you or someone in your life, its hard and I understand but the honest truth is (as long as it’s not something that has been going on for years) all that is really needed here is time. It will mellow itself out.

Just like with the other types, years later they will likely appear to be a lot better and they often will be.

But in those cases when it is a different story in their heads you will often see cases of people who are disconnected to the people around them. They could at a party full of people having fun feel no sort of sense that this is their reality.

INFP vs. ISFP

The ISFP is far more likely to indulge in things like over or under eating, drinking, sex ect. as a method of distraction

The INFP will be more liable to appearing detached from situations than an ISFP, despite what they may be feeling, an ISFP will appear to be more grounded in reality and engage with people due to Se

Si is far more likely to focus/replay the details of what happened Ni will reply the general experience not the specific events

INFP vs. ENFP

Look at the grip, you will get in the grip 9/10 when you leave an abusive situation the way these types act in grips is very different

From what I’ve seen when they are at the stage of accepting and moving on from the abusive situation, an ENFP will likely deflect with humor on the situation, I am yet to see an INFP do this

ENFP’s  will be see to try and distract themselves from an abusive home by an extravagant social life.

Finally, you can’t find a better example than Credence Barebone (Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them) for an INFP being an abusive situation. And I apologize but I couldn’t think of an example of what one may look like years after. If you can think of any please mention it.

This for the other types will be coming soon. If there are any further questions I’d be happy to answer(send them to me not this blog).

[naughty-nanny]

Personality Distribution Statistics

While reading through Dario Nardi’s “Neuroscience of Personality” (thanks to my beloved INFP) I noticed that he does not use the commonly accepted (and admittedly outdated) distribution numbers. Here are the types prevalence according to Nardi;

13% ESTP 13% ESFP 5% ISTJ 5% ISFJ 3% ENTP 5% ENFP 1% INTJ 1% INFJ 18% ESTJ 3% ENTJ 4% ISTP 1% INTP 18% ESFJ 5% ENFJ 4% ISFP 1% INFP

[personality-studies]

Enneagram Type’s Childhood

Enneatype 1

Children with the One pattern try hard to be good. They have an unconscious feeling of needing to justify their existence. They became their own disciplinarians and often the discipliner of other siblings.

One or all authority figures are either inadequate, not present, or too demanding and punitive. When the parent is not present, they decide to make their own rules and moral code. When the parent is too punitive, they internalize these rules.

They feel deep guilt, intrinsic inner flaw, and try to cover it up with an identity of being good and responsible. They can perceive others as having less integrity, being lazy and messy.

Enneatype 2

Children with the Two pattern learn to put other’s needs first - to give in order to receive - and that love must be earned. They try to read the needs in the family and see how they could fulfill them.

They often learn to please the opposite sex parent and this becomes a special relationship, which causes a difficult relationship with the same sex parent. It also leads to a triangulation, which is often carried out in adulthood.

Enneatype 3

Children with the Three pattern do not feel valued for themselves. They get praise for what they do and become productive to get this praise.

They often unconsciously adapt themselves to become what the nurturer wants them to be. They often pursue a career that may make their nurturer proud of them.

They have a deep feeling of shallowness and deceit, their insides do not match the image they have created.

Enneatype 4

Children with the Four pattern feel different than their parents. They believe they are not seen by their parents.

There is the feeling that they were kicked out of the nest because there is something tragically wrong with them. Often there is some event that changes the family structure and stands out as the event that changed everything.

Some remember a time when everything was wonderful and a moment when they were rejected for no apparent reason. They spend their childhood trying to regain love by being special.

Enneatype 5

Children with the Five pattern feel unsafe in their families. They experience their families as intrusive and overwhelming. There is no privacy, no where to hide except in their minds.

They experience the emotional needs and expression of their parents as invasive. Some create an inner fantasy world.

Enneatype 6

Children with the Six pattern experience their parents as inadequate and unable to protect or care for them well. Early in childhood they feel safe, as they get older something happens that makes them perceive their parents as inadequate.

Usually this occurs during the phase of separating when they need a strong parental figure to show them what is and isn’t safe about the world. At this time they experience parent(s) as inadequate - absent, unavailable, weak, etc.

Enneatype 7

Children with the Seven pattern feel cut off from the nurturer, causing frustration and anxiety. They feel there was not enough love for them in the family.

Sometimes there is someone needier who requires more attention. Sometimes the nurturer is distracted by emotional pain to give to all the children.

Their role is to be positive, not need much, and help everyone be happier, particularly the nurturer. As adults they often have a close bond with their mothers.

Enneatype 8

Children with the Eight pattern grow up quickly for a variety of reasons. There is violence in the family or around the family. The protector is missing and they must protect and provide for the family at a young age.

They survive in bad neighborhoods - survival issues are important. It is not safe to be gentle or giving, that seems weak and soft. They feel rejected/betrayed and learn to be tough.

Enneatype 9

Children with the Nine pattern feel overwhelmed by their families. They try to disappear and/or make peace. They dissociate from drama by becoming invisible or mediating.

They are very low maintenance. They learn that having needs, getting angry, or having difficulties is not acceptable. They lose energy and become listless.

[understandingsocionics-deactiva]

Intertemperament Dynamics

How temperaments respond to Ej criticism

critical Ej: start an argument competent Ij: become more competent lazy Ip: drag feet and feel terrible (but not terrible enough to do anything about it) volatile Ep: pretend they didn’t hear, tell the Ej to “shaddup,” pull the Ej’s pants down, or go buy candy

How temperaments respond to Ep volatility

critical Ej: start an argument competent Ij: *earplugs* lazy Ip: absorb all the aftershocks of Ep activity, directing their boundless energy towards something worthwhile volatile Ep: wonder why everything around them is broken, then shrug and decide it must’ve been like that to begin with

How temperaments respond to Ip laziness

critical Ej: wring hands and start pacing competent Ij: death glare while picking up slack themselves lazy Ip: get frustrated, wear themselves out feeling hypocritical, then take a nap volatile Ep: take the opportunity to irritate Ip incessantly, eventually coaxing them into action

How temperaments respond to Ij competence

Ej: rejoice and blow steam out their ears Ij: *silent appreciation* Ip: *grudging appreciation* Ep: “Did you just say something?”

[intp-ness-blog]

Compatibility In Socionics (Duality) - Determining The “Ideal Partner”

I initially typed “combatibility” oops

1) It´s easy. Switch around your 4 letters.

Ex.: INTP —> ESFJ 

2) Then decide whether you have an emphasis on your first or second cognitive function. Which one do you embody more? You´ll get what I mean in the example.

INTP-Ti? (The more silent and sciency one. Intellectual gods and they know it. Quintessential nerd that hangs with the INTJs and ISTPs. Usually a 5w6.)

or INTP-Ne? (The weirder one that talks a lot of bs, very awkward geek that attracts ENTPs and ENFPs like a magnet. Aka me. Usually a 5w4.)

3) Now switch that emphasised function around, too. You know, T becomes F, N becomes S, e becomes i. And vice versa.

Ti –> Fe

Ne –> Si

4) Combine 1) with 3). TADAAAH! Your ideal partner, or “dual”. 

INTP-Ti´s dual: ESFJ-Fe

INTP-Ne´s dual: ESFJ-Si

Here are some random thoughts on this Socionic-ian (?) concept.

Interpret “Partner” or “Compatibility” in a way that includes non-romantic couples. 

IMPORTANT! I think the theory was created to figure out long-term matches. The initial phase may be rocky but that is due to the fact that each partner´s inferior function is suddenly overstimulated.

So…. Talking about the IRL application of this stuff. I think it does work out once you are aware of it. Personal experience tiiiime. I´m said INTP-Ne and my mum is an ESFJ-Fe. That´s pretty close to the ideal, we do get on well unless the Si-department (=chores and traditional values) is concerned. Since I read about the benefits of duality, I keep a close watch when I spot an ESFJ somewhere, or just a Fe-dom in general. Which leads to the next point.

ENFJs are semi-duals of INTPs in Socionics, meaning that they make a good partner as well. It´s all about the Ti-Fe axis… you get the point. Sticking to the personal experience - my parents are semi-duals (ESFJ-Fe & ISTP-Ti) and they make an awesome couple.

Nevertheless, using to my 1) - 4) method is a good start. I´ll give some more examples and you´ll see how different but shippable these dual couples are. As we always have a Sensor paired with an Intuitive - but sharing all conscious 4 functions - you get a good mix of traits:

INTJ-Ni —-> ESFP-Se (This pairing makes me happy and jealous at once, especially since I know one IRL. INTJs become less sceptical with time and will loosen up; the ESFPs will become more thoughtful of their actions.)

ESTP-Ti —–> INFJ-Fe (You won´t believe it but they are adorable<3 Although ESTPs might scare the INFJs at first when they place more emphasis on Se.)

INFP-Ne —-> ESTJ-Si (Fi softens Te, Te strengthens Fi… it´s great)

ENTP-Ti —> ISFJ-Fe (My grand uncle & his wife. I observed a shift in extraversion throughout the years; now she is the loud & sociable one)

ENFJ-Ni —> ISTP-Se (Trainer and their champion ;D)

ISTJ-Te —> ENFP-Fi (cuties)

and so on. 

That said, figure it out and see if it works for you. Reblog with your own duality/ semi-duality experience if you like :D

- Lots of love. Admin Ti. 

[mbti-viep]

Relationships of semi-duality are actually pretty chaotic in the long run. Your auxiliary function is your partner's demonstrative function, which means they use it better & don't take any interest in it from others.

Activation (ex, INTP+ISFJ) or mirror (ex, INTP+ENTP) relationships tend to be more lasting & stable.

[kendrixtermina]

The elusive Demonstrative (what the Types never realized they rocked at)

Apparently, contrary to popular belief, the 6th function is actually among your stronger ones, and a lot more visible to othes than it is to yourself - the truly useless ones are 5 and 7, though you can sort of passively understand the 5th. 

Also, since you’re filtering out the 5th for your 1st two to do their magic, this has nothing to act as a strong pair with; From what I’ve read this sort of information is perceived as obvious or uninteresting and therefore less relevant to the decision making process, or something you use mostly in private, or,  you don’t know how to use it independently but it keeps feeding data into what you’re doing with your preferred function pair. So unlike the other shadow functions who are mostly notable by their suckyness, disconnect or, an case of the 7th, almost total absence, this one’s actually a big & fundamental part of your personality:

ISXP: Si! - They’re typically very dexterous, make great things with their hands, have appreciation for aesthetics/practicality/sweet comfortableness & good with procedural knowledge (”How to.”)  ESXJ: Se! - Though they prefer peace & quiet, they can be pretty forceful & agressive when needed, they may enjoy fashion or luxuries, and be good at picking up people’s intetions and status from details.  EXTP: Te! - It’s no coincidence that they’re often good businessmen, even if their main strenght & motivation lies with Se or Ne. They pick up useful facts/ procedures for later use or to back up their arguments with, also, they know incompetence when they see it. They’re not afraid to venture out of the box but, generally speaking, do know where the box is and what it’s properties are.  IXTJ: Ti! - From what I’ve read ISTJs use many smaller ‘inner logic systems’ for their work but aren’t that interested in putting them together into a comprehensive one, seeing them more as tools in a Te/Si manner; while INTJs build them from an early age but use them more as fodder for the Ni-o-matron whose conclusions they trust more, they’re comfortable taking leaps and might find having to explain everything restrictive/ prefer working it out along the way via Te.  IXJF: Fi! - Since tumblr is full of INFJs, you might’ve noticed that they, or the common famous examples, do often seem like people with strong, deep convictions; Their sensor cousins will likewise often be “upstanding” in a Si-ish manner but also combined that into a fierce manner like the STJs; It also helps them with understanding ppl in a deeper level, but they’ll be more likely “trust” the other person’s reaction even if they can’t relate to it compared to someone with concious Fi. EXFP: Fe! - You’ll easily notice that they’re expressive, emphatic, and create a warm & lively atmosphere around themselves, but when you ask them for their reasons for anything, they’ll give you distinctly Fi-ish reasonings. I think it’s rather pleasant, they’re easy to approach but you get a sense that they’d tell you if you did something that displeased them, instead of feeling obliged to put up with you. ENXJ: Ne! - Actually very ingenious/creative, but this huge potential is channeled toward very specific ends, one more reason why they’re kind of fascinating high-pressure creatures. Might enjoy speculation but not take it seriously as Ni always needs to have a “point” to an action and they’ll be almost perpetually busy doing work/helping people. INXP: Ni! - Actually like stuff with symbolism, hidden meanings, etc, also tend to have a pretty good “mental holodeck” to visualise szenarios, not just alternative ones but linear continuiations; Will typically not act on premonitions if they can’t “explain” them with their dominant function especially when they start considering what else could happen.

This has interested me alot since I found out it existed but there isn’t too much info on it or how to make it more usable if it’s even possible; 

But aparently, as I’ve read the “natural” way to use it is just to hammer away with your 1st and 2nd functions and that “sparks o the 6th will just fly out”

That was very enlightening to me b/c I’ve always liked this whole symbolism stuff but you always hear it’s a Ni thing and I’m most certainly an INTP, so, how does this work…

But the truth is I do tend to arrive at those inductive conclusions a bit later in the process after I’ve already spent a while deliberating on the problem,  whereas, when you look at the Ni doms, especially INFJs (since they’re not contrained by pragmatic concerns) they just fire off in that direction and don’t stop, it’s truly amazing to witness.

You could say that for us INXPs the “final meaning” of an onject is an attribute of the object, whereas for an INXJ, to an extent, treats the object as if that is the main thing about it.

[mbti-viep]

Huh i didn't realize the "mental holodeck" wasn't universal. TIL.

[bigcheeseofficial]

[mbti-viep]

[mbti-viep]

My husband & I were comparing our handwriting, & I thought it'd be interesting to see what other people’s thoughts were. I'm INFP, he's ESTJ.

[sensa-tion]

I’m...

DOMINANT FUNCTION:

Fe: Empathetic and warm-hearted. Other people are one of the most important things to me and I find it hard not to care about them or to want to keep them happy. I’m a lover of people

Fi: Emotional and opinionated. I have strong feelings about who/what I value and what is truly right, so I let my personal values influence myself more than anything else. I’m an idealist

Te: Driven and responsible. If I want to get something done, I’ll quickly find the most efficient way to do it. I’m a go-getter

Ti: Rational and independent. I love making logical sense of what I don’t know and figuring out how things work to solve problems or just for the hell of it. I’m an analytical thinker

Ne: Very stimulated by ideas and concepts. My mind is always energised by interesting thoughts and connections between them. I’m a visionary

Ni: Detached from the moment by itself and perceptive of the bigger picture. My 5 senses only take me so far, I’m mostly concerned with intangible possibilities and hidden meanings behind things. I’m a contemplator

Se: Spontaneous and highly in tune with my surroundings and happenings in them, which I’m almost always confident in experiencing and interacting with. I’m a realist

Si: Quite in touch with information I’ve gained in the past. My memory is very strong and I’m constantly comparing what I experience in the present to things I’ve experienced in the past. I’m a traditionalist

who…

AUXILIARY FUNCTION:

Fe: Highly values peace and harmony.

Fi: Is very in touch with their emotions and their sense of right and wrong.

Te: Takes charge to organise their environment and accomplish objectives in it.

Ti: Thinks logically and analyses information as objectively as possible.

Ne: Has an active imagination when it comes unrealistic/abstract ideas and possibilities of what could be.

Ni: Has clear plans and goals for the future along with a good idea of how to realise them.

Se: Sees things as they are and has no problems with improvisation or immersing themselves in the moment.

Si: Lets past experiences guide them and influence how they see the world.

When needed, I can…

TERTIARY FUNCTION:

Fe: Be gregarious and charming to get others to like me or to keep a social situation running smoothly,

Fi: Remind myself of my emotions and ideals of right and wrong,

Te: Do whatever it takes to complete a task or solve a problem,

Ti: Step away from emotions and make sense of things rationally,

Ne: Consider multiple possibilities and play with novel ideas,

Ni: See beyond my senses and pay attention to the intangible and to what could become of something in the future,

Se: Indulge in sensory experiences and be open to spontaneity,

Si: Thoroughly compare an experience or an idea to one that’s in my memories,

but many of my faults come from…

INFERIOR FUNCTION:

Fe: Not being very empathetic or sociable and not fully understanding how to properly act in some social situations.

Fi: Being too objective and not being able to foresee what feelings certain things can provoke in myself and others.

Te: Being reluctant to ignore my personal values and consider objective measurements of value and achievement.

Ti: Placing too much value on my own and other peoples’ feelings and not enough on objectivity and rationality.

Ne: Not being very open to novelty or uncertainty.

Ni: Failing to plan for the future or to perceive what my senses can’t.

Se: Being uncomfortable with living in the moment or interacting with my physical environment.

Si: Being bored by constant routine and predictability.

[mbti-viep]

INFPs & ESTJs: Intertype Misconceptions

If you were to judge the compatibility of ESTJs and INFPs solely by the users of popular MBTI forums' posts, you would assume that their potential for a meaningful romantic relationship together is slim, if not outright irreconcilable.

However, posts such as these are much more indicative of misunderstandings on the part of the INFPs.

INFPs may have a tendency believe that if a person makes them feel badly, it’s because that person was such-and-such kind of person, or that they have such-and-such trait. We tend to be indignant or reluctant to consider viewpoints that lead to behavior contrary to our own moral and ethical standards.

We may ascribe certain negative feelings to corresponding functions. From there, it’s easy to begin seeing certain functions as being more or less valuable. As a result of these tendencies, some of us frequently have trouble objectively and accurately typing others. 

But even if these INFPs have coincidentally typed someone correctly as an ESTJ, they’ve made a presumption of that person’s character and worth based on a simple four-letter dichotomy.

The truth is that there are no types that are inherently good or bad. There are no types that are inherently invaluable. Though they may be very different, every thought process- every function- is valuable.

The greatest irony in this ESTJ slander isn’t just that these misguided INFPs have obstinately written off an entire type (or whoever they presume to be belonging to that type). It’s that they’ve written off the most compatible type with themselves, preventing themselves from potentially experiencing the most mutually beneficial intertype relationship possible!

While INFPs have an immense capacity for understanding the human condition, it’s important for us to challenge our biases when observing thought process and motivations in others. Seek to understand, not to cast judgement.

[mbti-viep]

Determining Cognitive Processes from Types

If the cognitive functions are the methods our psyches use to digest information, than the Cognitive Processes are the order we are most naturally inclined to use those methods in.

If you know a person’s type, then how do you determine which functions they use and the order they’re used in? Let’s examine the functions used by the ISFJ to find out! 

Remember that the cognitive functions are: Fi, Fe, Ti, Te, Ni, Ne, Si, and Se.

Remember that the cognitive process is in order of:

Dominant

Auxiliary

Tertiary

Inferior

First, we determine if the type is Dominant Introverted (IXXX) or Dominant Extroverted (EXXX). Dominant introverted types will first use an introverted function; Fi, Ti, Ni, or Si. Dominant extroverted types will first use an extroverted function: Fe, Te, Ne, or Se. 

Dominant introverted types will also use an Auxiliary Extroverted function, a Tertiary Introverted function, and an Inferior Extroverted function. 

Dominant extroverted types will use an Auxiliary Introverted function, a Tertiary Extroverted function, and an Inferior Introverted function.

The ISFJ is Dominant Introverted, which means their dominant function will be introverted. This also means that they use an auxiliary extroverted function, a tertiary introverted function, and an inferior extroverted function.

So we’ve determined this much about their cognitive process:

Fi, Ti, Ni, or Si

Fe, Te, Ne, or Se

Fi, Ti, Ni, or Si

Fe, Te, Ne, or Se

Next, we determine if the type is Extroverted Perceiving (XXXP) or Extroverted Judging (XXXJ). This can be a bit trickier, as the rules are a little different.

Extroverted perceiving types will extrovert with a perceiving function; Ne or Se. Extroverted judging types will extrovert with a judging function: Fe or Te.

If a type is extroverted perceiving, this means that they will be Introverted Judging, and introvert with a judging function: Fi or Ti. If a type is extroverted judging, this means that they will be Introverted Perceiving, and introvert with a judging function: Si or Ni.

The ISFJ is an extroverted judging type. This means the function they use to extrovert is either Fe or Te. Since they’re introverted, they extrovert with their auxiliary function. This narrows their auxiliary function to either Fe or Te.

Additionally, being extroverted judging means they’re introverted perceiving. This means their dominant function has to be either Si or Ni.

Ni or Si

Fe or Te

Fi, Ti, Ni, or Si

Fe, Te, Ne, or Se

Now it starts to get easier! From here, we determine if the type is Primarily Intuiting (XNXX) or Primarily Sensing (XSXX).

Primarily intuiting types will have a dominant or auxiliary intuiting function: Ni or Ne. Primarily sensing types will have a dominant or auxiliary sensing function: Si or Se. 

The ISFJ is a primarily sensing type. We ruled out dominant Se, as well as auxiliary Se or Si. That leaves dominant Si.

Si

Fe or Te

Fi, Ti, Ni, or Si

Fe, Te, Ne, or Se

 We can also determine if the type is Primarily Feeling (XXFX) or Primarily Thinking (XXTX).

Primarily feeling types will have a dominant or auxiliary feeling function: Fi or Fe. Primarily thinking types will have a dominant or auxiliary thinking function: Ti or Te.

The ISFJ is a primarily feeling type. We ruled out dominant Fe or Fi, as well as auxiliary Fi. That leaves auxiliary Fe.

Si

Fe

Fi, Ti, Ni, or Si

Fe, Te, Ne, or Se

Now that we have the dominant and auxiliary functions, we can discover their tertiary and inferior types. Remember that the functions occur in pairs: perceiving pairs (Si/Ne or Ni/Se) and judging pairs (Ti/Fe or Fi/Te).

Since the ISFJ uses Si, they must use Ne. And if they use Fe, they must use Ti. So we’ve narrowed down their tertiary and inferior functions to Ne and Ti.

Since we know their tertiary function is introverted, and their inferior is extroverted, that means their cognitive process must be:

Si

Fe

Ti

Ne

And that’s it! Through a process of elimination, we’ve deducted the overall cognitive process of the ISFJ as Si-Fe-Ti-Ne!

Alternatively, if this deductive method of discovering a type’s cognitive process is too time-consuming, use this reference post instead.

[mbti-viep]

Cognitive Processes of Each Type

What follows is a reference of the functions that each type uses, as well as the order they use them in.

INFP

1. Dominant Fi 2. Auxiliary Ne 3. Tertiary Si 4. Inferior Te

ENFP

1. Dominant Ne 2. Auxiliary Fi 3. Tertiary Te 4. Inferior Si  

ISFP

1. Dominant Fi 2. Auxiliary Se 3. Tertiary Ni 4. Inferior Te 

ESFP

1. Dominant Se 2. Auxiliary Fi 3. Tertiary Te 4. Inferior Ni

INTP

1. Dominant Ti 2. Auxiliary Ne 3. Tertiary Si 4. Inferior Fe

ENTP

1. Dominant Ne 2. Auxiliary Ti 3. Tertiary Fe 4. Inferior Si

ISTP

1. Dominant Ti 2. Auxiliary Se 3. Tertiary Ni 4. Inferior Fe 

ESTP

1. Dominant Se 2. Auxiliary Ti 3. Tertiary Ni 4. Inferior Fe 

INFJ

1. Dominant Ni 2. Auxiliary Fe 3. Tertiary Ti 4. Inferior Se 

ENFJ

1. Dominant Fe 2. Auxiliary Ni 3. Tertiary Se 4. Inferior Ti

ISFJ

1. Dominant Si 2. Auxiliary Fe 3. Tertiary Ti 4. Inferior Ne 

ESFJ

1. Dominant Fe 2. Auxiliary Si 3. Tertiary Ne 4. Inferior Ti

INTJ

1. Dominant Ni 2. Auxiliary Te 3. Tertiary Fi 4. Inferior Se 

ENTJ

1. Dominant Te 2. Auxiliary Ni 3. Tertiary Se 4. Inferior Fi

ISTJ

1. Dominant Si 2. Auxiliary Te 3. Tertiary Fi 4. Inferior Ne

ESTJ

1. Dominant Te 2. Auxiliary Si 3. Tertiary Ne 4. Inferior Fi

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Shadow Processes

The Shadow Process is comprised of the functions used least naturally, in the order that they are valued from most to least. Though the validity of the existence of a "shadow process" is questionable, it can nonetheless be enlightening to study its theory.*

Opposing - The opposing function serves as a counter to the dominant function. It is used often during arguments, conflicts, and debates, as well as when an individual must defend themselves. 

When unhealthy, it’s often used to become stubborn, unfriendly, or rude. But, when healthy, it can be used to balance the dominant function; providing a depth or compliment to the goals of the dominant.

When others use this function, the individual finds it frustrating or pointless. They don’t think you could be like the people who use this function frequently, nor would they want to be. However, this function influences the idea of a “dark attraction.” The individual may find themselves admiring or envying certain aspects of those who use it.

Critical - The auxiliary function is very good at taking care of other people, but much less useful for the individual to take care themselves. If someone is taking advantage of this weakness of the individual’s auxiliary function, or causing them to feel stuck or powerless, one solution is to “bring down” others. The critical function accomplishes this by being viciously critical of others; it’s how a person finds weak spots and can immobilize or demoralize others. It is often used sporadically and emerges more often under stressful conditions when something important is at risk.

It’s the voice in the individual’s head that causes them to criticize others- but not without criticizing themselves. In fact, when this process is seen in use by others, the individual may interpret everything from them as criticism. The specific function that falls into the role of critical function will determine the flavor of criticism.

The other three shadow functions (the opposing, deceiving, and demon functions) tend to cause problems by being “blind spots”; they’re used badly without the individual realizing it. But this function is their “latent, hidden strength;” an individual may not even realize they use it. But the critical function is one of the strongest- it may rival the tertiary, auxiliary, or even the dominant function.In fact, others easily notice this aspect of individuals. They frequently even value this quality when it’s seen. To access its positive side of the critical function, a person must learn to appreciate and be open to it. Then, it has an almost magical quality and can provide a profound sense of wisdom.

Deceiving - The last two functions shape and influence our concept and perception of evil, both what we associate with evil and what sort of evil particularly shocks us.

Whichever function falls into the deceiving position will cause grief throughout the individual’s life. This may often be the quality that “everyone else in the room has/is sensitive to.” The individual may have difficulty even realizing this trait exists in themselves. This is the weakest function overall (weaker than even the inferior), and is so unused as to seem absent. Its under-use is justified, as the goals of the deceiving function are so disparate from the auxiliary that it would only serve to inhibit it. 

This is how an individual is most likely to deceive and distort what they experience (or think they experience). It will cause them to see things and believe things that are not real. Its perceptions or judgments when their deceiving function is in charge. The deceiving function is most likely to appear when stressed, intimidated, under pressure, or overly tired; often, the deceiving function is not used until after the critical function has failed. 

This function is easier for the individual to see in others than in themselves. But they distrust others when they use this function in earnest, as well as distrusting activities that involve it. Understanding this function and the philosophy behind it can help prevent that aversion. However, it’s unlikely for this function to ever reach maturity. Other functions are used to compensate for this weakness; the things that others normally use this function for are expressed differently. 

Being oblivious to this function’s use can be helpful. It remains immune to its pitfalls and has a unique perspective with which to evaluate it. In this way, it provides comic relief. A significant part of an individual’s sense of humor is about this process. It can be refreshing and join with the tertiary function as its recharged through play.

Demon - Whichever function falls into the demon role, its use causes destruction of its user and others. This is the most amoral of all the cognitive processes, and a person’s definition of evil is usually about this process. The most painful and traumatizing experiences in life involve this process.

This function may be easily noticed in others. Long lasting hatreds reside here. If two people trigger the demon process in each other, they often bring out the worst in each other. Actions (or inactions) taken when engaging in the process that plays this role are often regretted later.

Despite this, it’s normal to have a decent understanding of the demon function (comparable to the tertiary) and to practice it with some effort. It’s often used to play a socially expected role. At worst, in some way the external world expects. At best, in a way that’s sometimes useful as a tool. But usually, there is unawareness as to how to use this process, and instead it may feel like it just erupts and imposes itself rather unconsciously.

Even if use of the demon is decent, its goal will always conflict with the dominant. Thus, it will rarely be comfortable to use. Most uses of this process are either awkward and painful, or completely phony and banal. In some respects, it might well be as absent as the deceiving. Yet when open to this function, it becomes transformative; propelling one to greater personal growth and maturity. It gives the impetus to create something new.

*Much of this post was the result of research from multiple sources, though I’ve since lost the links to them. If you recognize a source this information’s been derived from, send me a link so I can give credit where it’s due!

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Fe Empathy

In a previous post, I described Fi empathy. The subjective empathy of Fi is unlike the objective sympathy of Fe users; ESFJ, ENFJ, INFJ, and ISFJ types. 

These types cannot “turn off” their awareness of others’ moods, nor can they ignore the shared values of the groups they’re in. This is especially true for the ESFJ and ENFJ.  They do not need to create an “imagined self” to observe the experiences of others, as they can innately share in the emotions of others’ without it. Their consideration for the needs and wants of others is constant, and they act from what they believe will best meet those desires they’ve perceived.

The drawback to this, however, is that it is much more difficult for them to determine what is ethical or true for themselves. It takes a more concentrated effort for them to come to their own conclusions about what they feel is morally right in a situation, as well as to determine how they personally feel about it.

Rather than introspecting to find a cause for negative emotions, the Fe user may find it easier to rely on the value judgements of others than to create their own. As such, they may choose to ignore contemplating their own morals or values in relation their circumstances. This is especially true if the conclusions they’ve reached are contrary to those shared by the people they’re surrounded by.

Thus, while a Fi user may be inclined to unhealthy avoidant behaviors, a Fe user will instead be inclined to unhealthy codependent behaviors.

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INFPs & Fi Empathy

At our healthiest, INFPs are excellent at empathizing. This can be attributed to our cognitive process being driven by the Fi function.

In one-on-one interactions, we're able to effortlessly determine the emotions of others. We imagine ourselves in their position or situation, instinctively observing the subjective emotions that "imagined self" experiences. This "imagined self" becomes more refined as we engage with the other person, through actively listening and recognizing subtle emotional cues that may conflict with what we've presumed about them.

The "imagined self" we've placed in their behalf remains an extension of ourselves. By being so derived from our "actual self," we feel its emotions as strongly as we feel our own. Thus we have an immense capacity for sympathy, as we are able to deeply identify with our companion's pain and extend compassion towards them.

This ability has its drawbacks, however. The "imagined self" is just that, a supposition of how we would feel in the position of the other person. The emotions we observe from it are easily distinguishable from those which we are experiencing for ourselves. Therefore, we're able to ignore the experiences observed from the "imagined self" when we believe that our personal viewpoints, opinions, or emotions are more righteous or valuable.