The INFJ personality type is often shrouded in mystery,
making them a rare type in the world of personality.
But what truly sets INFJs apart is their ability to grow and evolve over time,
following a unique path towards self-discovery and actualization known as individuation.
Individuation is a theory that suggests that each person has a unique path towards
realizing their full potential, and that the journey towards it,
is marked by several distinct stages of growth and development.
For INFJs, this growth will be a deeply personal and transformative one, as they explore the depths
of their inner selves and connect with the world around them in new and profound ways.
So, how exactly do INFJs grow and evolve over time?
Let’s explore Jung’s Theory of INFJ Individuation.
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Type development
An INFJ at age 20 will look vastly different from an INFJ at 50.
This is because the nature of personality type is not a static construct,
but rather a developmental model that evolves over time.
This is particularly true for individuals with the INFJ personality type, whose journey towards
self-discovery and actualization is marked by a concept known as "individuation,".
Individuation was first introduced by the famed psychologist Carl Jung,
and it refers to the process of integrating and developing all
aspects of one's cognitive functions in order to realize one’s full potential.
It involves the exploration and acceptance of both the conscious and unconscious aspects of
the self, and the pursuit of a deeper understanding of one's inner nature.
Jung theorized that throughout their lives, INFJs progress through various stages of development,
each one building upon the last as they mature and cultivate their cognitive functions.
It's worth noting, however, that this process of growth is not uniform or predictable for all
INFJs. The stages of development is merely a general framework that offers insight
into what a typical INFJ might experience on their journey towards individuation.
Stage 1: Introverted Intuition (Ni)
Early childhood is when an INFJs most dominant function
Introverted Intuition (Ni) begins to develop.
The early growth of Ni (because of it’s introverted nature) makes INFJs
naturally inclined towards introspection, imagination,
and a desire to understand the deeper meaning behind the events and experiences in their lives.
The people around them will often note how quiet they are at this age,
and this is because they’ll be keeping their internal world hidden from most people - maybe
only sharing once they perceive someone to be wise and gentle enough to be trusted.
While INFJs may not remember every detail of this time, their most memorable experiences
will often be the joy and excitement that came from imagining and discovering new things.
For example; They might’ve had a fictitious friend,
or two, with whom they’d live with clandestinely.
They might’ve enjoyed activities like taking apart and rebuilding toys,
spending hours tinkering with gadgets and devices - with their parents often finding
them surrounded by wires, and tools, deeply engrossed in yet another little project.
During class, their mind would’ve often wanderd away from the lesson,
as they lost track of time, too immersed in their own inner world.
They may have doodled or sketched in their notebooks,
or wrote stories of alternate universes and fantastical creatures.
Regardless of their particular fascinations,
most would have been highly intelligent and capable of grasping complex concepts quickly.
Their parent and teachers may have recognized their potential
and encouraged them to channel their creativity into their school work.
Stage 2: Extraverted Feeling (Fe)
The teenage years is when an INFJs auxiliary function Extraverted Feeling (Fe) has the greatest
development, however this process usually begins earlier than this for most INFJs.
As introverted individuals the Fe function serves as a useful
extraverted tool for navigating the outside world,
allowing them to make and express judgements when evaluating people and their environement.
At this stage INFJs will still continue to percieve primarily through their Introverted
Intuition (Ni) but the developement of their Extravarted Feeling (Fe) function
will add a new dimension to their world, one that has a greater sense of awareness
for their own feelings, and a newfound sensitivity for others - the characteritic
deep empathy that will remain a constant throughtout their lives begins to form.
An INFJ will express this caring nature more outwardly at this stage,
with this often coming as surprise to those around them because of
its contrast to the shy and quiet desposition of their earlier years.
An INFJ will reach out to others more frequently and actively seek opportunities to help those
around them - demonstating a growing confidence and a sense of purpose for group harmony.
Many at this age may have found themsleves drawn to causes and extra-curricular activities that
focused on helping the disadvantaged, the suffering, or the underdog.
However, as they sought to dedicate themselves to
serving others, they may have also found it difficult to find time for themselves.
The develeopment of Extraverted Feeling, coupled with a lack of life experience might cause some
INFJs difficulty when seperating their own thoughts and feelings from those of others.
Those INFJs that grow up in chaotic or traumatic homes are at the greatest
risk of this happening - causing them to struggle with people pleasing tendencies
and habits that too often prioritize the needs of others over themselves.
Stage 3: Introverted Thinking (Ti)
Early adulthood is when an INFJs tertiary function Introverted Thinking (Ti) begins to develop.
Ti is a logical and analytical function, and it operates internally, in the INFJ's mind.
It involves analyzing information, breaking it down into its component parts,
and then categorizing and organizing those parts according to a set of logical rules or principles.
The Ti function tends to develop in INFJs as a way to balance their dominant function of
Introverted Intuition (Ni) and secondary Extraverted Feeling functions (Fe).
It’s the logical balance between their intuition and emotional side.
Ni is the function that allows INFJs to form deep insights and understand the underlying
patterns and connections between various pieces of information. Fe, on the other hand, helps INFJs to
empathize with others, understand their emotional needs, and build harmonious relationships.
Ti, as an auxiliary function, supports the INFJ's dominant functions by providing a way
to organize and analyze that information - helping INFJs to make logical connections
between ideas and concepts, and to develop a clear understanding of how things work.
With experience INFJs become more comfortable with their Ti function,
and as they begin to use it more frequently, relieing on it to help make decisions.
However it's worth noting that the development of the Ti function in INFJs can be impacted
by a variety of factors, including their upbringing, life experiences, and education.
For example, INFJs who have had a lot of exposure to logical and analytical
thinking by pursuing certain subjects in school for example, may develop
their Ti function more quickly and extensively than those who have not.
Stage 4: Extraverted Sensing (Se)
When INFJs reach their mid 30s to 50s is when an their
most inferor function Extraverted Sensing (Se) begins to strengthen.
This function is in direct opposition to their dominant function,
Introverted Intuition, and can sometimes lead to significant shifts in their personality.
Some individuals may experience what is commonly
referred to as a "mid-life crisis" during this phase,
where they undergo radical changes and become a different person than they were in the past.
However, this is not always the case, and whether or not these
changes occur depends largely on the INFJs ability to embrace change along the way,
and how they have gone thorough the previous individuation stages.
Typically though, as this functions develops, it can be a importqant opportunity for INFJs
to explore new experiences and develop a greater appreciation for the present moment.
INFJs who have previously enjoyed exploring the possibilities of the future,
may have overlooked the sensory details of their surroundings as a result.
However, as they begin to embrace this inferior function,
they find pleasure in engaging all of their senses in their present moment.
Many often take up hands-on activities like crafting, music, or collecting objects,
approaching these activities with a newfound precision that contrasts
starkly with their previous lack of sensory appreciation.
Extraverted sensing can allow INFJs to become more in tune
with their physical surroundings and enjoy the sensory pleasures of life.
Rather than pursuing activities in solitude,
they may become more open to share their experiences with others.
However they will also become increasingly intolerant of vagueness, daydreaming,
and disorderliness, both in themselves and others.
Individuation will vary greatly between individuals
Each INFJs journey through the developmental stages of
personality is unique and varies in timing.
While some INFJs may fully develop their dominant and auxiliary functions with ease
and certainty in their early twenties, others may find the process to be more
gradual and take longer to fully embrace their personality traits.
For some, the traditional midlife transition occurs between the ages of 35 and 50,
providing an opportunity for a more elevated level of self-reflection and growth.
However, unexpected events such as a divorce, job loss, serious illness,
or the death of a loved one can plunge individuals into a midlife reassessment prematurely.
Alternatively, some individuals may not experience a midlife transition at all
and instead undergo a burst of personal growth towards the end of their life.
Do any of these stages sound familiar to you - let us know if the comments below.