INFJ Personality type is one of 16 on the Myers
Briggs Spectrum. They make up less then 3% of the worlds population.
INFJs are known for their unique perspectives, intuitive insights, and deep empathy for others.
But what exactly is going on inside the mind of an INFJ?
To understand the inner workings of the INFJ brain, it is important to explore
their cognitive functions. Cognitive functions are the mental processes
that individuals use to perceive, process, and respond to information.
The INFJ has a distinct set of eight cognitive functions, which work
together to shape their personality, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
So let’s explore How the INFJ Brain Works: Their 8 Cognitive Functions Explained
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Type Theory
Cognitive functions are the root of the MBTI system.
Understanding the wiring of the INFJs personality type means diving deeper
into type theory and the unique cognitive functions that make up this personality type.
Awareness of cognitive functions can help INFJs understand how their brains work.
Essentially, the functions explain how they process information and make decisions.
It can help them see past the what of personality type and uncover the why.
INFJs Cognitive Function Stack
The MBTI was first created by the famed psychologist Carl Jung. Jung's cognitive
function “stack” describes the priority or order in which a person uses their cognitive functions,
with Primary being the most natural and commonly used and the Inferior being the least-commonly.
INFJs have 8 cognitive functions in their function stack.
Four that are primary and four that are shadow.
The INFJs Primary Functions
The primary functions of the INFJ are the cognitive functions that are
most natural and comfortable for them to use. These functions are
well-developed and tend to be the most prominent aspects of their personality.
1) Dominant: Introverted Intuition (Ni):
Introverted Intuition (Ni) is an INFJ's dominant function and their primary way
of understanding the world. It processes information abstractly,
recognizing patterns and symbolism. INFJs often have sudden "Aha!" moments and then
internally organize their thoughts to backtrack that information.
The reason they become obsessed with new ideas and examine them from every angle
until they’re fully understood is down to their Introverted Intuition (Ni).
2)Auxiliary: Extraverted Feeling (Fe):
INFJs have a heightened sense of the emotional energy in a room
due to their Extraverted Feeling (Fe) function. This function also
drives their desire for social harmony and ability to make others feel comfortable.
As the INFJ's auxiliary function, Extraverted Feeling (Fe) guides their decision-making
process and fulfills them emotionally through helping, mentoring, and inspiring others.
3)Tertiary: Introverted Thinking (Ti):
Introverted Thinking (Ti) processes theories and data internally to
develop systems and models to explain how things work. It excels at strategizing,
analyzing, and discovering unique solutions.
In INFJs, it offers a logical balance to their intuitive and emotional sides,
helping them understand the reasoning behind their insights.
However as the third function, Introverted Thinking (Ti) is less developed in INFJs,
but its development can lead to greater open-mindedness and precision in decision-making.
4) Inferior: Extraverted Sensing (Se):
Extraverted Sensing function is attuned to the present moment.
It is acutely aware of the physical world, with an
ability to respond quickly and perceive details in the surrounding environment.
In INFJs, this function is less developed and may appear awkward.
However Extraverted Sensing seeks to fully immerse itself in the
present surroundings and finds pleasure in earthly delights and thrilling activities.
INFJs Shadow Functions
The INFJs shadow functions are the cognitive functions that are not
as well-developed or comfortable for them to use. These functions tend to
be repressed or less conscious, and may not be as accessible for INFJs.
The four shadow functions are the most unconscious aspects of the
INFJ personality type — and are often the source of unhealthy personality traits.
The INFJ's shadow side usually shows up when they feel like they're not acting
like themselves. For example when they’re feeling stressed, burnt out, or haven’t
fully developed their primary cognitive functions, often because of past trauma.
They are:
1)Extraverted Intuition (Ne):
Extraverted Intuition (Ne) involves exploring numerous possibilities and potential outcomes,
making it a favored tool of abstract thinkers who excel at generating novel ideas and insights.
In contrast, the INFJ's dominant Introverted Intuition (Ni) operates more methodically and
linearly, therefore over-reliance on Extraverted Intuition (Ne) can make them prone to irritation
when faced with too many options or a lack of empathy towards differing opinions.
While INFJs may struggle with Extraverted Intuition (Ne), it's not necessarily a weakness,
but rather a manifestation of their subconscious under stress. As a result,
they may display defensive or uncooperative behavior.
2) Introverted Feeling (Fi):
Introverted Feeling (Fi) functions as a harsh inner critic for INFJs, shaping
their decision-making process based on their internal values and emotions in a given situation.
This aspect of the INFJ's personality serves
as the shadow of their auxiliary function, Extraverted Feeling (Fi).
Introverted Feeling (Fi) can be a harsh critic so it often causes INFJs to be overly critical
of themselves and those around them, breeding self-doubt and a constant urge to improve.
However during moments of stress, this function can also interject and remind the
INFJ of their perceived flaws and shortcomings, pushing them to strive for self-improvement.
3) Extraverted Thinking (Te):
Extraverted Thinking (Te) operates on objective data and reasoning,
preferring to adhere to established systems and practical solutions.
As the INFJ's testing function, it can present challenges and conflicting perspectives for the
INFJ. Extraverted Thinking (Te) can distort their perception of reality,
causing them to be unaware of their own lack of organization.
This can lead to conflict with the people around them, who may view their
system as disorganized despite the INFJ's belief that it is effective for anyone.
4) Introverted Sensing (Si):
Introverted Sensing (Si) assimilates past experiences with new information,
allowing Introverted Sensors to easily retrieve sensory memories and details.
However, for INFJs, Introverted Sensing (Si) can be their weakest and most challenging function,
leading to rigidity, fixation on details,
and even resentment towards those who prioritize this cognitive function.
How INFJs Cognitive Functions Work Together
The unique way in which INFJs use their cognitive functions is shaped by a complex
interplay of factors, including their environment, upbringing, education, and life experiences.
For instance, an INFJ may rely more heavily on their Extraverted Sensing
function if they grew up in a fast-paced and unpredictable
environment that required them to be constantly aware of their surroundings.
While cognitive functions can be developed over time,
an INFJ's dominant Introverted Intuition and auxiliary Extraverted Feeling functions
will typically remain their primary tools for processing information and making decisions.
Think of cognitive functions like a puzzle, with each piece representing
a different aspect of their personality. The top four functions are the core pieces that
form the foundation of who they are, while the shadow functions are the missing pieces that,
when added, can help them see the bigger picture.
When working on personal development, it's crucial to focus on strengthening
the core primary functions first before delving into the shadow functions.
Just like building a sturdy house, you need to ensure your foundation
is strong and stable before adding any decorative touches.
I hope this explanation of INFJ cognitive functions has shed some light on how they operate.
If you would like more video exploring INFJs cognitive function stack,
let us know in the comments below.