INFP Personality Type: The Mediator (Perceiving, Intuitive, Feeling, Intuitive)

Want a deeper understanding of the INFP personality type?

INFP is a four-letter code acronym used to represent one of the 16 Myers-Briggs personality types. People with this personality type tend to be creative, romantic, caring, and loyal.

They have high values and morals and seek ways to understand people and best serve humanity. They are family oriented and prefer to interact with a select group of close friends.

The INFP personality type is important because it represents one of the 16 types identified by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). This instrument has been used for decades to understand individual differences in personality traits and potential areas for development within an organization or team setting.

Understanding personality types can help individuals better understand themselves and others around them to foster greater communication, teamwork, productivity, creativity, innovation, etc., all of which are key components for success in any endeavor or workplace environment.

16 Personalities: A Complete Guide to Myers-Briggs and personality Types

Table of Contents

What Is the INFP personality type

The INFP personality type is a four-letter acronym for introverted, intuitive, feeling, and perceiving. This type of personality is one of the sixteen Myers-Briggs personality types. It is often referred to as the Mediator, Idealist, Healer, or Dreamer.

Individuals with such a personality are usually creative, idealistic, loyal, and highly emphasize moral values. They desire to make meaningful contributions to society and generally prefer to maintain a few intimate relationships with friends and family.

INFPs are considered an NF empath temperament, meaning they are introspective and intuitive but also compassionate and idealistic. They strongly desire to spread goodness and meaning into the world and have values that often include creativity and autonomy.

Understanding this personality type and its strengths and weaknesses is important as it can help us better understand how to interact best and support INFPs and allow them to reach their fullest potential.

It can also provide insight into which careers may best suit INFPs, such as counseling, arts, or writing. Knowing these traits can help foster meaningful relationships and create a more supportive environment.

What Is The INFP Function Stack?

The INFP personality type function stack is the following: Introverted Feeling, Extroverted Intuition, Introverted Sensing, and Extroverted Thinking.

INFP Dominant Function: Introverted Feeling (Fi)

INFPs’ dominant function is Introverted Feeling (Fi), which is the function that governs their decisions, emotions, and values. It facilitates the development of individuality by encouraging the exploration of emotions, ideals, and creativity.

The Fi function gives INFPs an uncanny ability to read through people’s facades and to get to know who they are. It also allows them to make decisions based on emotions, hunches, and values.

Through their dominant function, INFPs strive for personal growth and self-discovery to be authentic to their internal values.

INFP Auxilary Function: Extraverted Intuition (Ne)

The INFP Auxiliary Function is Extraverted Intuition (Ne), the second most important function in the INFP’s function stack. This function is concerned with understanding patterns, making connections between ideas, and exploring possibilities.

It enables INFPs to see multiple paths forward and recognize solutions others may not have considered. This function also helps INFPs to understand new concepts quickly and to make quick decisions, as the information is processed through impressions, possibilities, and meanings.

By using their Extraverted Intuition, INFPs can create innovative solutions and think outside the box.

INFP Tertiary Function: Introverted Sensing (Si)

The tertiary function of an INFP is Introverted Sensing (Si). This function allows them to remember data in detail and compare it with current information. It allows them to link present experiences to past experiences in search of a connection.

INFPs use this function but to a lesser degree than their other functions. With Sensing (S), INFPs process data with their five senses. It helps them to organize and categorize their thoughts and to see the logical consequences of actions.

INFP Inferior Function: Extraverted Thinking (Te)

INFPs have an inferior function of Extraverted Thinking (Te). This function is largely unconscious and can be symbolized in dreams as deep underground, undersea, or in a dark forest.

Te is an extraverted judging function that serves as a tool for verbally asserting, in a measured and deliberate way, one’s opinions and judgments. It is unemotional in its presentation, showing little variation in intonation or physical expression.

INFPs are often attracted to characteristically T careers such as math, science, law, economics, computers, accounting, engineering, and the like. This is because they intuitively realize that external structure is, to some extent, necessary for them to live happy and healthy lives.

Despite this attraction, INFPs may struggle to maintain their preferred level of order and organization due to their inferior Te. The lack of structure can cause them to feel overwhelmed when faced with a host of Te demands.

What makes people with the INFP personality type unique?

People with the INFP personality type are unique in many ways. They are open-minded and non-judgmental, looking for possibilities beyond the immediate situation.

At the same time, they are highly empathetic and conscientious, always looking to ensure the emotional safety of the environment and the people they are with. They have an individualistic and quietly rebellious streak and won’t follow tradition for tradition’s sake. Living a life in alignment with their values is essential for them.

Additionally, they are curious and excited by the variety and don’t like being tied down by rules, structures, or guidelines. These personality traits make them special and set them apart from other personality types.

How to understand and work with people with the INFP personality type

INFP personality types are known as “the mediators,” making up about 4-5% of the population. They are introspective, compassionate, and creative individuals with a strong sense of idealism and a deep appreciation for beauty.

If you know someone with this personality type, here are some tips on understanding and working with them.

Step 1: Understand the INFP personality type

INFPs are creative, idealistic people driven by high values and motivated to improve the world. They often have difficulty making decisions or sticking to a schedule but are passionate and loyal partners in relationships.

They do best in roles that allow them to use their creativity, such as writing and research, and may also succeed in roles that involve helping others or problem-solving. Understanding the INFP personality type characteristics can help us better interact with and understand people with this type.

Step 2: Learn to accept and work with your INFP characteristics

Step 1: Understand the INFP personality type. INFPs are creative, compassionate individuals who value meaningful connections and are introspective with strong intuitive and observational skills.

Step 2: Reflect on how you interact with others. INFPs tend to have an idealistic and optimistic outlook on life and can be sensitive to criticism. They often prefer to work alone but need meaningful connections with those around them. They must surround themselves with people who understand and accept their unique traits.

Step 3: Consider how you can use your INFP traits in your career. INFPs can use their traits to find success in creative fields such as writing and design or careers that involve helping or healing others, such as nursing, counseling, or teaching.

Step 4: Practice mindfulness. INFPs can become overwhelmed in difficult situations, so practicing mindfulness and reflecting can help them manage stress and make thoughtful decisions.

Step 5: Seek support. INFPs should look for people who can comprehend and accept them for who they are. Connect with friends and relatives for comfort, assistance, and advice.

Step 3: Know when to be more direct or more indirect

When interacting with INFPs, be aware of their dominant Fi, auxiliary Ne, tertiary Si, and inferior Te. Respect their preferences for indirect communication, openness to direct conversations, resistance to change, and logical solutions. Adjust your communication style accordingly.

Step 4: Help others grow by engaging in their activities

Engaging in activities with INFPs can help you better understand their behavior and motivations, opening you up to their creative solutions and moral commitments. Spending time with them can also help them constructively focus their energy, allowing you to appreciate their idealism and drive for a better world.

Step 5: Show your INFP Side Publicly

Showing your INFP side can be beneficial when working with people of this personality type because it can help you to understand how they make decisions and interact with others. Being familiar with the INFP’s way of thinking can help you to better relate to them and work together in harmony.

Additionally, being open to listening to their perspectives can help you establish a deeper appreciation of their values and ideas. Ultimately, this can help foster strong working relationships and mutual respect between both parties.

Step 6: Find your true north, and make it yours.

Finding your true north can help you better understand and work with people with the INFP personality type by giving you clarity about your values and purpose, helping you to foster a deeper connection with them. It can also help you to recognize and appreciate their unique gifts and talents and to understand their struggles.

Step 7: Live inspirationally.

Getting plenty of sleep can help an INFP recharge, gain clarity, and interact with others meaningfully. This can lead to increased self-awareness and understanding of their own needs and those of others, allowing them to develop more meaningful relationships.

Step 8: Make support a priority

Giving support the attention it deserves can help those with the INFP personality type to feel understood and accepted. Acknowledging their creative and imaginative ways while respecting their need for careful consideration and steadfastness can help to foster a secure atmosphere where they feel safe to share their perspectives.

Doing this will permit a comprehension of the INFP’s special worldview and make it easier to cooperate and interact.

What Are The INFP Personality Traits?

NFPs are often characterized by the following:

imaginative and open-minded nature, looking for possibilities beyond the immediate situation
empathy and conscientiousness,
need for alone time to reflect
ability to understand the authenticity levels of others
radar for the emotional safety of their surroundings
ease in putting themselves in others’ shoes
curiosity and excitement for variety
reluctance to be tied down to rules and structures
desire for independence

In addition, INFPs have four core traits, including reservation, insight, irresolution, and emotionality, as well as four strengths: empathy, big-picture thinking, compassion, and independence.

Furthermore, as NF empath temperament personalities, they are introspective, intuitive, compassionate, and good-natured with a desire to spread goodness and meaning into the world.

List of the 16 Personalities

The 16 personality types were created by Isabel Myers and Katharine Briggs, creators of the MBTI personality assessment. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator is a questionnaire that measures psychological preferences in how people perceive the world and make decisions.

The 16 personality types are the following:

INTJ personality type: “Introverted, iNtuitive, Thinking, and Judging.”
INTP personality type: “Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, and Perceiving.”
ENTJ personality type: “Extraverted, iNtuitive, Thinking, and Judging.”
ENTP personality type: “Extraverted, iNtuitive, Thinking, and Perceiving.”
INFJ personality type: “Introverted, iNtuitive, Feeling, and Judging.”
INFP personality type: “Introverted, iNtuitive, Feeling, and Perceiving.”
ENFJ personality type: “Extraverted, iNtuitive, Feeling, and Judging.”
ENFP personality type: “Extraverted, iNtuitive, Feeling, and Perceiving.”
ISTJ personality type: “Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, and Judging.”
ISFJ personality type: “Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, and Judging.”
ESTJ personality type: “Extraverted, Sensing, Thinking, and Judging.”
ESFJ personality type: “Extraverted, Sensing, Feeling, and Judging.”
ISTP personality type: “Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, and Perceiving.”
ISFP personality type: “Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, and Perceiving.”
ESTP personality type: “Extraverted, Sensing, Thinking, and Perceiving.”
ESFP personality type: “Extraverted, Sensing, Feeling, and Perceiving.”

FAQ

What is an INFP person like?

An INFP individual is similar to a peaceful and imaginative tempest. They have a personal and discreetly rebellious attitude, walking to the sound of their own music and not following custom just for the sake of it.

INFPs are open-minded and have a non-critical attitude, understanding that various ways work for different characters. They are imaginative and inquisitive, having a lively creativity that permits them to investigate thrilling prospects. They are also compassionate and understanding, swiftly placing themselves in the position of others.

INFPs need a great deal of time alone to reflect and think and keep their feelings close to their chest. They are skilled at understanding the authenticity levels of others and have a radar for the emotional safety of the environment they’re in or the people they’re with. They don’t like being tied down to many rules, structures, or guidelines and prefer to keep their options open.

Superficial and fake people are an instant turn-off for the INFP personality type, as they constantly look for deeper meanings instead of simply noticing what’s on the surface. INFPs have high expectations – including in relationships – and can often daydream and imagine detailed scenarios in their heads.

They are loyal, trustworthy, and devoted to their close friends and family, and they can be full of surprises with their wild imaginations and inner creativity.

Is INFP a rare personality?

The INFP is an uncommon personality type, making up only 4.4% of the entire population. This translates to 1 in 66 males being an INFP and 1 in 40 females being an INFP. When considering the Feeling preference, the numbers drop to 75.5% of INFPs being female and 56.3% male. Additionally, INFPs comprise 16.5% of all personality types under the NF temperament.

Who is INFP soulmate?

INFPs seek a devoted and loyal soulmate who values their freedom to express themselves fully. They are most compatible with ENTJs, ENFJs, and INTPs, as these personalities share qualities such as a desire for deep connections and appreciation. INFPs take relationships seriously and look for a soulmate who can show them daily how much they mean to them.

What does being an INFP mean?

Being an INFP means belonging to one of the sixteen personality types within the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. INFP stands for Introversion, iNtuition, Feeling, and Perceiving. These four personality traits work together to create a unique and powerful personality type.

People with the INFP personality type are called Idealists or Mediators due to their strong emotional intelligence and empathy. They prioritize meaningful connections and wish to affect the world positively. These individuals are creative and delicate and often have big dreams.

INFPs direct their energy inward, often preferring to spend time alone and explore their inner world. They focus on concepts and abstract theories rather than facts and details and make decisions based on values and feelings rather than logic and facts. INFPs also prefer to keep their options open and explore different possibilities.

What does INFP stand for?

INFP stands for Introversion, iNtuition, Feeling, and Perceiving and is one of the 16 personality types within the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. People who identify as INFPs are generally sensitive, creative, idealistic dreamers.

Introversion means they direct their energy inward, while iNtuition refers to their focus on concepts and abstract theories. Feeling means they make decisions based on people and values, and Perceiving implies that they prefer to keep their options open and explore different possibilities.

They are often referred to as The Mediator, The Healer, and The Idealist and are considered uniquely individualistic and principled.

INFP Quotes

INFPs are regularly portrayed as arbitrators or peacemakers. They have a great capacity for awareness and sympathy with a powerful longing to keep balance in their environment. INFPs often rely on quotations to communicate their beliefs and standards. Notable INFP sayings comprise of:

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs

“If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things.” – Albert Einstein

“The best way to find out what we really need is to get rid of what we don’t.” – Marie Kondo

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs

ISFP and INFP

The INFp and ISFp personalities share some similarities. High values drive them as moral integrity, enjoy exploring their purpose in life, are introverted individuals, and are empathetic, caring deeply for others. However, they do differ in some ways.

INFps are idealists who strive to make a positive impact on the lives of others, whereas ISFps are deeply reflective and have the desire to live a meaningful and purpose-filled life. INFps also have a unique talent for self-expression and are drawn to creative, emotional pursuits.

In contrast, ISFps are more focused on practical approaches to life and tend to be more analytical and logical.

What is the meaning of infp?

The INFP personality type is the “mediator” of the 16 Myers-Briggs types. People with this personality type are introspective, compassionate, and creative. They are also idealistic and have a strong sense of personal values.

INFP stands for Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving. These four personality traits describe how an INFP processes information and interacts with the world.

INFPs are introspective, meaning they spend much time thinking about their own thoughts and feelings. They are also compassionate, which means they care deeply about others and their feelings.

INFPs are creative, have a strong imagination, and enjoy exploring new ideas. Lastly, INFPs are idealistic, which means they have strong personal values.

What Are The INFP Strengths?

The INFP personality type is often described as the “mediator” or “peacekeeper” of the 16 Myers-Briggs personality types. People with this personality type are introspective, compassionate, and creative. They are often drawn to artistic or humanitarian pursuits.

INFPs have several strengths that make them well-suited for certain roles and careers. They are often good at mediating conflict, and their compassionate nature can make them excellent counselors or therapists. Their creative streak can be a boon in writing, the arts, and design.

Although INFPs have many great qualities and can succeed in many different fields, they may have difficulty making the right decisions and sticking to them due to their idealistic nature.

Additionally, they may struggle with finding a career that provides enough structure, as they may prefer to work independently. Ultimately, these challenges can make certain career paths harder for INFPs to navigate.

What Are The INFP Weaknesses?

INFPs are generally kind and laid back, with firm principles. Yet, this can also disadvantage them, making life difficult. They can be excessively idealistic and are obsessed with excellence, setting unreachable standards for themselves and those around them.

They can become disheartened when circumstances don’t align with their expectations.

Sources Cited

Conclusion

If you’re an INFP Personality Type, you’re probably a gifted mediator. You have a strong sense of intuition and feeling, which allows you to see both sides of every issue.

You’re also extremely creative and often find yourself drawn to the arts. While you may have difficulty making decisions, you’re usually very good at compromise.

Regarding careers, you’ll do best in a field that allows you to use your creativity and intuition. And finally, you need to make time for self-care, as you can easily become overwhelmed by the demands of everyday life.