INFP-T: Are they rare and does that even matter?

Although, it cannot be concluded with absolute certainty how rare the INFP-T personality type is – especially when it comes to the world population – it can be said with surety that the INFP-T personality type is more commonly observed than their counterpart, the INFP-A personality. 

INFP personality type, in general, is observed to be between 2-5% of the general population, according to the 16 personalities’ website. 

 What is interesting is the fact that according to Google, based on their web searches, approximately 80% of the traffic is directed towards more relatable content for the T component (meaning the “Turbulent” component) for the INFPs, as opposed to the A component (meaning, “Assertive”). This shows that a majority of INFPs score higher in turbulence rather than in assertiveness. I was intrigued as to why that might be when I first heard about it too, so let’s just try and figure out why that may be the case. 

But first, let’s get a better understanding of what the T and A actually bring to personality types. 

The assertive and turbulent traits are part of the Identity Scale, which defines the level of confidence people have in their decision making skills, abilities and talents they may possess, and how they manifest uniquely in different MBTI types.

Assertive Personality. 

Possessing the assertive trait reveals that an individual is stress-resistant. These people can be defined as easy-going, and appear to be composed and even-tempered. The fact that they are “assertive” shows that they’re self-assured and have confidence in their abilities. They are ambitious, but they don’t let self-doubt stop them in their tracks to achieving brilliance and success. They don’t dwell too much on their past, and do not allow previously made mistakes to make them hesitant from trying again.

These people have faith in themselves and are usually seen to have a more positive world view, because they don’t let setbacks to crush their spirits. An assertive individual is more like to wing an interview because they might feel like they don’t need preparation.

Where on one hand, this sort of breezy behaviour helps prevent them from being overstressed and reacting badly to their plans not working out, they often let their self-assurance turn into overconfidence. These people may shrug off issues or otherwise important details, and face the consequences by creating barriers between their goals. They appear to have a positive mind set, often to the point of being estranged from the complexities of reality. 

Their confidence also sometimes causes them to blur out boundaries, and they presume they’re allowed to do much more than other people might be willing to tolerate. 

Another upside to having an assertive personality and all of that never-ending confidence is that such people reportedly are more satisfied with themselves and the way their lives turn out to be, as compared to turbulent individuals. People with this trait also find it easier to be well-prepared and more than capable of handling whatever obstacles life may throw their way. They somehow always manage to bring their lives on their desirable tracks with the faith that they have in themselves as well as in the idea that things will work themselves out. 

Turbulent personality. 

Turbulent personality can seem like the less evolved or generally undesirable trait, just like popular opinion suggests that introverts are a step away from becoming likeable and “normal” (or even that introverts are just depressed extroverts). However, this is highly presumptuous of people, and the fact that these traits are a reality for a large population is why there needs to be more accurate, less stereotypical information regarding such topics. I hope that I can provide people with some illuminating ideas and help the readers understand these traits better. 

That being said, people with the turbulent trait are often considered to be perfectionists who are highly conscious of themselves; what they say, what they do, how they dress and appear to others, how they utilize their talents, and if they’re worthy of having success and happiness. Other people’s perception of them is a major contributor to the way they act, because their self-image is almost always shrouded in clouds.

These people are usually prone to anxiety. And that anxiety comes from being hypersensitive to their environment. They are almost always self-conscious, and often get the feeling that they’re being judged and looked at. This doesn’t necessarily make them crazy, though, because these people also work on making the best first impressions. They don’t hide their flaws or lie about their identities, they just like to put their best foot forward so there is a second impression to be made. 

They understand the fact that it takes people time to get to know their real personalities, so they prepare themselves for first meetings, job interviews, and blind dates, alike. Because they understand that meeting people for the first time, they can only reveal a select amount of information about themselves. And who doesn’t feel charmed by the fact that someone cared enough about their opinion to come prepared. It shows dedication and seriousness on their part.

Turbulent types may struggle with confidence, and often doubt their own abilities, it is also very helpful to them that they are critical of themselves. Exuding confidence may get someone a desirable position at a top company, but if not handled carefully, an individual can very easily crash and burn.

Ensuring that one possesses the experience or talent required before taking a leap is more important, especially in professional matters. People who have turbulent personalities may criticize themselves over and over again, but this also ensure that they constantly work on bettering themselves. And so when they do achieve something, it is evident that they’re in a position of success because they deserve to be there. 

These people are always motivated to better themselves and their work, and they believe that self-improvement is an ongoing process. It can be tiresome, always trying to perfect their work, but this trait also helps them become successful. 

Turbulent people are often extremely skilled, and have multiple talents, which make them into well-rounded individuals. 

Turbulent people are understood to be cynical and having a negative viewpoint. However, these individuals are more often than not well-prepared for any curve balls that life throws in their direction, and that is because they like to prepare themselves for the worst. 

Turbulent and Assertive traits in INFPs. 

See, from the descriptions of each trait given above, it becomes quite evident why INFPs mostly have the turbulent trait. But let’s break it down, anyway. 

Inferior Te. 

INFPs have Extraverted Thinking as their inferior function, which means that they’re not very well-equipped with expressing themselves and their feelings to other people, because they’re usually entrapped by self-doubt. INFPs are highly self-critical, and they often need exterior reassurance to be able to believe in themselves. Turbulent people aren’t as confident in their abilities and talents as assertive people. 

The INFPs who are assertive in their lives may be well-adjusted and have more faith in themselves, making them more easy-going and stress resistant. 

Sensitivity. 

INFPs tend to be more sensitive than other types. They are sensitive to the needs and problems of others, because they’re empaths who can sense the pain and other emotions that other people are feeling. They’re also highly compassionate beings, and they often look for ways to help others. Moreover, they’re highly in-tuned with their feelings, and are known for experiencing emotions with a depth that most other types fail to understand. These intense waves of feelings and emotions can also be termed as turbulence.

Being better, doing better. 

INFPs feel a strong urge to constantly self-improve, as well as to help the people in their lives better themselves and live up to their truest of potential. They also struggle with the constant itch of making the world a better, safer, happier, and a more just place for everybody. These feelings make INFPs quite turbulent, as they’re always of the view that things and people can be bettered. 

Dealing with disappointment. 

An INFP with a turbulent personality may be able to handle unexpected things and tragedies better. Because INFPs possess the cognitive function of extraverted intuition, they find themselves to be able to view the world based on what their gut tells them. They have very vivid and countless imaginative worlds, and upon being presented with a situation or a piece of information, they use their imaginative skills to come up with endless possibilities and what if scenarios which help expand their perspective. 

It helps them be well-prepared for the unexpected, unseen challenges that life often throws their way, because chances are, they’ve imagined every possibility related to a certain situation before things unfold. 

Now that we’ve learned all of this important information about the turbulent personality, I really hope that you’ve realized that it doesn’t matter if the INFP-T type is rare or not, what matters is all the good that you will be able to do in the world, and all the people you’ll be able to help, if you utilize the traits that you’ve been given, in a positive way, while simultaneously trying to improve some of the weaknesses that you may have identified. Just don’t be too hard on yourself, and remember to sit back and relax every now and again. Good luck!