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Difference in INFJ & INFP

Based on the work of pioneering psychologist Carl Jung, the Myers-Briggs Personality Indicator personality test categorizes subjects as fitting into one of 16 distinct personality types. Each of these personality types is the combination of four personality traits. The test, which is administered as a questionnaire, is meant to measure the subject's psychological preferences.

  1. Myers-Briggs Type Indicator

    • The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) was invented by Isabel Briggs Myers and her mother, Katharine Briggs, as a means of putting Jung's type theory into practical use. The essence of Jung's theory is that behavior that seems random is actually orderly and consistent based on the varying ways that individuals perceive the world around them and the decisions they make based on that perception. The questionnaire identifies four dichotomies that Jung laid out in his writings, and then determines which combination of these dichotomies are possessed by the subject taking the test.

    Introverted Intuitive Feeling Judging

    • A person deemed to be Introverted Intuitive Feeling Judging (INFJ) is nicknamed "the protector," and this type of person tends to focus attention inward. The INFJ personality is described as possessing introverted intuition with extroverted feeling. The secondary mode in this personality type is external, as this type of person will deal with things depending on how they fit into a personal value system. An INFJ is typically gentle, caring, complex and highly intuitive, with a tendency to be artistic and creative. This is the most rare of personality types, as only 1 percent of the population is estimated to be INFJ.

    Introverted Intuitive Feeling Perceiving

    • The Introverted Intuitive Feeling Perceiving type (INFP) possesses introverted feeling with extroverted intuition. The primary mode of living for people with this personality type is focused internally, while the secondary mode is external. INFP personalities tend to focus on making the world better for other people, and they can become consumed with finding out their purpose in life. People of this personality type are idealists and perfectionists who drive themselves to achieve the personal goals they have set; in fact, this personality type is nicknamed "the idealist."

    Differences

    • Both these personality types share similarities, as both are led heavily by personal intuition. There are some marked differences. For example, an INFJ personality is typically more creative than an INFP personality, and may also be more gentle and less focused on achievement. An INFP personality possesses a tendency toward altruism, while an INFJ tends to shift focus inward. INFJ personalites are typically gentle and nurturing, while an INFP may be reserved when expressing emotion even though she genuinely cares about other people.

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