by Dr. A.J. Drenth
The purpose of Myers-Briggs theory or “type dynamics” is to provide an explanatory system for the patterns of characteristics we observe among the personality types. It also serves to structure our typological observations and interpretations, while functioning as a platform for understanding the types and discerning insights for personal growth.
There are two major axes in the Myers-Briggs framework, representing two broad and fundamental options for approaching life and information: Judging and Perceiving. Perceiving involves a more passive and receptive approach to life. The first tendency of types with a dominant Perceiving function is not to control, but to allow. Judging, in contrast, involves a desire to control, predict, and order.
At opposite poles of the Judging axis are Thinking (T) and Feeling (F), while Sensing (S) and Intuition (N) comprise the two poles of the Perceiving axis. When a function is introverted, it works to Judge (Ti/Fi) or Perceive (Ni/Si) information inwardly. When extraverted, the Judging (Te/Fe) or Perceiving function (Ne/Se) is directed outwardly.
In total, Jung posited eight primary personality functions: Introverted Sensing (Si), Introverted Intuition (Ni), Extraverted Intuition (Ne), Extraverted Thinking (Te), Introverted Thinking (Ti), Extraverted Sensing (Se), Introverted Sensing (Si), Extraverted Feeling (Fe), Introverted Feeling (Fi).
Type Theory & The Functional Stack
Using Jung’s theories, other theorists developed the notion of the functional hierarchy, or what Elaine Schallock has dubbed the “functional stack.” Each of the sixteen Myers-Briggs personality types has its own unique functional stack, comprised of four functions. Each function is ranked according to its strength and frequency of use. The strongest and most heavily utilized function is referred to as the dominant function, which is followed by the auxiliary, tertiary, and inferior functions respectively. Here is an example of a functional stack, which happens to be the stack of INFJs:
Dominant: Introverted Intuition (Ni)
Auxiliary: Extraverted Feeling (Fe)
Tertiary: Introverted Thinking (Ti)
Inferior: Extraverted Sensing (Se)
The dominant function represents the core strength of each type. When engrossed in activity that fully engages our dominant function, we tend to feel alert and alive, doing what we were “born to do.” The auxiliary function, which can also be well-developed and useful, might be viewed as the co-pilot or sidekick to the dominant. Falling toward the bottom of the functional stack, the tertiary and inferior are far less conscious and developed than are the top two functions.
The inferior function opposes the dominant and in many ways has its own agenda. It can be helpful to think of the dominant and inferior as representing opposite ends of a rubber band. As the dominant moves toward greater consciousness and is pulled tighter, the inferior shows a commensurate increase in tension as it is pushed/stretched away from consciousness. For this reason, the inferior function is in many ways more potent than the tertiary. Just as the dominant function is the driving function of consciousness, the inferior is the driver of the unconscious. Just as the auxiliary is the co-pilot of the dominant, the tertiary is the co-pilot of the inferior. Because of the unconscious power and influence of the inferior, it can cause us to act in ways that are grossly inconsistent with our personality type, deviating from who we know ourselves to be. Personal growth and type development therefore requires confronting, understanding, and integrating the inferior (and tertiary) functions (see this post). We will now discuss the rules for determining the functional stack of the types.
Rules Determining the Functional Stack of the Types
We will now explore the formula for determining which functions will comprise the functional stack for a given personality type. While this may be a bit confusing at first, I assure you that, in time, it will make increasingly more sense.
Our first rule is that Extraverts’ dominant function is always extraverted in its direction. Extraverts display (i.e., “extravert”) their dominant and conceal their auxiliary function. Hence, with Extraverts, “what you see is what you get.” By contrast, the dominant function of Introverts is directed inwardly (i.e., introverted), while their auxiliary function is displayed to the outside world.
Our second rule is that types whose last letter is “J” prefer to extravert their Judging function. Thus, they will all have an outwardly directed Judging function (Te or Fe) as one of their top two functions. Types whose last letter is “P” will all have an outwardly directed Perceiving function (Se or Ne) as one of their top two functions.
Let’s briefly summarize what we’ve covered so far:
Extraverts: Reveal/extravert dominant function; conceal/introvert auxiliary.
- EJs reveal Te or Fe; conceal Si or Ni.
- EPs reveal Se or Ne; conceal Ti or Fi.
Introverts: Conceal/introvert dominant function; reveal/extravert auxiliary.
- IJs conceal Si or Ni, reveal Te or Fe.
- IPs conceal Ti or Fi, reveal Se or Ne.
The concept of the functional stack is based on Jung’s theory that suggests the greater the strength and utilization of a given function, the poorer the development of its functional opposite. This brings us to our third rule: Since the dominant function is considered the best and the inferior the least developed, the inferior function is always its functional opposite. Likewise, the auxiliary and tertiary are always functional opposites.
For example, INTJs’ dominant function is Ni. Their inferior function, Se, is its functional opposite. Likewise, their auxiliary function (Te) is the functional opposite of their tertiary (Fi).
We have now covered the primary rules for determining which functions comprise the functional stack for any given personality type. As a point of reference and comparison, I’ve included the stacks for each of the Introverted Intuitive types:
Dominant: Introverted Feeling (Fi)
Auxiliary: Extraverted Intuition (Ne)
Tertiary: Introverted Sensing (Si)
Inferior: Extraverted Thinking (Te)
Dominant: Introverted Thinking (Ti)
Auxiliary: Extraverted Intuition (Ne)
Tertiary: Introverted Sensing (Si)
Inferior: Extraverted Feeling (Fe)
Dominant: Introverted Intuition (Ni)
Auxiliary: Extraverted Feeling (Fe)
Tertiary: Introverted Thinking (Ti)
Inferior: Extraverted Sensing (Se)
Dominant: Introverted Intuition (Ni)
Auxiliary: Extraverted Thinking (Te)
Tertiary: Introverted Feeling (Fi)
Inferior: Extraverted Sensing (Se)
More on Judging & Perceiving: A Point of Confusion with Regard to Introverts
The “J” and “P” indicator at the end of each type was added by Myers/Briggs as a sort of short-hand way of labeling types. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of this and take it to mean something it does not. They may, for instance, assume that “J” or “P” represents an actual function. As we’ve seen, however, the J-P label merely describes whether the first extraverted function in a given type’s functional stack is a Judging function (Te, Fe) or a Perceiving function (Ne, Se). What it does not do is tell us whether a given type is predominantly a Judging or Perceiving type. It only does for Extraverts. This system works great for Extraverts, since their extraverted function is the dominant function in their functional stack. There is no confusion, for instance, in calling an ENFP a Perceiver or an ENTJ a Judger. This very accurately describes the dominant mode of operation for these types.
For Introverts, however, the J-P shorthand can produce a great deal of confusion and misunderstanding. This is because, as we’ve seen, Introverts’ dominant function is concealed and inaccessible to outside observation. This inevitably leads outsiders to misunderstand the dominant nature of the Introvert. Namely, it leads them to believe that IPs’ preferred and dominant mode of function is one of Perceiving when, in fact, it is Judging (using either Fi or Ti). The same is true when outsiders assume that IJs are showing their true colors as Judgers, when in fact, their dominant mode of functioning is Perceiving (using either Ni or Si). Not only does this issue cause others to misunderstand Introverts, it also leads Introverts to mistype themselves. The fact is that IPs often mistype themselves as IJs because they are aware of the fact that their dominant internal process resembles what they know about Judging than it does Perceiving.
Extraverts: Since they reveal their dominant function, the J-P label well describes their dominant function.
Introverts: Since they conceal their dominant function, the J-P label belies the nature of their dominant function.
What follows is a brief summary of the J-P characteristics of all the types:
EPs: EPs might be considered the purest Perceivers of all types. Not only do they display the outer behavior/demeanor commonly associated with Perceiving (i.e., spontaneous, easygoing, adaptable, receptive), but their dominant function (Ne or Se) is also a Perceiving function.
EJs: EJs might be considered the purest or quintessential Judging types. Not only do they display the outer behavior/demeanor commonly associated with Judging (i.e., assertive rather than receptive, outwardly rational, intentional), but their dominant function (Te or Fe) is also a Judging function.
IPs: As described above, IPs are a mix of J-P characteristics. Since their dominant function is a Judging function (Ti or Fi), they are inner Judgers. Outwardly, however, they appear more like Perceivers. While they can be impulsive like EPs, IPs are less adaptable and spontaneous than EPs are when it comes to other people. This stems from the fact that, because they are inner Js, IPs are intentional and don’t like to shift their personal agenda if at all possible.
IJs: As described above, IJs are a mix of J-P characteristics. Since their dominant function is a Perceiving function (Ni or Si), they are inner Perceivers. Outwardly, however, they appear more like Judgers. They are forthright, outwardly rational, and assertive like EJs, but inwardly, they are less serious and more open.
The Functions & Inferior Function
Three Phases of Personal Growth/Type Development
More Posts on Myers-Briggs Theory
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