This blog post aims to answer the question, “Can an INFP be a narcissist?” by exploring the characteristics and behaviours of the INFP personality type and of narcissists and identifying 9 signs that could make it possible for an INFP to be a narcissist even if there is a low chance of INFPs being a narcissist.
Can an INFP be a narcissist?
No, an INFP most probably cannot be a narcissist. One of the least probable personality types to be narcissistic is the INFP. People who have an INFP personality type are often very sympathetic and are kind individuals who wish to support others and the wider community. However, INFPs may, and frequently do have a fundamentally self-centred nature.
For a narcissist, it is difficult to imagine having such a genuine concern as that of an INFP for others without also taking into account how it would benefit them. Unlike INFPs, when a narcissist starts to feel vulnerable, they often only behave in an effort to satisfy their supply of narcissism so they may resume feeling unique and desirable.
However, even though it’s rare, the following 9 signs could make an INFP a narcissist –
- Grandiosity.
- Excessive need for admiration.
- Superficial and exploitative relationships.
- Lack of empathy.
- Identity disturbance.
- Attachment and dependence problems.
- Feelings of emptiness and dullness on a regular basis.
- Vulnerability to life changes.
- Suicide and suicidal ideation.
Who is an INFP?
The INFP personality type was developed by Katharine Briggs and Isabel Myers, the authors of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®). INFP stands for Introversion, iNtuition, Feeling, and Perceiving, which are four key personality qualities based on C.G. Jung’s work.
Each of the four letters of the INFP code represents a significant personality feature of this personality type.
INFPs are stimulated by alone time (Introverted), focus on ideas and concepts rather than facts and specifics (iNtuitive), base their decisions on feelings and values (Feeling), and like to be spontaneous and flexible rather than planned and structured (Perceiving).
Because of their empathetic idealism and gentle concern for others, the INFP personality type is often known as the “Healer.” The INFP is also known by the following nicknames:
- The Thoughtful Idealist (MBTI)
- The Mediator (16Personalities)
An INFP prefers an unstructured and free-spirited lifestyle. INFP is an introverted and ultra-creative Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality type. The INFP is sensitive, creative, and loyal to their values.
INFPs are creative idealists who are guided by their primary ideals and beliefs. A Healer who is preoccupied with possibilities; the actuality of the time is merely a fleeting concern. They see the possibility of a brighter future and seek truth and purpose in their own unique way.
INFPs are sensitive, loving, and compassionate people who are highly concerned with their own and others’ personal progress. INFPs are individualistic and nonjudgmental, believing that each person must forge their own path.
They like spending time investigating their own ideas and ideals, and they gently encourage others to do the same. INFPs are creative and frequently artistic; they like discovering new ways to express themselves.
INFP Personality Type Characteristics Are –
- INFPs are introverts who are quiet and reserved. They find that being in social situations depletes their energy, thus they prefer to connect with a small number of close pals. While they like being alone, this should not be mistaken for timidity. Rather, it simply implies that INFPs get energy from alone time. They must, on the other hand, devote energy to social circumstances.
- INFPs rely on intuition and are more concerned with the overall picture than the finer points of a situation. They can be quite thorough about things that are important to them or tasks they are working on, yet they tend to overlook little or insignificant details.
- INFPs value personal sentiments above everything else and their actions are affected more by these concerns than by objective data.
- INFPs prefer to keep their choices open when it comes to making decisions. They frequently put off making key judgments in case the circumstance changes. The majority of judgments are made based on personal ideals rather than reasoning.
Who is a narcissist?
A Narcissist is a person with Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a mental disorder in which persons have an exaggerated sense of their own importance, a deep need for excessive attention and admiration, difficult relationships, and a lack of empathy for others.
It is one of the numerous forms of personality disorders. But underneath this confident front hides weak self-esteem that is easily shattered by the least criticism.
A narcissistic personality disorder can create issues in a variety of aspects of life, including relationships, employment, school, and finances.
When they aren’t offered the particular favours or adulation they feel they deserve, people with a narcissistic personality disorder may be generally sad and disappointed. Others may not enjoy being around them since they find their connections unfulfilling.
Talk therapy (psychotherapy) is used to treat narcissistic personality disorder.
What are the signs and symptoms that could possibly make an INFP narcissist?
Narcissists are arrogant, self-centred, demanding, and manipulative. However, the severity and breadth of these symptoms may vary from person to person. The beginning of narcissistic personality disorder occurs in early adulthood.
The following are the 9 signs – known as fundamental characteristics – of narcissistic personality disorder (narcissism). An INFP may be diagnosed with narcissism if they exhibit five or more of the following characteristics and would be considered to be a narcissist.
Grandiosity.
- Narcissists have an excessive feeling of self-importance.
- Narcissists feel superior to others and think that they deserve preferential treatment.
- A narcissist’s feelings are frequently accompanied by illusions of boundless prosperity, brilliance, power, beauty, or love.
Excessive need for admiration.
- It is necessary for a narcissist to be the centre of attention.
- Narcissists frequently monopolise conversations
- Narcissists, when neglected, feel slighted, abused, drained, and angered.
Superficial and exploitative relationships.
- Narcissists’ relationships are built on superficial characteristics rather than the unique features of others.
- People are only appreciated by narcissists to the extent that they are perceived to be useful.
Lack of empathy.
- The ability to care for the emotional needs or experiences of others particularly loved ones is severely limited or completely absent in narcissists.
Identity disturbance.
- The sense of self of a narcissist is relatively shallow, extremely inflexible, and frequently weak.
- Maintaining the belief that one is extraordinary is necessary for self-stability for a narcissist.
- A narcissist’s grandiose concept of self is easily jeopardised.
- Narcissists avoid or ignore realities that call their grandiosity into question.
Attachment and dependence problems.
- Narcissists depend on environmental feedback.
- Narcissists’ relationships exist solely to support a healthy self-image.
- Narcissists’ interactions are fleeting.
- Intimacy is forbidden by narcissists.
Feelings of emptiness and dullness on a regular basis.
- When narcissists do not receive attention and appreciation, they feel empty, bored, sad, or restless.
Vulnerability to life changes.
- Narcissists have difficulty sticking to realistic personal and professional objectives throughout time.
- Compromises demanded by education, work, and relationships can be excruciating for narcissists.
- Narcissists may experience “failure to launch” in young adulthood.
Suicide and suicidal ideation.
- Narcissists have increased tendencies for suicide and suicidal ideation due to narcissistic personality disorder.
Conclusion –
This blog post attempted to answer the question, “Can an INFP be a narcissist?” by exploring the characteristics and behaviours of the INFP personality type and of narcissists and identifying 9 signs that make it possible for an INFP to be a narcissist even if there is a low chance of INFPs being a narcissist. Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions or comments you may have.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Can an INFP be a narcissist?
Can an Infp be a covert narcissist?
As narcissists, INFJs and INFPs would misuse their authority as changemakers and be ‘covert’ narcissists — wolves in sheep’s clothing. These are most often the group’s most ‘weak’ narcissists, who use their interactions with others to disguise their basic sense of shame.
What personality types are prone to narcissism?
People with type A personalities are drawn to narcissists, but a relationship between the two is certain to fail.
- Narcissists know exactly who they want to target.
- They frequently target persons who have a strong sense of empathy.
- They do, however, target persons who are type A.
Are INFPs toxic?
INFPs who are very ill or immature might have a distorted introverted feeling process. They might be extremely sensitive, quick to take offence, and certain that only their perspectives and ideals are genuine.
Are INFPs self-absorbed?
The INFP cliché is that we are compassionate, unselfish, kind unicorns that come down from heaven to be pleasant to people, but trust me when I say that a highly sick, immature INFP may be one of the most self-absorbed, egotistical, annoying persons you will ever meet.
Who is most likely to be a narcissist?
Narcissistic features can be displayed by normal teenagers who are unlikely to acquire NPD. NPD is more frequent in men than in women; roughly 75% of people diagnosed with the illness are men.
References-
Quora. Are INFPs narcissistic? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.quora.com/Are-INFPs-narcissistic
INFP Empathy & Attracting Narcissists (Ask an INFP #6). INFP INSIGHTS. (2017, July 5). Retrieved from https://infpinsights.wordpress.com/2017/07/05/infp-empathy-attracting-narcissists-ask-an-infp-6/
Are INFPs prone to narcissism? Personality Cafe. (2018, August 16). Retrieved from https://www.personalitycafe.com/threads/are-infps-prone-to-narcissism.15492/page-8
Lolita, K. How Each Myers-Briggs Personality Type Would Behave If They Were Narcissists. (2018, January 30). Retrieved from https://thoughtcatalog.com/katerina/2018/01/how-each-myers-briggs-personality-type-would-behave-if-they-were-narcissists/
TRUITY’S PERSONALITY AND CAREERS BLOG. Truity. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.truity.com/blog/are-you-secretly-narcissist
Miller, K. There Are 6 Types of Narcissists—And Mental-Health Experts Say One Is Super-Important To Avoid. (2021, August 9). Retrieved from https://www.wellandgood.com/types-of-narcissists/
10 Signs of Covert Narcissism. Healthline (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/covert-narcissist
Lex Morningstar. (2020, December, 5). Why Narcissists Target INFPs and Empaths [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/7EWdyMCii80
