One of the most difficult, even confusing, elements of Myers-Briggs typology is the Judging-Perceiving dimension. Many people struggle to determine their designation as a Judging type or Perceiving type. The purpose of this post is to bring clarity to this personality dimension by exploring its theoretical basis in INJ and INP types.
As discussed here, the J-P dimension references outward (i.e., extraverted) behavior/demeanor. But contrary to the opinion of some, the J-P dimension is not a measure of tidiness or orderliness, especially for Introverts. While this may hold true for Extraverted types (most EJs I have encountered are fairly tidy and organized), I have found a great deal of inconsistency among Introverts in this regard.
In concert with many typologists, my preferred method of typing involves a direct assessment of an individual’s preferred Jungian functions (e.g., Ni, Ne) rather than a mere consideration of the Myers-Briggs preferences (e.g., E, I, S, N). What follows is a quick overview of the extraverted functions:
Extraverted Sensing/ Se Types. Quick to notice and express their observations of the immediate environment, especially specific details. Action-oriented. Often concerned with appearances or aesthetics.
Extraverted Intuition/Ne Types. Quick to express curiosities, questions, or options. May appear scattered, distracted, absent-minded, and random. Can appear outwardly restless and keen on exploring new possibilities, whether physically or mentally.
Extraverted Thinking/Te Types. Firmly, even bluntly, state opinions. May lack tact or social grace (most apparent in STJ types). May at times seem harsh, dogmatic, closed-minded, or insensitive. Want to know what the plan or agenda is.
Extraverted Feeling/Fe Types. Work to maintain external harmony, ensuring that people are comfortable and cared for. Are generally warm and inviting. Can also be quick to express strong opinions.
Since IN types are Introverts, none of the above extraverted functions are dominant, but fall into the auxiliary and inferior positions of their functional stack:
INJs INPs
Dominant: Introverted Perceiving (Ni) Introverted Judging (Ti/Fi)
Auxiliary: Extraverted Judging (Te/Fe) Extraverted Perceiving (Ne)
Tertiary: Introverted Judging (Fi/Ti) Introverted Perceiving (Si)
Inferior: Extraverted Perceiving (Se) Extraverted Judging (Fe/Te)
Because INs’ dominant function is introverted, it can sometimes be tricky to discern their personality type. For instance, if an IP is introverting, she could appear more like a Judging type, since she would be less open to perceiving the environment. Nonetheless, we can still look for the evidence of the extraverted functions described when determining an Introvert’s type.
The Role of Personal Growth & Type Development
Personal growth also plays a role in how these functions manifest. In the first half of life, INJs will tend to be more opinionated and outwardly inflexible. As they grow and mature, however, developing their tertiary and inferior functions, they become more open and more balanced in their attestations. INPs will take the opposite path. They begin life displaying more Perceiving tendencies and are often reluctant to express their judgments. As they develop their lower functions, however, they become more confident and willing to express their opinions and beliefs.
As they grow and develop, INJs move from convergence (Te/Fe) to divergence (Se), INPs from divergence (Ne) to convergence (Fe/Te). Hence, INJs and INPs should begin to look more similar with personal growth. Even then, INJs typically remain more comfortable and effective in expressing their judgments than do INPs. INTPs, for instance, could never hope to rival INFJs in their ability to effectively or convincingly express their feelings. Likewise, INFPs will rarely sound as logical or rational as INTJs.
The changes that result from personal growth in IN types are also reflected inwardly. For INJs, Fi and Ti represent an inner opening of the conclusions presented by their auxiliary function. Fi and Ti serve to hone, refine, and balance their judgments. For INPs, Si serves as an inner check on the open-endedness of their Ne, helping them recall what they have already learned and preventing unnecessary backtracking in their journey toward truth.
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