INTP/INFP switching

[Dimensional Transition]

Would being in the wrong place for an INTP cause you to become more INFP?

Even though I always test as an INTP, I've been 'feeling' a lot lately. Feelings of depression and regret keep coming back, can't finish my animation and art projects... I've been more insecure, and less rational than usual. It's strange. It has been slowly creeping up on me for about a year I think. Am I developing my F-side or something? What is going on? I just took another MBTI test, and I tested as 60% Thinking, but still.

 

[EvilScientist Trainee]

Dimensional,

I'm completely sure that you are aware of the function aspect of MBTI. You do understand that a type is no more than a group of functions. If you don't know about it, and you're unsure whether you are an INTP or INFP, you should know a couple of things.

INTPs are about Ti. Ti is a function that is concerned with the truth - It looks forward to understand what makes sense in the world. It seeks to develop it's own clarifications about many subjects. To do that, Ti detaches from current social dynamics - That is, Fe - to achieve a higher sense of clarity.

INFPs, on the other hand, are about Fi. Fi is a function that is concerned with congruency. It forms its own values according to life experiences, and once they're formed, they try to live according to them. Fi always asks to oneself what is its feeling to that situation. And to do that, it ignores standard procedures and organization(Te).

--
Understand that they're very different. Ti is a function who uses logic in an personal way to judge experiences. Fi is a function that uses ethics in a personal way to judge experiences. And, according to Beebe's archetype theory, one is the demon of the other. So they stay in very opposites (1st and 8th) of the function hierachy of INxP types. So, you can't just flip from INTP to INFP.

To check if you're INFP or INTP naturally, you should ask yourself which axis of judgment do you naturally use, whether it's FiTe or FeTi. The Fi-Te axis is an axis that uses personal, subjective data to work on the ethics judgment, while using objective, impersonal data to work on logic. The Ti-Fe axis is an axis that uses personal, subjective data to work on logic, while using impersonal, objective data to work on ethics.

Also, you could try comparing Fe to Fi, as you said that you feel unfamiliar with feeling/emotion . If you find it more important to have personal harmony to feel good about yourself - that is, going with what you believe, not bending to pressure, being a unique person - you may be an Fi user. If you find it important to have harmony with the social environment - that is, making sure everyone is doing fine, that agreements are accepted by everyone, belonging to a group - you may be an Fe user.

Finally, comparing the effects of the inferior function on the type: IxTPs will feel overwhelmed/inferior when they must be in social settings, while IXFPs will feel overwhelmed if they must abide to logical organizations. To the INTP, it means death to be friendly and caring, while to the INFP it means death to be impersonal and cold.

Finally, being an INFP, I'd say that I feel highly annoyed when I must do what everyone else is doing. When I must let go of what I believe to follow a procedure or path. That's why I hated assignements that didn't allowed me to work with I liked the most, but instead had me doing a pre-made work. It felt impersonal and not stimulating.

I may have made a huge mess above trying to explain the difference between those two types, but I hope it helps you.

 

[Dimensional Transition]

I still feel as if I'm just one weird mix of the two. I can relate to both kinds of behavior, but more often the Ti behavior. It's quite confusing. I do feel overwhelmed in social situations, and try to use logic as much as I can, but I don't like the idea of being impersonal and cold to others either, I'm usually a good listener(if I like the person who's talking to me...), and I really enjoy talking with others, just not too many people.

 

[EvilScientist Trainee]

Try looking at this article too. It helped me a bit when I was trying to understand my functions ordering.

You don't have to be anti-social just because you're using Ti. You may be well aware of your Fe, that's it.

 

[Dimensional Transition]

Try looking at this article too. It helped me a bit when I was trying to understand my functions ordering.

You don't have to be anti-social just because you're using Ti. You may be well aware of your Fe, that's it.

I haven't read into MBTI types as much as most of the others here on this forum obviously. I find the first half of this article very interesting, then it gets very confusing to me.

 

[EvilScientist Trainee]

Don't be discouraged. Do you know how the functions form at type?

There are four judgment functions (Fi, Fe, Ti and Te) and four perception functions (Ni,Ne,Si and Se). A type is formed at its most simple description, by it's top two functions(a judgment coupled with a perception function) - that is, the functions that an individual feels more natural using. With this, we have 16 different pairings, the 16 types. We call a type P or J, in the simplest sense, by looking which of that top two functions is extroverted.

For instance, INTPs are Ti-Ne. As Ne is a perception function, INTP is a perceiving type. INFJs are Ni-Fe, as Fe is a judgment function, they have their J. So, when we look at a given type, we can already know which functions are they using by looking at their four letter code.

But it doesn't stay at the top two functions, as you may already know. When we have a function, we have an opposing function to that same one working. It has a different preference (N vs S, T vs F) and attitude (Introverted vs extroverted). So, when we have Ne, we have Si as well. When we have Ti, we have Fe as well. The more we use a function, the weaker will be their opposite's interference.

Thus, we'll have, for the INTP Ti-Ne-Si-Fe. Those four functions are the conscious side of an INTP. He/She will have a preference to use these functions regarding each one of the functions preferences. And you'll notice that they're into a specific order, the order of use.

The most used function is the dominant (or hero) function. The second most used function is the auxiliary(Or parent) function. Then we have tertiary (Or child/puer) function and inferior (or anima) function.

But a given person is able to use all eight functions throughout their lives. It may not use it skillfully or consciously as their top four functions, but they still use it. The other four functions are the shadow functions, which are unconsciously used, mainly. The ordering of the shadow functions are the same as the conscious functions, but their attitudes are switched. And also, for the shadow functions, each of the conscious functions role is distorted.

For the hero, we have the opposing personality (Te, for INTPs). To the parent, we have the senile(senex - Ni, for INTPs). To the child, we have a trickster (Se, for the INTP) and for the anima, we have a demon (Fi, for INTPs). When you read that article about these archetypes, you'll notice how they play a role in our fears and desires and relationships.

So, in the end, we can list all eight functions of a type. And that's also why it's not really plausible for a person to change a type. If you changed types, you would have to change your psyche configuration heavily. It's not about the change of one function - or letter, it's about changing your drives, fears, attitudes towards people and things.

I hope that this information is helpful. If it is, it may help you to read that article more thoroughly. I also recommend reading some of Adymus' posts on MBTI and typology subforums.

When you start learning in depth about the functions, the theory gets a bit clearer. It's not a definite tool, but it's rather good to understand how people - and yourself- work.

Edit: At the part I said 'weaker the interference' I meant that it's less comfortable to use in opposition to the other function.

 

[EyeSeeCold]

Would being in the wrong place for an INTP cause you to become more INFP?

1.) There is no switching, just function accentuation.

2.) INxPs are united by iNtuition, this is the main reason for similarity. This intuition causes them both to be able to understand situations and people as they are progressing toward climax.

3.) INxPs are separated by Feeling/Thinking. INTPs use their intuition for their logical reasoning, this is expressed as them being able manipulate the things people say and what the world says around them to get their point across. INFPs use their intuition for emotive decision making, it manifests as them acting according how they feel about the current social situation - they manipulate social conventions in their favor.

4.) An INTPs Feeling does not see the light of day, it is used as a personal judgment of people and information(but it can in the company of valued persons). An INFPs Thinking does not see the light of day, it is used as a personal judgment of people and information(but it can in the company of valued persons).


Therefore if you openly express your logical reasoning on matters you are INTP from INFP. If you openly express your emotive reasoning on matters you are INFP from INTP.

See what I just did? - INTP.

 

[knightofni]

Would being in the wrong place for an INTP cause you to become more INFP?

Even though I always test as an INTP, I've been 'feeling' a lot lately. Feelings of depression and regret keep coming back, can't finish my animation and art projects... I've been more insecure, and less rational than usual. It's strange. It has been slowly creeping up on me for about a year I think. Am I developing my F-side or something? What is going on? I just took another MBTI test, and I tested as 60% Thinking, but still.

Feelings of regret, insecurity, and depression can creep into anyone’s life, regardless of type. You don’t have to be a ‘feeler’ to be down in the dumps.

The great part about being INTP, is that you might analyze all the reasons and differences in the last year that led to your current state of mind, and hopefully, make sense of why you actually feel the way you do.

 

[Dimensional Transition]

Feelings of regret, insecurity, and depression can creep into anyone’s life, regardless of type. You don’t have to be a ‘feeler’ to be down in the dumps.

The great part about being INTP, is that you might analyze all the reasons and differences in the last year that led to your current state of mind, and hopefully, make sense of why you actually feel the way you do.

I think you're right. I'm just not used to so much 'feeling' though, it's quite unsettling.

Thanks EvilScientist! I get it now.

I should really look more after my choice of words on this forum, maybe it's because English is not my mother language, I'm not sure. I didn't mean actually completely switching types, but being more or less on the edge of two types. When I started reading about INFPs and their struggle with often negative emotions, I thought I also came quite close to that type, so I started wondering if some sort of hybrid type could exist.

 

[Nibbler]

Would being in the wrong place for an INTP cause you to become more INFP?

I'm not new to the Type topic, but I haven't begun to delve into it meaningfully until recently. So I may say this incorrectly here and there on this forum, but I tend to say I was masking as an INFP for the bulk of my life.

I was raised in such an oppressive environment that I withdrew towards my feeling side, despite everything not adding up inside. I didn't know the term INFP until I took a test that told me I was in my 20s. And so based on what the profile told me about INFP, I tried more to [strike]behave like an INFP[/strike] apply INFP expectations. I certainly knew I wasn't thinking like I was expected to, which made me more depressed.

From the Online Typology Resources thread in MBTI & Typology forum, I read the following resource last night and identified with almost every single bit of it (some exceptions are that I food-deprive instead of indulge). It took getting cancer a few years ago to finally stop lying during self-introspection and how I chose employment and activities:

The Physiology of Type Falsification of Type and PASS (Prolonged Adaptation Stress Syndrome)
http://www.benziger.org/articlesIng/?p=32

That article confirmed everything I already figured out before I read it.

So based on my own limited example combined with the PASS article, I think you're either:

- evolving as a human being, finding a need to develop your F;
- developing depression for reasons you'd know best;
- or both.

Unless deep inside you feel like you're lying to yourself about something (causing your depression), then I don't think you're attempting to "switch parties."

 

[xmarksthespot]

Hey DT:

I am pretty much in the same boat as you. I've tested INTP mostly, but recently my Fi function is particularly increasing. Maybe it's aging and maturity, or maybe I'm getting comfortable feeling and accepting my emotions. Perhaps, I am an INFP, but i've been so detached and almost consciously chose not to 'feel' as a self-defense mechanism against 'depression' and anxiety.

I just now realize that with the good feelings being expressed, I've also opened the gates to the negative ones also.

I've been reading some articles on Highly Sensitive Persons. I could possibly be one. I am extremely sensitive , although it doesn't really show on the surface. I've been moody over these past couple of years and just can't seem to shake off my dark thoughts/feelings. It's frustrating

I hope you can work on the funky feelings that creep over you. Maybe it's a wake-up call to something you haven't really realized or uncovered yet.

 

[GYX_Kid]

i recently starting questioning this to some degree.

i find that my posts here tend to appear way more subjective than average. i often have perpetual feelings of regret and anger, and my Fi/Ti constantly lead each other into spirals of stressful obsessive thoughts and feelings. i bottle this up- if i ever show real emotion, it's in as private a setting as possible, it will occur maybe once a year, and will probably seem utterly violent and pathetic. afterwards i'll be much more level-headed and less obsessed in general. (even though in non-private matters, i'm levelheaded no matter what.)
also can have a tough time completing a task that isn't 'fun'. i don't like to punish people, but fantasize about "beating a bad guy" or someone/then labeled category of person who tried to fuck me in some way.

To check if you're INFP or INTP naturally, you should ask yourself which axis of judgment do you naturally use, whether it's FiTe or FeTi. The Fi-Te axis is an axis that uses personal, subjective data to work on the ethics judgment, while using objective, impersonal data to work on logic. The Ti-Fe axis is an axis that uses personal, subjective data to work on logic, while using impersonal, objective data to work on ethics.

i think i do Ti-Fe axis naturally during any task, but then in private alone switch to the other one when inside my own head.

 

[GYX_Kid]

INFP is labeled the "idealist," though INTP is also prone to idealism, perhaps more regarding reality though. i think both are creative/perfectionistic.

 

[myexplodingcat]

Just because you're INTP doesn't mean you can't occasionally fall into an emotional spot. Your MBTI is based off of periods when your life is going relatively well, or neutral. If you don't get emotional occasionally, we INTPs will have to band together to sic the android person hanging around. You've just proved you're human.

 

[molly777]

is it possible that people score almost 50% for certain category of the personality type, such as almost 50% for thinking and for feeling? because i did and what does this mean? as long as there's different score regardless of how tiny is it will turn you into a different person?

(sorry if i didn't state clear enough, english is my second language)

 

[pjoa09]

Can't :

You gotta Te!
I can't Te.
I can't Fi either.

Te- organized, scheduled.
Fi - idealizing according to feeling, insensitive to social disharmony.

 

[molly777]

but the test is too testing whether you're FiTe or FeTi right? what i mean is does the percentage of the test doesn't mean anything? like the percentage indicates the possibilities of you acting another although you're prone to one of the way instead of just one way...

 

[pjoa09]

but the test is too testing whether you're FiTe or FeTi right? what i mean is does the percentage of the test doesn't mean anything? like the percentage indicates the possibilities of you acting another although you're prone to one of the way instead of just one way...

Well the tests aren't exactly accurate. I tested multiple times INTP and I still doubt it.

Most tests are filled with statements and every response swings to a letter (I,E,S,N,F,T,P, or J) regarding to how strong your response is. So when you got the result INTP it means that you answered more statements that were of introvert,intuitive, thinker, and a perceiver than anything else.

This is completely regardless of the dichotomies(Ti,Te, and etc.) and how they fit. If you are an INTP you would have an extroverted intuition and introverted thinking as dominant. INTJs have introverted intuition and extroverted thinking as dominant. So you just apply that kinda logic/thought.

INTP - I , Ne, Ti
INTJ - I , Ni, Te
INFP- I, Ne, Fi (that would mean the less preferred thinking function would be Te)

I think you just research the rest before I end up with my own ideas.

I am pretty confused about myself. I seem to be IXTP because I can't figure out intuitive and sensory functions. External factors seem to distort personalities.Making it difficult to really tell.

But while determining others it seems clearer.

I would also try looking for Pi and Je functions. Even though they are pretty new they make more sense.

 

[molly777]

i think maybe the test percentage means the accuracy of your prediction toward self? and the most accurate one would be the one who that gets 100% for each categories, because this is a test based on your perception towards yourself which might not be accurate therefore there's need to be confirmed with lots of questions by which you answer the most...which makes the percentage means nothing about the proneness but the accuracy and consistency of answering correctly each time...which you can tell if the result is accurate by the percentage of each categories, but again it might be due to the total wrong perception towards self, but at least you can tell you're not doing it accurately by the percentage i guess...and again the most accurate test would be to analyse by yourself after you've known the theory of personality type...

 

[pjoa09]

Yeah but the fact remains. You are not INFP just because you have started to decide by feeling or have become more compassionate and empathetic. You would be IXXX you would need to confirm yourself as an introverted feeler and extroverted thinker.

 

[Tacoma200]

OP: It sounds like you are describing depression. I assume it affects all personality types. I would think INTP's would be prone to this.