Can an INFJ be a psychopath? (15 signs)

This blog post aims to answer the question, “Can an INFJ be a psychopath?” and explore the various dimensions of psychopathy and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality type named INFJ that will help understand the answer. 

Can an INFJ be a psychopath?

Yes, an INFJ can be a psychopath. Psychopaths, regardless of their MBTI, are uncommon. However, INFJs, like any other personality type, may be psychopaths. 

An INFJ can be a psychopath if they manifest the following 15 signs –

• Superficial Charm.
• Need for Stimulation.
• Pathological Lying.
• Grandiose Sense of Self-Worth.
• Manipulation.
• Lack of Remorse.
• Shallow Affect.
• Lack of Empathy.
• Parasitic Lifestyle.
• Promiscuous Sexual Behavior.
• Early Behavioral Problems.
• Lack of Realistic and Long-Term Goals.
• Impulsivity.
• Irresponsibility.
• Criminal Versatility.

These 15 signs that make an INFJ a psychopath will be discussed in further detail below after taking a deeper look at what INFJ means. 

Who is an INFJ?

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) inventors Katharine Briggs and Isabel Myers established sixteen personality types. INFJ is one of them. Introversion, intuition, feeling, and judgement (INFJ) are four key personality traits based on psychologist C.G. Jung’s work.

Each of the four letters in the INFJ code represents a significant personality feature associated with the INFJ personality type. 

INFJs prefer to be planned and organised rather than spontaneous and flexible because they are energised by time alone (introverted), focus on ideas and concepts rather than facts and details (intuitive), make decisions based on feelings and values (feeling), and prefer to be planned and organised rather than spontaneous and flexible (Judging).

Because of their inclination to be idealistic, sympathetic, and sensitive, the INFJ personality type is also known as the “Counselor.” The INFJ is also known by the following nicknames:

• The Insightful Visionary (MBTI)
• The Advocate (16Personalities)

INFJs are nurturers who are creative and nurturing, with a strong sense of personal integrity and a desire to help others reach their full potential. INFJs have a knack for coming up with unique answers to people’s problems, and they are both creative and dedicated.

The Counselor (INFJ) has a unique ability to sense other people’s emotions and intentions, and will frequently know how they are feeling before they do. INFJs have faith in their capacity to read others and trust their perceptions of others. 

The INFJ is a secretive type who is choosy about communicating inner thoughts and feelings. INFJs are sensitive, yet they are also guarded.

INFJ Personality Type Characteristics.

• INFJs can be soft-spoken and empathic due to their high sense of intuition and emotional understanding. This does not, however, imply that they are cowards. INFJs have strong convictions and the capacity to act aggressively to achieve their goals.

• Despite their introversion, persons with the INFJ personality type may develop deep, lasting relationships with others. INFJs appreciate assisting others, but they also require rest and relaxation.

• The INFJ is distinguished by their ability to put their ideals into action. INFJs don’t merely want a better world; they make it happen.

• People with the INFJ personality type enjoy taking charge by planning, organising, and making choices as soon as feasible.

• INFJs prioritise their emotions above objective facts when making judgments. This does not, however, imply that they view the world through rose-coloured glasses. INFJs have an excellent understanding of the world, including the good and the terrible, and aim to improve it.

Who is a psychopath?

A “psychopath” is someone who is ruthless, unemotional, and morally twisted. The word is commonly used in professional and legal settings, despite the fact that it is not a recognised mental health condition.

While psychopathy is not a diagnosis in and of itself, it shares many of the characteristics of antisocial personality disorder, a broader mental health disease characterised by people who regularly act out and defy regulations. Psychopaths, on the other hand, make up a small fraction of those who suffer from antisocial personality disorder.

Common Traits of Psychopaths.

Psychopathic traits include –

• Antisocial behaviour
• Narcissism
• Superficial charm
• Impulsivity
• Callous, unemotional traits
• Lack of guilt
• Lack of empathy

Psychopathic conduct differs widely from one person to the next. Some are serial killers and sex criminals. Others, on the other hand, may be effective leaders. It is entirely dependent on their characteristics.

It’s critical to distinguish between psychopaths and persons who exhibit psychopathic characteristics. It’s possible to have multiple psychopathic characteristics without really becoming a psychopath.

People with psychopathic characteristics don’t always act psychopathically. Psychopaths are defined as those who have psychopathic features and also engage in antisocial conduct.

According to one study, around 29% of the general population possesses one or more psychopathic traits. Only 0.6 per cent of the population, however, meets the definition of a psychopath.

What are these 15 signs that make an INFJ a psychopath? 

Superficial Charm.

On the surface, psychopaths appear to be likeable. They’re typically skilled conversationalists who tell stories that make them appear attractive. They might also be witty and charming.

Need for Stimulation.

Psychopaths thrive on the thrill of the chase. They want a steady flow of activity in their life and usually desire to live in the “fast lane.” Their demand for excitement frequently entails breaching rules. 

They may relish the excitement of getting away with something, or they may relish the possibility of being “caught” at any time. As a result, they may find it difficult to stay interested in tedious or repeated jobs, and they may be irritable with routines.

Pathological Lying.

Psychopaths lie to make themselves appear nice and stay out of danger. They also lie to cover up their earlier deceptions. 

They occasionally have trouble keeping their stories straight since they forget what they’ve stated. When confronted, they simply alter their tale or modify the facts to suit the scenario.

Grandiose Sense of Self-Worth.

Psychopaths have a distorted self-perception. They consider themselves to be powerful and entitled. They frequently feel justified in following their own set of rules, believing that the laws do not apply to them.

Manipulation.

Psychopaths are masters at persuading others to do what they desire. They may take advantage of a person’s remorse while lying to get someone else to complete their task for them.

Lack of Remorse.

Psychopaths are unconcerned about how their actions affect others. They may forget about an offence or believe that others are overreacting when their feelings are wounded. Finally, they have no remorse for inflicting misery on others. In fact, they frequently explain their actions and place blame on others.

Shallow Affect.

Psychopaths aren’t known for displaying many emotions, at least not authentic ones. They may look cold and emotionless for long periods of time. When it serves them well, though, they may present a theatrical exhibition of emotions. These tend to be short-lived and shallow.

They may, for example, display fury to scare someone or display melancholy to influence someone. However, they do not actually feel these feelings.

Lack of Empathy.

Psychopaths have a hard time comprehending why someone else could be fearful, unhappy, or nervous. They are unable to read people, thus it makes no sense to them. Even if it’s a close friend or family member, they’re entirely unconcerned about others who are suffering.

Parasitic Lifestyle.

Psychopaths may have sob tales about their inability to earn money, or they may frequently claim to have been abused by others. 

Then they take advantage of others’ generosity by becoming financially reliant on them. They take advantage of individuals to obtain everything they can, regardless of how they may feel.

Promiscuous Sexual Behavior.

Psychopaths are more prone to cheat on their relationships since they don’t care about the people around them. They could have unprotected intercourse with random strangers. They might also use sex to acquire what they desire. For them, sex is not an emotional or loving act.

Early Behavioral Problems.

The majority of psychopaths have behavioural issues from a young age. Cheating, skipping school, vandalising property, abusing narcotics, or becoming aggressive are all possibilities. Their misdeeds tend to worsen with time and are more significant than those of their peers.

Lack of Realistic and Long-Term Goals.

A psychopath’s ambition might be to become wealthy or famous. However, they frequently lack the knowledge necessary to make these things happen. Instead, they insist that they will obtain what they want without having to put out any effort.

Impulsivity.

Psychopaths react to situations based on how they feel. They don’t take the time to consider the dangers and advantages of their decisions. Instead, they desire instant pleasure. 

As a result, individuals may quit a job, terminate a relationship, relocate to a new location, or purchase a new automobile on the spur of the moment.

Irresponsibility.

Promises have no meaning for psychopaths. They aren’t trustworthy, whether they vow to return a debt or sign a contract. They may neglect to pay child support, go heavily in debt, or forget about their responsibilities and commitments.

Psychopaths refuse to take responsibility for their own issues. They believe that their problems are always the fault of others. They typically play the victim, and they like telling stories about how others have used them.

Criminal Versatility.

Psychopaths typically see rules as recommendations and laws as impediments to their progress. Their illicit activities might be quite diverse. 

Criminal offences such as driving infractions, financial violations, and acts of violence are only a few instances of the wide range of crimes that may be committed. Some people may run shady enterprises or participate in unethical behaviour that does not result in an arrest.

Conclusion – 

This blog post aimed to answer the question, “Can an INFJ be a psychopath?” and reviewed the features and functions of this introverted Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality type named INFJ as well as of psychopathy to help determine whether an INFJ can be a psychopath. Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions or comments you may have.

References –

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