Recent demographic data suggests INFPs constitute approximately 4-5% of the population, outnumbering INFJs at a pace of three to one. INFPs are idealistic, humane, creative, imaginative, random, quirky, and individualistic.
INFPs possess a strong moral and humanitarian bent. They generally see themselves as special individuals, equipped with a unique blend of skills and abilities that they hope to use to make a difference in the world. Many feel, however, that they don’t know themselves well enough and have yet to find their proper place in the world. They feel that increasing their self-knowledge will allow them to act with greater confidence and commitment.
INFPs may opt to apply their gifts and abilities in any number of venues—religious, artistic, social, academic, or otherwise. They serve as change agents in ministry, health care, psychotherapy, non-profit organizations, and other human service domains. Those with a more artistic or academic bent may opt to explore and express their values and ideals in the arts, social sciences, or humanities.
Many INFPs emphasize the ways they are special and different from others. This is generally founded on a peculiar blend of feelings of rejection and uniqueness. This is somewhat ironic in light of the stress they place on the equality of all human beings. It’s as though they want to have it both ways, on the one hand, endorsing our shared humanity, while on the other, seeking special recognition for their status as extraordinary and unique individuals. INFPs want to help and be close with others, but not to the point of losing themselves.
In expressing their felt uniqueness, some INFPs assume an eccentric appearance. They may pepper themselves with tattoos, experiment with unusual or variegated hairstyles, or sport numerous body piercings. Other INFPs will vie for a plainer or unkempt appearance, expressing themselves through a reduction of effort rather than through bizarre embellishments. Female INFPs, for instance, may forgo what they see as the unnecessary hassle of applying of make-up, managing longer hair, or other stereotypical feminine practices. Many are aptly described as “earthy,” both in appearance and lifestyle. INFPs often opt for rather meager or Bohemian living arrangements flanked with second-hand furniture and decor. They are willing to forego Se luxuries for the sake of their ideals. Frequent sex, fine meals, and extravagant vacations are generally lower on their list of needs.
Although body types do not always closely correspond to personality types (especially in females), there is sufficient evidence to suggest that INFPs are naturally more disposed to an ectomorphic build. If mesomorphs are envisioned as square and chiseled and endomorphs as rounder in shape, ectomorphs can be pictured as more linear and lanky. While it is not all that unusual, at least in the Western world, to encounter INFPs who have taken on a rounder shape, rarely are they heavily muscled. ISFPs are more prone to mesomorphy than are INFPs.
Like ENFPs, the mind of an INFP can move at a frenetic pace. They can be restless, anxious, moody, and plagued by erratic sleeping patterns. And while they may complain about having a restless mind, the fact is that they often don’t feel comfortable when their inner waters are too still. Many INFPs depend on and come to expect a certain level of emotional intensity. For better or worse, they feel they are not fully alive without a stiff emotional cocktail in hand. They may seek out, even if largely unconsciously, experiences that arouse or intensify feelings of passion or inspiration. They may turn to drugs, relationships, novels, poetry, music, or movies–whatever it takes to jump-start their emotions and achieve their desired level of intensity.
When feeling inspired, INFPs may disappear for hours on end, immersing themselves in painting, writing poetry, composing music, and so on. If they had their druthers, they wouldn’t function according to calendar or clock, but would have complete freedom to follow their own cycles. INFPs feel most alive when they can pursue their passion without regard to time or obligations. Because of the structured nature of modern society, however, doing so is not always easy or feasible. This can be a frustrating reality for INFPs, especially for those who fail to structure their lives in a way that provides sufficient time for uninterrupted time alone.
Since their Feeling is introverted in direction, INFPs may not even look like Feeling types when viewed from without. They express their judgments through their Thinking function (Te) and can sometimes seem cold and aloof. Despite the introversion of their Feeling, it is generally no secret to others when they are being moody or touchy. They may sulk without ever giving reasons why.
When functioning in Ne mode, INFPs can be surprisingly witty and chatty. If feeling inspired or otherwise in good spirits, they may even be mistaken for Extraverts. If you’re lucky, you might catch an INFP breaking out into song and playing air guitar in his or her pajamas. Such displays exemplify their innocent, childlike side, a feature they share with INTPs.
The NFP preference can be associated with the right cerebral hemisphere, which is oriented to people, the body, emotions, and the natural world. The “right brain” is attuned to non-verbal communication—facial expressions, body language, and verbal intonation. It tracks the emotional subtext of communication, screening for discrepancies between what is said and what is physically expressed. This allows INFPs to accurately perceive and decode nonverbal communication—to “read” people—and adapt themselves accordingly. INFPs read people quickly and instinctively, while naturally modifying their tone, body language, and verbiage in response. Through this instinctual reading of others, INFPs get a sense of whether an individual is authentic and trustworthy. More than anything else, INFPs dislike pretense and disingenuous, since this runs directly against their penchant for authenticity.
INFPs have a sort of chameleon-like quality that allows them to blend and find commonality with others. People generally find INFPs non-threatening and easy to be around. This somewhat belies the nature of their inner world, which is constantly evaluating “likes” and “dislikes.” When one of their core values is threatened, however, INFPs can be quick and firm extraverting their judgment, showing others a rarely seen side of themselves.
INFPs can also be good facilitators of conversation. They are not showy storytellers or entertainers, but display a genuine interest in knowing and understanding people at a deep and personal level. Toward this end, they instinctively ask questions that prompt others to dig beneath the surface, to consider things they might not otherwise consider. An INFP friend of mine, for instance, prefers to forgo the customary “How are you?” in favor of “Are you happy?”
Because of they of their genuine interest in and easy way with people, others may suddenly find themselves disclosing a wealth of personal intimacies to the INFP. Hence, INFPs may serve as a veritable dumping grounds for others’ emotional problems, even those of complete strangers. Forced to carry the weight of others’ emotions, as well as their own, some INFPs can have a tragic or melancholic air about them.
Many INFPs place high value on religion or spirituality. While some may feel at home within the more conventional religious communities (assuming they are not overly exclusive or intolerant), others are compelled to look beyond traditional mainstays, seeking the divine on their own terms and in their own unique fashion.
Of all types, INFPs are among those most explicitly concerned with achieving a holistic balance of mind, body, spirit, and emotions. Toward this end, they may attend any number of self-help, “human potential,” or bodywork seminars. Such holistic practices may also serve as attractive and viable career paths for many INFPs. They may find their niche in alternative or complementary medicine, homeopathy, naturopathy, Reiki, etc. Others might opt to study psychology, nursing, or ecology.
INFPs are also drawn to all sorts of creative endeavors—poetry, music, dance, drama, creative writing, the fine arts, even architecture. Creative expression is in many ways the lifeblood of artistic INFPs. Creative work not only provides INFPs an enjoyable sense of absorption, but an opportunity for self-discovery and self-expression. For many INFPs, aesthetics is less important than authentic expression of their inner world (something they often struggle to do with words). For this reason, outsiders who equate art with traditional conceptions of beauty may too quickly overlook the value and message of the less conventional works of INFPs.
INFPs can struggle when it comes to balancing work and family. I personally know a couple of INFP stay-at-home mothers who enjoy designing and hand-crafting items and selling them on the Internet. Both have high energy levels, at times staying up much of the night working on their designs or websites. When viewed from without, their lives can appear quite frenetic and chaotic. Both would say, however, that their creative work is what keeps them relatively sane, even if depriving them of much desired sleep.
I’ve been so frustrated lately, thinking there was something wrong with my constant career indecision and always focused on possible alternative life paths. I’m surrounded by friends and family who are successful professionals and very different personality types; I have always been comparing myself to them wondering what was wrong with me. I am starting to see that this is simply who I am and I should be thankful for the rich diversity of experience I’ve had (numerous career choices, degree/diploma/certificates in completely opposite fields). I’ve jumped around so much that I don’t have a big salary or professional designation to show for it, but deep down I know I couldn’t honestly imagine living a life without trying all the things I’m interested in. It’s a shame that our society doesn’t seem to value that as much as upward success.
Kellee, Thanks so much for sharing a bit of your story. It sounds like you’re coming to accept yourself for who you are, which is a sign of personal growth. I can also understand and appreciate your desire to experience different things. That is, after all, how we learn what we like. Take care, AJ.
um, hello sir. your article really helped a lot. I took the test 3 years ago and the result was INFP. a day ago, I took the test again and the result is still the same. well, to tell you the truth, I’ve been trying to find myself, who I am, what I’m supposed to be and stuff like that. I guess it comes natural. anyway, sorry for the long comment. THANKS A LOT, SIR.
Megan, Thanks so much for your comments. I’m glad my site helped you. Come back any time and take care. A.J.
Thanks so much Kimberly for sharing your experience and thereby adding to our understanding of INFPs. I’m glad you enjoyed my INFP profile. Good luck embarking on your writing career and feel free to comment or ask questions in the future. -A.J.
I’m a true blue INFP with an equal split between the F/T, who can’t quite overcome deeply ingrained exhaustion from extremely high ideals, high energy, and lack of sustained focus to launch my writing career. I’m detached from society. Close friends and family only see my nurturer side due to the protective walls, hidden to avoid inauthenticity. It’s impossible for people to live up to my high expectations. Moral indignation only skims to the surface. I don’t make new friends very easily either. Although, self-reflection has unearthed many perceptive connections from childhood until now, halfway into adulthood. You took generic information about the INFP typically found online and gave it a real face. Thank you. You nailed idealism on the head and captured the restlessness of emotional complexity, and the inability to finish tasks or achieve goals for fear of success or accountability since we are perfectionists at heart. I’m usually bored with jobs either immediately or within weeks and my longest position at any company is only 2 years…must have attended six universities. Self-actualization and deep thoughts take up the entire day, and it’s not always to discern inspiration though. INFP’s observe, absorb energy, seek meaning and draw connections, their intensity is often questioned by onlookers.
wow – you’re a great writer. I really resonate with what you’ve written, you could have been describing myself. I have found some solace in realizing that those that do see more of your innerself are the better for it as we do ask the deeper, tougher questions which inspires people… the ripple effect, it is more subtle. I hope that you write a book. Most great writers in history have been INFPs. i would read it for sure.. I channel my intensity into humanitarian causes, writing a column for school which i am allowed the ‘space’ to highlight important issues. this really helps me find some meaning in my life as i rear my son and am a single mother busy with many mundane activities…
Paloma, your dear words brought tears to my eyes. I dream about writing a book. It lives in my blood. You sound like a beautiful soul much like everyone on this blog. It inspires me to believe that there are people who share our intensity and desire to help. I wish everyone peace, light and joy.
I am INFP writer too and have similar problems. And here right above me is another one. Why not try to get together somehow on the internet?
I would love to somehow connect with like-minded people, although, I have deactivated my Facebook account due to privacy issues. Do you have any suggestions? Gifted INFP types are a breed all their own. The friends I do have who are writers and/or INFPs seem to have the same temperament and big picture idealism I often yearn for. Anyone live in Colorado? It would be awesome to develop a support group that meets at a cafe somewhere.
Hi,
I love the idea about a gifted infp support group! I think talking with others like me might help me feel better about who I am and figure out what to do with the rest of my life.
Maybe we could exchange e-mails?
Hello, Sir. I find your write up about the INFP particularly insightful and well-written. I especially learned from the parts which explain how an INFP can benefit from tempering or harnessing certain ‘functions’ of his/her personality. Thank you and may your upcoming book be a successful one.
Thanks so much for your words of appreciation. I haven’t had many INFPs posting recently so glad you could break the ice. Take good care. -A.J.
Yes, I am familiar with Step II. I wonder if some of your divergences from average aren’t related to the fact that you are a male and the majority of INFPs are females. Your gender may relate, to some extent, to your bent toward intellectualism and questioning rather than accomodating. I think many perceivers become more methodical if they are working on something that strongly interests them. They become lazy when they are doing something less enjoyable. Hope that helps. A.J.
Yeah, I’m sure my maleness conflates my INFP-ness. Also, both of my parents are TJ types with my dad being an ENTJ. I was raised with plenty of tough-minded, real-world TJ thinking.
I always wonder about the genetic component. One of my brothers definitely inherited much of my mom’s ISTJ nature. Another brother is more similar to me which would seem odd as neither of my parents show any inclinations towards INFP-like behavior.
The only thing I can figure is that my grandmother (my father’s mother) seems to have been an INFP, and so apparently my dad carries the genetics even though it didn’t manifest in his own personality. It seems that it must be genetics because I mostly know my grandmother only from my parents telling me about her, and I’ve been surprised at times by how I naturally act in ways that are similar to how my grandmother acted. I couldn’t have learned these behaviors by observation as no one modelled these behariors for me.
I haven’t seen research about MBTI and genetics, but I have seen research about trait theory and genetics. As the two systems correlate, I’d guess that type is at least partly genetic. How much of type do you think is nature vs nurture?
Are you familiar with the MBTI Step II?
I took it and it helped me understand my sense of being a more intellectual INFP.
I was strongly in preference for all of the facets for Introversion and iNtuition, but I was strongly out of preference on one facet for each Feeling and Perceiving. With Feeling, I was out of preference towards Questioning rather than Accomodating. With Perceiving, I was out of preference towards Methodical rather than Emergent. So, I’m a Questioning Methodical INFP.
The funny thing is that I’m usually only methodical in terms of my questioning nature. When I think about some subject, I can be ruthlessly methodical in my research and analysis. However, I can also be quite methodical when it serves my lazy nature. If there is some work I have to do on my job, I become extremely methodical in order to get it done and once done I try my best to be absolutely unproductive for the rest of the time.
Along with the personal Step II results, I also received the results for INFPs in the national sample. It’s interesting because it turns out that I’m not atypical in my out of preference facets. It is normal for some INFPs to be out of preference on 3 facets. Along with the two I mentioned, the third is Judging factor of Early Starting rather than the Perceiving factr Pressure-Prompted.
Actually, the national sample doesn’t show that the average INFP is out of preference on these but rather that the average INFP would tend to be equally strong in both directions. As for me, I was specifically out of preference in not showing strong results in the direction of type ‘preference’. But I was definitely in preference for Pressure-Prompted.
I too am a questioning methodical INFP. I think it has to do with our curious nature and foresight.