5 Differences Between INFP and INFJ Personality Types
What is INFJ?
The Myers-Briggs personality type INFJ, which stands for introverted, intuitive, feeling, and judging, is referred to by this acronym. INFJ is frequently referred to as the Myers-Briggs personality type that is most uncommon. INFJ personality types are frequently referred to as advocates because they live their lives with a strong sense of morality and a considerate tendency toward humanism. INFJs tend to be idealistic individuals with an innate sense of integrity, which can sometimes give them a predetermined sense of purpose in life—assisting others in overcoming adversity, hardship, and unfairness through selfless actions.
INFJs may appear quiet and reserved to outsiders, but they can alternate between introversion and extroversion. INFJs are frequently known for speaking fervently and passionately about certain subjects, especially when defending others or their ideals. Additionally, INFJs have a tenderness that enables them to express themselves sensitively through emotional candor. This kind of interaction can help INFJs leave a lasting impression on those they meet, which frequently results in the emergence of meaningful, genuine relationships. Such relationships are highly valued by INFJs, who sometimes put other people’s feelings before their own.
This is why many INFJs concentrate their efforts on improving particular facets of society in the hopes of empowering others. This can be a difficult task, particularly because INFJs occasionally avoid emotional connection with themselves, resulting in high levels of stress and burnout. Additionally, INFJs frequently view their equity-focused work as a personal mission that defines their lives, which makes them feel frustrated whenever they encounter conflict or criticism. INFJs have a propensity to over-personalize the world, but this trait makes them powerful forces in finding solutions and transforming lives.
What is INFP?
The Myers-Briggs personality type known as INFP, which is introverted, intuitive, feeling, and perceiving, is denoted by the acronym. People with an INFP personality type are frequently referred to as mediators because they frequently help others to respond empathetically to them. INFPs are typically reserved on the outside but have imaginative and creative inner lives that are full of daydreaming and storytelling. Because INFPs are known for their extreme sensitivity, they frequently react to nature, art, music, and other stimuli with strong emotions.
Because of their high level of sensitivity, INFPs are able to develop lasting relationships with others. Many INFPs may spend their entire lives yearning for these kinds of connections, and some may even feel compelled to use their careers to help others. As a matter of fact, many INFPs may feel lost until they find such a goal. Finding a life purpose that allows INFPs to uplift others and connect with them can be incredibly inspirational. Especially for INFPs who occasionally overextend their compassion and energy through idealistic efforts, this type of engagement can be demanding.
With this, INFPs have a strong dedication to authenticity. The commitment to truth and self-expression that INFPs frequently live with leads to many of these personalities pursuing creative endeavors. Such endeavors enable INFPs to connect with other people over their most private thoughts. The empathetic nature of INFPs generally allows them to act vulnerable and envision possibilities outside of their current reality. Although this can be a challenging task, especially for INFPs who have a propensity for fantasizing, INFPs frequently acquire a talent for minimizing this They typically have a lot of talent for figuring out where they fit in and effectively pursuing their goals.
INFP vs. INFJ: key differences
Because of their apparent commitment to sensitivity, establishing meaningful relationships, and assisting others in navigating the world, INFPs and INFJs are frequently mistaken for one another. Although INFPs and INFJs may appear similar at first glance, these two personality types have differences that help to distinguish them. Their cognitive processes serve as a key differentiator between these two personality types. Because there is not a single cognitive characteristic shared by INFPs and INFJs, their actual psychological processes differ greatly.
INFJs and INFPs have different cognitive functions, which affects how they think and behave. INFJs and INFPs differ primarily in four ways in how they think and behave:
Artistic vs. analytical
While INFPs have the introverted feeling function (Fi), INFJs have the introverted intuition function (Ni). INFJs and INFPs conceptualize the world and themselves in different ways due to this difference in perception. INFJs are typically perceived as being more structured, organized, and analytical due to their introversion, whereas INFPs judge with their introverted feelings, giving them the appearance of being flexible, artistic, and spontaneous to outside observers.
Extroverted empathy vs. introverted empathy
While INFPs experience empathy through their extroverted intuition (Ne) function, INFJs experience it through their extroverted feeling function (Fe). INFJs and INFPs relate to other people differently as a result of the differences between the two personality types’ ways of experiencing feelings. INFJs are highly attuned to the emotions of others, but because their feeling function is extroverted, they frequently struggle to comprehend their own feelings. Comparatively, because of their introverted feelings function, INFPs are inherently attuned to their own emotions.
Searching for insight vs. understanding others
When interacting with the outside world, INFJs use their introverted thinking function (Ti), whereas INFPs use their introverted sensing function (Si). Due to the two personalities’ differences, they might look for various experiences through their personal pursuits.
For instance, INFJs read extensively about philosophy, spirituality, and human nature in order to gain insight; they look for observations, patterns, and conclusions that will help them spot opportunities for social change. INFPs, in contrast, are less focused and may engage in exploratory activities, such as artistic pursuits, allowing them to consider the motivations and emotions that underlie the human experience.
External control vs. inner control
While INFPs use their extroverted thinking function (Te), INFJs use their extroverted sensing function (Se) to make judgments about the world. There is frequently a distinction between the two people’s self-conceptualizations and outward appearances as a result of this difference in their personalities.
INFJs are judgers who frequently come across as organized, punctual, and prepared to others, but who struggle with internal control. This difference enables them to act more flexibly than others believe they are capable of. In contrast, as perceivers, INFPs frequently come across as very open, adaptable, and flexible to those around them. However, they tend to be drawn to rigidity and structure on the inside, which allows them to surprise others with their ability to act in a disciplined manner.
FAQ
Are INFJs better than INFPs?
When it comes to authenticity and honesty, INFPs perform significantly better than INFJs. More likely to express your opinions and feelings, even when they conflict with or offend others You’ll be open and honest with others, sharing any problems you may be experiencing. Even if it might cause conflict.
Can I be both INFP and INFJ?
INFJ is the personality type that is most uncommon in the population as a whole, making up just 2% of the total population. It is also the rarest personality type among men. INFJ stands for Introversion, Intuition, Feeling, and Judging. This unique combination is hard to find in most people.
Is INFP or INFJ rarer?
This is because INFJs have an extroverted feeling function, which makes them more empathetic and makes them ideal therapists or guidance counselors because they are more sensitive to other people’s feelings. However, because of their introverted feeling function, INFPs are more sensitive to their own emotions.
Are INFJs or INFPs more sensitive?
This is because INFJs have an extroverted feeling function, which makes them more empathetic and makes them ideal therapists or guidance counselors because they are more sensitive to other people’s feelings. However, because of their introverted feeling function, INFPs are more sensitive to their own emotions.
