This blog post aims to answer the question, “Can an INFP be a psychopath?” by exploring the characteristics and behaviours of the INFP personality type and of psychopaths and identifying 15 signs that make it possible for an INFP to be a psychopath.
Can an INFP be a psychopath?
Yes, an INFP can be a psychopath. Psychopaths, regardless of their MBTI, are uncommon. However, INFPs, like any other personality type, may be psychopaths. An INFP might end up becoming a psychopath for a cause that is for a common good or for a purpose that’s based on justice or principles.
An INFP 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.
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 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 an 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 the 15 signs that make an INFP a psychopath?
An INFP can be a psychopath if they manifest the following 15 signs.
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 attempted to answer the question, “Can an INFP be a psychopath?” by exploring the characteristics and behaviours of the INFP personality type and of psychopaths and identifying 15 signs that make it possible for an INFP to be a psychopath. 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 psychopath?
Are INFPs serious?
Regardless of how hard individuals attempt to approach and become friends with these free spirits, if their values do not align with yours, they will remain guarded. Despite their kindness, some individuals regard INFPs as aloof. INFPs are “selectively nice,” sombre, unapproachable, and bland in their eyes.
Are INFPs actually rare?
At their finest, INFPs help people recover emotionally and inspire amazing change in the world. INFPs are similarly uncommon, accounting for about 4 to 5% of the population. If you connect with these 12 less noticeable INFP personality qualities, you could be.
Can an INFP be evil?
Destructive INFPs are self-absorbed, self-righteous, and oscillate between being passive and very judgemental. They prefer living in their dreams but are unconcerned with the practicalities of daily life. They may disregard their loved ones and family members in order to live in their own world.
Are INFPs the worst type?
INFPs become highly sensitive and self-aware in their most unhealthy form. They frequently struggle to explain themselves and feel profoundly misunderstood. As a result, they prefer to distance themselves from others and regard themselves as better or worse than the majority of society.
Why are INFP females so unique?
INFPs have extraordinarily rich inner imaginations, which drive them to daydream more than others. They may become engrossed in their own world, which may be viewed as strange by people around them. They have a lot going on inside of them at the same time, which makes them incredibly interesting to be around.
References-
PsychReel (2021, June 29). Which MBTI type is most likely to be a psychopath? Retrieved from https://psychreel.com/which-mbti-type-is-most-likely-to-be-a-psychopath/
Who’s the Biggest Psychopath of Them All? (And What is a Psychopath Anyway?) (2017, September) Retrieved from https://forum.stellarmaze.com/t/whos-the-biggest-psychopath-of-them-all-and-what-is-a-psychopath-anyway/545
Chea, C. (2016, October 14). Introvert, Dear. 10 Contradictory Things About INFP. Retrieved from https://introvertdear.com/news/contradicting-things-about-the-infp-personality-type/
Stafford, S. INFP Manipulation: How INFPs Deal With Manipulation and Coercion. (2019, December 5). Retrieved from https://personalitygrowth.com/infp-manipulation-how-infps-deal-with-manipulation-and-coercion/
Infographic: Psychopath Vs. Sociopath. Psychologia. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://psychologia.co/psychopath-vs-sociopath/
Storm, S. Understanding INFP Darkness: Getting to Know the INFP’s Shadow Functions. Psychology Junkie. (2017, October 10). Retrieved from https://www.psychologyjunkie.com/2017/10/10/understanding-infp-darkness-getting-know-infps-shadow-functions/
INFP sociopaths/psychopaths. Personality Cafe. (2018, June 20). Retrieved from https://www.personalitycafe.com/threads/infp-sociopaths-psychopaths.1279641/
Castile, E. This Is The Creepiest Thing About You, According To Your Myers-Briggs Type. (2018, January 8). Retrieved from https://www.bustle.com/p/the-creepiest-thing-about-you-according-to-your-myers-briggs-type-7814043
Munoz, J. 16 Personality Types – Most Is Likely to Be a Psychopath? Psych2Go (2021, March 6). Retrieved from https://psych2go.net/16-personality-types-most-is-likely-to-be-a-psychopath/
PSYCHOPATHIC TYPES. Tumblr. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://worldofanentp.tumblr.com/post/96219034302/psychopathic-types
