Human beings of every personality type experience the real fear of the threat to survival and desire for self-preservation. This is not unique to any particular type. But for Ni (i.e., Introverted Intuition) dominant types (i.e., the INTJ and INFJ), the relationship to physiological survival is particularly poignant and not well understood.
The INTJ and INFJ types have an “innate sensitiveness” (termed by Jung) that places them into a classification of people that Elaine Aron dubs, “Highly Sensitive Persons” (HSPs). And the world looks very different through these lenses than it does for the remaining 80% of the population. In truth, we are all “highly sensitive” when it comes to our weaker functions, but the peculiarity of inferior Sensing in Ni types means that our relationship to the physical world is intimidating, confusing, overwhelming and, at times, incredibly frightening.
INTJ & INFJ Inferior Sensing & the Body
Most readers will be aware of how the inferior (fourth) function, Extraverted Sensing (Se), manifests in the INTJ and the INFJ as it has been discussed at length in previous posts. What hasn’t really been covered is the way that these external sense perceptions translate to and affect their eighth function, Introverted Sensing (Si), which is largely responsible for preserving balance and homeostasis in the body. It is my belief that, in addition to the need to differentiate Ni as the dominant function, much of the aversion to Se that emerges early in the development of the INJ is also directly tied to a fear of conjuring unwanted bodily responses a la Si.
Often, exposing oneself to the rigors of the Se environment means risking putting some form of stress or strain on the body. Early in life especially, INJs will usually consider that a risk not worth taking. Only later in development, when and if the need to individuate becomes too great to ignore, does the lure of Se begin to outweigh the risk of disturbing Si. Even still, the INTJ and INFJ will often experience an internal tug-of-war on the matter, the Se drive surrendering if the risk of bodily harm or discomfort is too great.
For INJs there is an extreme level of distrust and demonization of the body and its processes because Si remains so totally alien and out of the control of the INJ as the shadowy eighth function. Physiological responses are not well understood and often not accurately perceived; even supposedly “pleasurable” physiological feelings are regularly repressed and/or dismissed as unwanted. So-called “thrill seeking” which brings up butterflies of excitement for other types can be a source of extreme anguish for Ni types who may experience that bodily response as uncontrollable stomach pain, nausea, and dizziness. Adrenaline is not considered desirable; therefore, avoiding “fight or flight” situations whenever possible is imperative. Not surprisingly, it’s this skittish behavior that usually gets INJs classified early on as “fraidy-cats” and “chickens” (often true for other introverts as well, but seemingly more pronounced in INJs).
Trying new things and being open to untried experiences means assuming the possibility that body may be affected in an unwanted way. Ironically, this can cause INJs to appear, at least on the surface, like ISJ types at times. But where ISJs are driven by desire, INJs are driven by fear. And unlike ISJs, the goal is to minimize the need to be aware of the body, if possible. INJs do not want to be bound by their physicality. This is an extension of the idea of the self-described state of existence that INJs recount as a “continual out-of-body experience.” As such, INJs are likely to subconsciously repress mild pain or discomfort longer than ISJs, particularly if it means attaining some sort of Se reward. But this is usually short lived, particularly if physical pain is pronounced and/or prolonged.
Long-term physical suffering is seen as the epitome of the worst kind of evil and the deepest of their fears. If this occurs, INJs are likely to go into an extreme state of grip behavior as they are poorly equipped to deal with acute physical pain. They may become angry and incredulous, convinced that the body is lashing out against them somehow (again, since they tend not to associate their sense of self with their body at all, the body is seen as a totally separate entity apart from themselves.) Some INJs react by becoming positively punitive, putting themselves through even more physical stress by doing things like slamming back a potentially unsafe dose of NSAIDS or exercising to the point of injury. They tend not to react gently or respectfully toward the body, blaming and disciplining when things go awry.
Hierarchy of Needs
What all of this ultimately leads to is the persistent, nagging awareness for the INTJ and INFJ that reducing physical discomfort (and grip experiences) requires access to and the ability to provide for essential material things. Indeed, when we consider that the ability of humankind to be successful on a survival level has relied at minimum on man’s ability to provide for basic physiological needs – food, water, safety, sex, shelter, etc. – the stakes are raised. It’s not only about reducing pain and suffering, but, indeed, surviving.
Assuming that there is some validity to Maslow’s “Hierarchy of Needs” theory, it would seem that those needs that form the foundation of the pyramid fall primarily into the Sensing domain while items at the top fall more into the Intuition realm. Though I would argue that Maslow’s pyramid may be overly simplified when applied to specific individuals given what we know about how our individual typologies shape our needs and values, it is true insofar as physical survival of the species as a whole simply could not have happened on things like self-actualization alone; no food, no water, no sex, no life.
But for the INTJ and INFJ the relative unfamiliarity and inexperience with the Sensing world can put them at a disadvantage when it comes to some of these essential survival needs. Deftly manipulating or navigating the environment via physical strength and agility is usually not a viable option – and definitely not the most efficient use of energy for an Ni. Being forced to constantly focus on how to meet basic physiological needs, to merely survive, is more than hampering to the ability of the INJ to individuate, its damning. And, again, not to downplay the way this challenges all individuals of every type, there is a particular tragedy and poignancy here with respect to Intuitive types because of the way in which it would seem that according to typology they are meant to live life with Maslow’s pyramid essentially inverted.
For Intuitives trying to live authentically, there may be an attempt to rely on others or expect the world to help them meet essential physical needs so that they don’t have to spend energy in the grip trying to attain them, instead turning their attention to the theoretical, intellectual, metaphysical, and spiritual. Society, as a general rule however, is usually not terribly sympathetic to the Intuitive’s approach, often perceiving such behavior as laziness, incompetence, and/or entitlement.
While it may be easy for Intuitives struggling with this problem to feel sorry for themselves, modern society has in many ways become much more amenable to their plight as advances in technology have made many of the Si discomforts of the past but faint memories (outhouses anyone?). Additionally, jobs have transitioned from bring primarily manual labor based with computer technology and the internet becoming one of the most favorable for Intuitive types. And as more social programs that assure a base level of living and healthcare are implemented, the perception of the dog-eat-dog world that INJs find so terrifying is dissipated as well. As always, the creative power and insight that marks Ni will be the INJs redeeming grace.
Learn more about INFJs—their personality, bodily issues, life struggles, relationships, paths to growth, and more—in our new INFJ book:
Beyond Rare: The INFJ’s Guide to Growth & Self-Awareness
Gwyneth says
An INFJ’s personal experience..Years ago, I took the Singer-Loomis Inventory of Personality which indicated a high and equal development of all four functions on an introverted level. It was only in their extroverted expression, that discrepancies and inequalities were indicated and, as anticipated, Feeling was dominant in the extroverted mode with Intuition, Thinking and Sensation following in descending order of strength. Perhaps Jung was correct when he said that artists fall into a different category as I have always expressed my vision through the arts. However, concerning the experience of the physical realm, I live this incarnation on a quantum level, with a relationship to energy that, I realize, very few people posess. All the senses, both physical and psychic, are exquisitely and sometimes painfully strong, (which can be both a blessing and a curse), but this brings a discernment and a wisdom I would not willingly live without.
Alex says
Looking through the HSP question list, most of them seem very much “Are you an Fe user” type questions.
As to the article overall, it feels thoroughly alien for the most part. The outside world isn’t some demon to recoil in terror from, even if I’m pretty much an elephant in a China shop as far as that is concerned.
RF says
Agree. INFJ and I totally love using my body. I run Spartan Races and other mud runs ending up bruised and battered for days. I love adventure, love physical challenges. I actually *need* physical exertion to calm my mind and get me out of my introversion.
Elaine Schallock says
Alex and RF, any chance that you might be INFPs mistyping as INFJs? Your descriptions sound more commensurate with what I would expect from INFP types who are driven more by Ne to be explorative as well as Si to be in touch with their mind/body connection. Most INFP types I know are very interested in connecting with their bodies via yoga, hiking, running, etc., particularly if it involves traveling and being outdoors? I just wanted to offer that possibility. I wish you all the best and thank you for your support!
Jaynee says
Agree, as an INFJ I also need physical challenge to “numb out” my ever eternal thought processes! I spiral down without it
Hajnal says
Interesting.. it’s no wonder all my ex-boyfriends were Si dominant.. I really need to face that part of mine, need to accept it, make peace with it, integrate it (as much as I look down on it). I wish I was a breatharian :) but actually even fasting can bring up a great fear and a strong bodily reaction in me. How extremely troublesome XD
My memory is so bad – can it be caused by my disconnection to Si? Even as a kid I remember I had moments when I was like – “what was I doing a moment ago?” and I needed to focus to remember.
Margaret says
Very interesting! And predictably uncanny, regarding many of my own challenges (INFJ).
1. Given this information, what is the best way to cope with this? How can an INFJ develop their Si?
2. If one of the main daily struggles for Ni is how to bring together the elements of reality (Se) with their vision–modifying their vision when necessary–then could it also be stated that one of the deepest fears is that the body (Si) will be unable to serve the vision (Ni)? Hence the punitive measures when the body fails to deliver and the panic when pain or illness sets in. If so, how might you consider the order of magnitude between these two struggles? How does the INJ experience these two struggles differently?
Elisabeth says
Brilliant theory, it gives me a lot to think about. As an INFJ I can relate to the dislike of Si — I won’t watch scary movies because the adrenaline is stressful. On an every day basis, I am often unaware of my physical bodily needs and reactions — they register at some level that’s non-verbal, and I am easily irked by complicated Si protocols (e.g., following an ISFJ’s method of doing laundry). Why — Si methods seem boring, inefficient, up to a gold standard when normal would do just fine, and an irritating waste of energy — like I’m being given busy work and will have no free mental time for what’s important. How I cope: have practices in place so that I don’t have to think about Si stuff, follow bodily reactions as clues to figure out where my reactions or moods are coming from, and have some Si friends that I listen to/call on for help. Do you suggest trying to give Si more respect in hopes of better integrating Se?
Alex says
Loved this comment; I identify with all of it. But, could you clarify what you mean by trying to give Si more respect in hopes of better integrating Se? How would one do this?
Renee says
Interesting. As an INFJ, I can relate to some of these things. I regularly forget to eat, or put it off because of the effort it takes to prepare sustenance, and the interruption it will cause in taking away from the pleasure of being in my head. Also, I am not working presently so I have no particular schedule to help me to remember to eat. I do not like to particularly, physically “do” anything. I much rather just be in my head. It is also very frustrating to be touched without invitation, seeming to jerk me out of important thought and forcing me to pay attention to sensation… I really do not like this interruption. There are times I try to grasp my present reality, and it puts me in fear… I look around and think, “I am in this body… in this house… with these walls… around these people… and they are my family… who are these people?” Thinking about these things just about makes me hyperventilate at times and sometimes makes my tummy upset. It’s not that I don’t love my family, cause I do… it’s just when I sometimes try to focus on right here and right now, it can be pretty terrifying… as if I’m an ancient being suddenly waking up in someone else’s body.
Zach says
I’ve been terribly obsessed with trying to verify my type as an infj for the past week. The past few months have been incredibly stable for me, but when I discovered the MBTI test, that all was lost.
I initially typed out as an infj, and then took the test three more times, all typing as an infj. For whatever reason, I started doubting that I was adequately answering the questions on the personality tests, and got into this spiral of doubt as to my type.
I know it’s late, but this comment definitely cleared up a few things for me. Although I know it’s beneficial, I forget to eat very often, and really don’t care for working out.
Oh and that thought you have in a room… That absolutely scared me how similar it is to my thoughts. I literally will just be sitting at a dinner during a holiday, and all of a sudden realize that I am a physical being in a room surrounded by so many things that I didn’t realize for the past hour. It’s definitely a confusing and frightening thought at times. I often question what the world is really about anyways: “Why are we here on earth?… How did I get here?… What would it be like to be in a different family?”
Sorry for the rant. Just had to get rid of those completely random insights.
Im FiNe says
I’m an INFP and am probably an HSP. On another site for those interested in personality theory many who have INFP as their best-fit type also identify with probably being HSP. There were a few INTP’s and ISFP’s who offered a possibility of being HSP, but the majority were INFJ’s and INFP’s. [I don’t recall any INTJ’s seeing themselves as being HSP.] Perhaps it is the INF’s that are more likely also to be HSP?
Thanks, Elaine, for sharing insights on the INJ world.
Elaine Schallock says
Dear I’m FiNe (so clever!!), I think that you are correct in your assertion that most people falling into the HSP classification are INF types, though I believe that much of the above regarding fears about bodily safety etc. applies to INTJ (and occasionally INTP) types as well. The sticky part comes with the word “sensitive” – as another INTJ commenter posted INTJs are not likely to think of themselves as highly sensitive, at least with respect to feeling of concern for the general feelings of others. Being emotionally sensitive and sensately sensitive, however, are two different things. I think that INTP and INTJ types experience some degree of “sensate sensitivity” even if they aren’t likely to react emotionally, if that makes sense. I appreciate your comments and thank you for your support!
CSWest says
I’m an INFJ and HSP. I had my INTJ husband take Elaine Aron’s test for high sensitivity. According to the test, (and to my own surprise) he’s an HSP (though he didn’t mark as many as I did on the test). He is especially sensitive to physical pain.
Justyna says
I totally agree that INTJs are sensate sensitive, they may be annoyed with loud emotional speech, loud eating/chewing, they can be even sensitive to texture of some foods so that they will dislike lots of dishes. They may be as well averse to touching organic leftovers. What’s more they tend to deal well with mild physical injuries but not with illness, sickness, nausea etc.
Ezra says
Wow, just… wow. I’m INFJ, and this resonated with me profoundly. I would elaborate extensively on my feelings, but I’d just be restating the article. This really described every feeling I experience constantly on a day to day basis. I’ve been extremely emotionally sensitive to the point of pain for as long as I can remember, which I believe is a major contributor for me having developed borderline personality disorder as a young adult. :/ I remember feeling agonized by good feelings like excitement even as a little kid… butterflies felt more like sucker punches (and still do). Also I’ve had a somatisizing disorder for most of my teenage life where I convert my emotional pain to physical [which I can then block out] & it wouldn’t surprise me at all if this is common in INJs due to us being so uncomfortable with and unaware of Si. Thanks so much for this article as it confirmed a lot of suspicions of mine (or my Ni’s haha) and that’s always a great feeling to have! I hope other INFJs experience the same awe & validation upon reading this and that it can lead to us better integrating our Si. :)
hsp infj t1 says
´´ I remember feeling agonized by good feelings like excitement even as a little kid… butterflies felt more like sucker punches (and still do). ´´
this is interesting, i don´t have this but i sometimes am way too sensorically stimulated, like my brain and nerves go into an overdrive with little sensory input and i can´t rest. like the feeling of a child on a sugar binge. my brain can´t process that and then quickly retreating into quiet is like a godsend.
Inner Silence says
I can totally relate to feeling afraid of facing the discomfort and fear of the outside world (involving putting up with many bodily sensations and stimulations), even if I do feel driven to develop my Se. I have this terrible disassociation with my body where I do feel what it needs but for some reason do everything backwards – the worst is that I will not let myself rest, so the less productive and willing to do anything I am, the more I will force myself into this (most often intellectual) activity, all the while feeling how the tension in my body grows and grows, and it becomes a compulsion where I cannot stop and react to my sensations… Also, I often hear of INFJs not feeling hunger and skipping meals. For me it is backwards too. I do not feel hunger or fullness as most people do, but the worst is that, the worse my physical condition is or the more tired I am, the more I will eat. I know my body does not want it but I cannot stop (yes, I do have an ED but it seems to be different from the regular bulimic tendencies as well).
Generally I have this Ni-construed image of the physical self I want to be, glowing with health, exercising, in tune with my body, but in reality I feel extremely uncomfortable in it, and every little itch and discomfort will bring me to the edge and make me do something destructive on top of that like self-harm or binging, but this only makes the discomfort grow and I struggle to find my way out of this spiral…
Rowan says
“…the worst is that I will not let myself rest, so the less productive and willing to do anything I am, the more I will force myself into this (most often intellectual) activity, all the while feeling how the tension in my body grows and grows, and it becomes a compulsion where I cannot stop and react to my sensations…”
This is something that I (an INFJ) do periodically, usually late at night when I’m working on something that I don’t want to do, and it frustrates me. I get a sort of ‘tunnel vision’ and become unable to shift my focus to other tasks, think of the bigger picture, or even accomplish anything constructive with the task that I’m forcing myself to do. The tension builds and builds, until it becomes difficult to breathe and think and even to move–it’s like all of my muscles are locked in place by my mind and I have to fight myself to release them. The worst part is that I can see that the solution is incredibly simple–all I have to do is stand up and walk away–but it is excruciatingly difficult to actually do this. Hopefully, someday, I will stop doing this to myself, but at the very least knowing that someone else experiences this too makes me feel less alone.
hsp infj t1 says
´´ I get a sort of ‘tunnel vision’ and become unable to shift my focus to other tasks, think of the bigger picture, or even accomplish anything constructive with the task that I’m forcing myself to do. The tension builds and builds, until it becomes difficult to breathe and think and even to move–it’s like all of my muscles are locked in place by my mind and I have to fight myself to release them. The worst part is that I can see that the solution is incredibly simple–all I have to do is stand up and walk away–but it is excruciatingly difficult to actually do this. ´´
i have this right now. i get this a lot. and seriously hope to find solutions. a weary process.
Laurel Owen-Scutari says
I have taken the personality test a few times, and come up INFJ each time. And for the most part, it rings true. This article gave me pause, though, because I thoroughly enjoy yoga, pilates, jogging, walking, and hiking. Indeed, I need those things to find calm and balance. I have been a dancer all my life, and am connected to my body. The things I can’t do is ride rollercoasters (or anything else at the fairgrounds), race cars, or perform high dives. Anything that’s scary and gets the adrenaline going just makes me a mess. But exercise does not have that affect –quite the opposite.
Laurel Owen-Scutari says
I have taken the test several times, and always come up with INFJ. For the most part, it’s accurate. But this article gave me pause, because I love to hike, jog, practice yoga, pilates, and dance. I grew up dancing. These activities calm and soothe. They put me closer to the rhythm of life. The things I can’t do are high-adrenaline things like rollercoasters, car racing, or high diving. I don’t do white water rafting, either. Interesting.
Sarah says
I am an INFJ. Reading your main INFJ article and the article concerning relationships was all a big YES for me. :) Almost as if you were in my head describing things that I sometimes am aware are there but don’t always think about!
This article is giving me more pause. I also have Fibromyalgia. I’m in constant pain. I can’t help but be aware of it. I can ignore it and push it back and it doesn’t hurt as much at times ( really good supplements help a lot!) but it’s still always there. I feel like I’m in a constant state of stress. Perhaps this is some of why?
In addition, I’m intrigued as to how INFJs and other types relate to varying methods of abuse- physical, mental, emotional… I can see how I, my family, and others I know have responded to it, and I think I can see instance in which their personality type seems clouded because they aren’t as sure who they are or feel comfortable with who they are. But, I’m also wondering how that affects the prevalence an interconnection of the type functions.
Just some thoughts.
Thank you!
:)
Al says
I would suggest that this article is a generalization by someone who does not truly understand the type they are describing. I am an INTJ, have been since I took the Meyers Briggs when I was in high school. I have taken it multiple times since and always come out as INTJ.
I would suggest that the INTJ can and is aware of the need for physical fulfilment as a means to help combat the aging process. The INTJ isn’t terrified of the other world as this article would suggest, but is much more aware of the consequences of rash actions and therefore tries to.mitigate consequenceso through planning. So, through planning, and INTJ can prepare and seek to prevent physical deterioration in order to limit mental deterioration because the two are not mutually exclusive. Now, an INTJ might find it difficult to exercise regularly, or to remember to eat occasionally due to their present pursuit of mental stimulation and fulfilment, but this is a temporary situation, not an ever present condition. Additionally, people need to recognize that these “types” are not all inclusive, but rather can be used to indicate the usual manner in which a person who thinks in a manner consitent with one of the types might react. Often, I have found that the type of a person does not encapsulate their actions completely because people are more fluid that most psychological theories would like us to believe.
macy says
Unbelievably accurate. It’s like someone has followed me around all my life…
Dani says
So, I’m an INTJ and have recently tried interactive sports, just because I tend to develop interest in random things that don’t necessarily fit into my main hobbies (writing, drawing, reading). I joined a roller derby team, and was really frustrated because the IDEA of it was so interesting but when I was in there, it was chaos to me! I was so overwhelmed that my mind was spinning. I’ve tried sports sporadically throughout my life & found they just aren’t for me; I get easily overwhelmed & simply can’t think straight. I always thought there might be something wrong with me because I don’t normally react like that, but the article sheds some light on how I am actually just over sensitive to my environment. I sort of knew that; the color red upsets me and crowds exhaust me! Anyway, good article!
Maci says
It’s scarily accurate. Especially the part about seeing the body as a separate entity. And about having higher pain tolerance in the short term. It seems like I am always at war with my body… I forget to eat, or I eat too much. I don’t exercise at all, or I exercise to the point of injury, determined to subject my body to my will.
Linda says
I am an INTJ.
My body has always been a distinctly separate part of me, and I agree that being bound with illness is like the worst kind of hell. It is a problem that must be solved, and nothing else really matters much until that happens.
Evan, I agree. People ‘think’ I’m a highly insensitive person too, because I am logical and rational where emotional response is expected. This could not be more wrong, as I care very deeply and unfortunately for all of us, want to solve pain through providing a paradigm shift.
I’m “Spock”, “Data” , and “Egghead”. None of those depictions includes a tender and compassionate persona.
hsp infj t1 says
gawd i think some of this relates to me and has been incredibly painful. feel i am in a grip now, so hard to read the whole text quietly and take it in. but the parts i have been able to take in, oh boy. painful. my body is stressing me out right now, i also actually became ill through stress, hsp, my limits pushed etc and am fighting that. i suspect i´ll find some answers here. i got a dis ease from it and it forces me to be physical, although my ni rules the roost. i´m making progress, which shouldn´t actually be, but yeah, limitations, extreme problems with being physical, although i love feeling physical, inward intuiting all day and sailing through possibilities and answers, painted in hsp, dealing with the physical realm, it gets too much a lot.
Lois Bell says
I think the rustic reality of humans up until say 200 years ago were not all that rough on intuitives. I am an INFJ, and I come from a long line of farmers on both sides. I find nothing more peaceful than working in my garden. And in general, I’m called “tough” by some of the most hardened folks I know. I deal with several different chronic issues that leave me with pretty consistent background pain, but as long as I can do my woodworking or gardening, horseback riding, writing, or singing, I can get through pretty much anything. I think it’s a trade-off. It’s particularly hard for us to be in an urban environment where the sheer press of humanity who all seem desperate for attention and validation are just as difficult to deal with as the physical hardships of the 1700’s. (and yes, I am well familiar with outhouses, my grandparents had one until I was 15). It’s just a difference of where the stressors come from, but the other three INFJ’s I know are all some of the most resilient, persistent, and unsinkable people I know.