INFJ, as defined by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), stands for Introversion, Intuition, Feeling, and Judging. INFJs are introspective, intuitive, empathetic, and organized, often known for their idealism, insightfulness, and strong desire to help others and contribute to the greater good.
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:
- 2% of the general population
- 1% of men
- 2% of women
Famous INFJs include Mohandas Gandhi, Oprah Winfrey, Eleanor Roosevelt, Jimmy Carter, Martin Luther King Jr., and Taylor Swift.
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
| Sincere | Sensitive |
| Easygoing | Difficult to get to know |
| Practical | Conflict averse |
| Compassionate | Perfectionistic |
Key INFJ Characteristics
INFJs are considerate
- They are dedicated to encouraging others to realize their potential and are always looking for ways to step in and fix society’s deeper problems.
- They have a unique ability to recognize others” emotions and see helping others as their mission in life.
- They pour a great deal of energy into their relationships and value deep, authentic connections. They are highly perceptive about people and are typically found listening attentively to someone else’s ideas or concerns.
INJFs are idealists
- They are motivated and persistent in taking positive action to make the world a better place.
- They can clearly imagine a happier future and are not afraid to put their dreams into action and stand up and make a difference.
- Success for them comes from fulfilling achievements and being a force of good in the world.
INFJs are conscientious
- They are deeply guided by their set of personal values and are passionate about issues of ethics.
- They care more about altruism than personal gain and are determined to right the wrongs of the world.
- They are fiercely loyal to their own system of morals and lead their lives authentically.
INFJs are private individuals
- They have a tendency to close themselves off from others and can sometimes be difficult to get to know.
- While they value honesty and authenticity, they are also private and struggle to be vulnerable.
- They dislike conflict and can become dismissive during confrontations. INFJs value time and space alone to recharge and commonly will retreat from social contact without explanation.
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 Intuition
- INFJs greatly depend on their own intuition. They can be single-minded in their focus and will firmly stick to their instincts.
Auxiliary: Extraverted Feeling
- INFJs 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 Thinking
- INFJs 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 Sensing
- This 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.
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.
They typically have a small circle of confidants rather than a huge circle of acquaintances, but these close friendships are highly treasured by INFJs.
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 are introverted at 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:
- Do you prefer spending time alone or with a small group of close friends rather than in large social gatherings?
- Are you more drawn to abstract concepts and future possibilities than concrete facts and details?
- When making decisions, do you rely more on your personal values and the impact on others than on impersonal logic?
- Do you prefer having a structured plan rather than being spontaneous?
- Are you often described as empathetic, idealistic, or insightful by others?
- Do you have a strong desire to help others and make a positive impact on the world?
- Are you deeply committed to your personal values and ethics?
- Do you find yourself easily picking up on others’ emotions and needs?
- Are you drawn to creative pursuits or finding innovative solutions to complex problems?
- Do you sometimes struggle with being too private or having difficulty opening up to others?
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.
Take the MBTI (Paper Version)
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.
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Myers, K. D., & Kirby, L. D. (2015). Introduction to type: A guide to understanding your results on the MBTI assessment. Sunnyvale, CA: CPP.
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/
