5 Differences Between INFP and INFJ Personality Types

The Myers-Briggs Type Inventory (or MBTI) is one of the most famous and most commonly used personality tests in the world. It was developed by the mother-daughter duo Katherine Myers and Isabel Briggs in 1943, based on Carl Jung’s theory of personality. There are over 16 different possible personality types, assessed on four different dimensions: introversion vs. extraversion, intuiting vs. sensing, thinking vs. feeling, and perceiving vs. judging.

Of these 16 personality types, two of the rarest and most interesting are the INFP and the INFJ. Both are intelligent, creative, sensitive, passionate, idealistic – the list could go on forever. In fact, these sibling types share so many similarities that it should come as no surprise that they’re so often mistaken and mistyped as one another.

If you’re confused about whether you’re an INFP or an INFJ, then you’re not alone. Fortunately, listed down below are 5 of the most important differences that can help you tell these two personality types apart:

1. Analytical vs. Artistic Thinking

First and foremost, one of the easiest ways to tell apart an INFJ from an INFP is by learning their dominant cognitive function. For INFJs, it’s introverted intuition (or Ni for short). This means that INFJs think in terms of patterns and connections. They like to look at the big picture and contemplate on the purpose and meaning behind everything.

INFPs, on the other hand, lead with introverted feeling (Fi). They are largely guided by their emotions and they care more about what something means to someone or what emotions and experiences it signifies, rather than its actual purpose or meaning. They focus on the individual experience instead of the grand scheme of things, and they try to organize everything according to their own ideals and values.

2. Decisive vs. Exploratory

Next comes decision-making strategies. INFJs are more decisive because they like to narrow down all their options and arrive at the best course of action as soon as possible. They are conscientious and organized, and they are driven to gain insight about things. They’re observant, strategic, and thoughtful about everything they do.

As for an INFP, they’d rather take their time exploring every possibility and trying out a bunch of different ideas. They love to brainstorm and bounce ideas off of other people, because to them, it’s much more enjoyable to discuss and debate rather than actually deciding something.

3. Absorbing vs. Mirroring Emotions

INFJs are more emotionally expressive, because they’re more empathetic and often experience the emotions of others as their own. In fact, they’re so in tune to how other people are feeling that they often have a hard time figuring out how they themselves feel, because they are so quick to absorb the emotions of others. This is why INFJs tend to pursue careers in psychology, therapy, social work, counselling, and other helping professions.

INFPs are the opposite of this. They tend to conceal their emotions, and are more in tune to their own feelings than that of others. They can mirror the emotions of others while remaining completely aware of their own emotions as well. They are big believers in following your heart, which is why INFPs are so drawn to art, film, literature, and other creative pursuits.

4. Understanding vs. Validation

INFJs are the most insightful personality type, and they tend to crave validation from others. Observant and perceptive, they love to notice patterns in human behavior and make deductions about other people. They are social analysts who want to use their skills to urge social change and help others in realize things about themselves they need to know.

Similarly gifted at reading emotions are INFPs, except they’re usually more adept at understanding and deconstructing their own feelings than anyone else’s. What they want, more than anything, is to feel understood. INFPs are so unique and individualistic that it can be hard for them to connect with someone who doesn’t see things the way they do, but people like these tend to be few and far between.

5. Internal Control vs. External Control

Another important way INFJs and INFPs differ from one another is in their sense of control. INFJs seem more neat, tidy, and put together. They are orderly and on time, and they love to make plans for just about everything. When it comes to their own thoughts, emotions, and ideas, however, they’re more flexible and open-minded.

It’s vice versa for INFPs: on the outside, they seem more easygoing, spontaneous, and laid back, but when it comes to their personal value system, they are consistent and uncompromising. They have a strong sense of right and wrong and strive to align everything in their life with their values and ideals.

Now that you know how to tell these two personality types apart, are you more INFP or INFJ? If you’re still not sure, try to take a reliable personality assessment or approach a trained professional who’s well-versed with MBTI to help you figure it out.

References:

• Myers, I., McCaulley, M., Quenk, N., & Hammer, A. (1998). MBTI Manual: A Guide to the Development and Use of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicatior (Vol 3). Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press.
• Thorne, A., & Gough, H. (1991). Portraits of a Type: An MBTI Research Compendium. Davies-Black Publishing.
• Bayne, R. (2005). Ideas and Evidence: Critical Reflections on MBTI Theory and Practice. Center for Applications of Psychological Type (CAPT).
• Hammer, A. (1996). MBTI Applications: A Decade of Research on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. Consulting Psychologists Press.