What is INFP?

INFP stands for Introversion, iNtuition, Feeling, and Perception and is one of 16 personality types studied from the MBTI personality identification indicator (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator). The MBTI personality assessment developed by Isabel Briggs Myers, Katharine Cook Briggs and David Keirsey from the work of renowned psychiatrist Carl G. Jung the types of psychology based on theories of cognitive functions. Keirsey named INFP The Healer because they tend to be sympathetic, selfless and deeply compassionate to help others, and INFP is one of the four personality types of the Idealist group.

What are the personality traits of the INFP group?

The MBTI assessment accurately estimates about 75% according to its guiding indicator, using multiple-choice questions on the basis of four "binary" (opposing psychological pairs), INFP is one of 16 personality types and is abbreviated by the first four letters (iNtuition is an exception because I is used for Introversion) as follows:

• Introversion: introverted, tend to like tranquility and prefer to interact only with close friends. They feel wasted a lot of energy when socially interacting with unfamiliar people;

• iNtuition: listen more to their intuition than specific feelings, so they focus their attention on the big picture rather than the little details, as well as things that might happen in the future rather than paying attention to reality;

• Feeling: make decisions based on feelings, emotional state, personal values rather than based on objective factors or logical rules;

• Perception: they do not rush to evaluate or soon make an important judgment, instead, they always see the problem in a flexible way and can change depending on the specific situation.

What are the core values, actions, and thoughts of INFP's personality trends?

INFPs are imaginative idealists driven by their own beliefs and core values. They focus a great deal of energy on intense feelings and deep moral values. INFPs are often very sensitive, sympathetic, selfless and concerned about their own development as well as others, and expect everyone to do the same. Despite their personal thoughts, they are also creative, flexible and slightly artistic, and do not judge in treating others because they know that each person has a different path of his/her own. INFPs are truly open-minded people who can cooperate and support but may not like it when their own values are violated.

People with the INFP personality have a clear sense of honor as it inspires and motivates them. If someone wants to get to know an INFP, then it is very important to know what motivated them and understand the cause of their choice. 

INFPs seek harmony in their lives and their surroundings, often frustrated by all the bad things that happen in the world and try to create something positive. People with this type of personality tend to see things and act from an idealistic perspective, rather than from logical thinking. They respond to beauty, morality, and virtue rather than utility, efficiency or value.

INFPs often speak metaphors and fables. They also have a great ability to create symbols or explain symbols. For this reason, the INFPs have the innate ability to write and like poetry. This type of personality does not cultivate logical thinking, unlike NT types - in their view, logic is not always necessary. INFPs are more interested in discussion with hypothesis or philosophy than any other type.

INFPs also often retreat into their "hermit" states (this kind of personality can easily switch between the two states), withdraw from the world and get lost in their deep thoughts - therefore, their partners may need to spend a lot of effort to energize and "wake them up".

INFPs have a common feature with NF ty  pes - they are very gifted in foreign languages. Usually, INFPs also become great writers or good actors because they can easily reflect and convey their ideas through fictional characters. In general, people with this type of personality are extremely creative, innovative and goal-oriented - they can be great advocates for the causes they truly believe in.

Finally, most INFPs are able to notice good sides (even if very little) in others. In the eyes of INFP, even the most disgusted people will have something worthy of respect or at least sympathy.

The career of the INFP personality group

True to the personality of an INFP, when they are looking for a job, they always pay attention to what they like to do most, which is autonomy, creativity, compliance with their personal values to help and improve the situation for others. INFPs are always motivated by vision and inspiration, want to put a personal impression on work but are also very cooperative, supportive and flexible with everyone. They fit into the following career fields:

• Art and Design (Fashion Design, Fine Art Design);

• Community and social services (Health education, Community Service Management);

• Education (Teachers, Administrators, Librarians);

• Health care (Dietitians, Physiotherapists);

• Business, Management, and Sales (Marketing, Human Resource Management, Business Management);

• Social media (Editor, Public Relations, Author);

• Science (Psychologist, Sociologist).

The relationship between INFPs and others

INFPs are people who are polite in communicating, encouraging discovery and selecting ideas. They are considerate, good at listening and always try to adapt to the communication style of many others.

• For INTP, ENFP, INFJ: they have similar characteristics and many things in common so it is easy for INFPs to share values, interests, and approaches;

• For ENTP, ENFJ, ISFP, INTJ: they have some differences but these differences are attractive to INFPs. Basically, they still have something in common to create a balance in their relationship with INFPs;

• For ISTP, ENTJ, ESFP, ISFJ: at first, INFPs may have some difficulty accessing and connecting with this personality group. However, if interacting for a while, they will discover commonalities as well as other points of view that can complement each other;

• For ESTP, ISTJ, ESFJ, ESTJ: this personality group is opposite and conflicting with INFPs, but if it is possible to develop a relationship, this is an opportunity for INFPs to learn and grow themselves, the challenges always come with great opportunities.

The INFPs are very confusing. Even their best friend finds it difficult to persuade INFPs to open up and reveal their feelings - ordinary acquaintances are even less able to understand INFP's insides. People with this type of personality don't care much about the number of friends they have, they care more about the quality of friendship.

INFP friends are especially loyal and helpful. They also recognize the emotional state of others, and this trait makes INFPs very sensitive and profound. They are very private when it comes to their emotions - again, INFPs don't feel comfortable revealing their feelings to people they don't know well.

INFP friends are strong, passionate, and idealistic people - the quiet and relaxed exterior of an INFP can be deceived. On the other hand, most INFPs need a lot of "alone time". INFPs are often very good at understanding other people's motivations and have no difficulty filtering out suspicious ones. However, if the INFPs decide to be open and start trusting others, they will form a very strong and stable relationship. It should also be noted that INFPs feel very respectful of people who have similar principles and values - these concepts are very close to people with this kind of personality.

The INFP will feel most comfortable when making friends with people with the trait of Feeling (F). The rationality and the "cold" perception of Thinking (T) - Reason may be intimidating them, while Judging (J) - The principle may appear too assertive and rigid. This does not mean that INFPs are unable to communicate with people with such characteristics, only that they are unlikely to become close friends.

In short, INFPs embody a very calm and peaceful attitude towards life. They appear to bring peace and quiet to everyone, with simple desires. In fact, INFPs feel strongly about their life. In relationships, this makes them full of deep emotions for love and consideration, which is not often seen in other personality groups. INFPs do not devote all their intense emotions to one another and are quite reserved in expressing their deep feelings. 

INFP spends the most affection and attention on some relatives or those who they trust the most. They are generally relaxed, like to help and nurture close relationships. With inner emotions that control their personality, INFPs are very sensitive and easy to empathize with and feel truly caring and concerned about others. It is not easy to trust others and be cautious when starting a relationship, but INFP will be loyal when they make a commitment. With strong core values, INFPs are individuals who value the depth and honesty in relationships and value those who can understand and accept their views. They are often easy to integrate and sympathize with unless one of their life principles is violated, then they may become conservative for their principles.

Classify trends in the INFP personality group

• Artisan personality groups (SP): ISFP (Composer), ISTP (Crafter), ESFP (Performer), ESTP (Promoter);

• Guardian personality group (SJ): ISTJ (Inspector), ISFJ (Protector), ESFJ (Provider), ESTJ (Supervisor);

• Idealist personality group (NF): ENFP (Champion), INFJ (Counselor), INFP (Healer), ENFJ (Teacher);

• Rational personality group (NT): INTP (Architect), ENTJ (Field Marshal), ENTP (Inventor), INTJ (Mastermind).

The popularity of the INFP personality group

This is a personality group with average popularity and accounts for about 4% of the world's population. By gender, only 4% of INFPs are male and 5% are female. INFPs are often considered calm, discreet or even timid. However, do not let their appearances fool you. 

While INFPs may be a bit cautious, they cannot be underestimated. People with this personality type are actually very affectionate - a trait that is not often seen in other personality types. Their compassion is really strong and lasting - but the INFPs will use it quite conservatively, directing this energy to a few chosen people or a worthy cause. Idealism is the flag of INFP people - and they are very proud of it. Unfortunately, it also makes INFPs often feel misunderstood and isolated because very few people carry the same ideals as them.

The famous INFPs

• Saint John - The most beloved Apostle of Jesus;

• William Shakespeare - Prominent British playwright;

• Jean-Jacques Rousseau - Philosopher and Literature;

• Julia Roberts - Famous Actor;

• C.S. Lewis - Author of "The Chronicles of Narnia";

• J.K. Rowling - Author of "Harry Potter";

• Antoine de Saint-Exupéry - Author of "The Little Prince";

• A. A. Milne - Author of "Winnie The Pooh".