This blog post aims to answer the question, “What’s the difference between INTP and INFP?” and explore the dimensions of these two Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality types named INTP and INFP that will help understand the answer.
What’s the difference between INTP and INFP?
The differences between INTP and INFP lie in the following 9 areas –
- Accepting Other People’s Opinions.
- Distinct Worldviews.
- Creativity.
- Emotions.
- Concerns.
- Anxiety.
- Work Ethic.
- Ingenuity.
- Clarity.
These 9 differences between INTP and INFP will be discussed in further detail below after taking a deeper look at what INTP and INFP mean.
Who is an INTP?
INTP is one of the sixteen personality types developed by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) inventors Katharine Briggs and Isabel Myers. INTP is an acronym that stands for Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, and Perceiving, four basic personality qualities based on the work of psychologist C.G. Jung.
The INTP personality type is defined as someone who is motivated by alone time (Introverted), concentrates on ideas and concepts rather than facts and specifics (iNtuitive), makes judgments based on logic and reason (Thinking), and prefers to be spontaneous and flexible rather than planned and structured (Perceiving).
Because of their intuitive grasp of complicated systems, INTPs are frequently referred to as Architect personalities. The INTP is also known by the following nicknames:
- The Objective Analyst (MBTI)
- The Logician (16Personalities)
INTPs are philosophical pioneers who are enthralled by logical analysis, systems, and design. They are concerned with the theory and seek the universal law at the heart of all they perceive. They desire to comprehend life’s unifying principles in all their complexities.
INTPs are distant, analytical observers who, because they are so completely involved in thinking, might appear indifferent to the world around them.
They spend a lot of time in their thoughts, investigating concepts, discovering connections, and trying to figure out how things operate. Life, according to the Architect, is a continual investigation into the secrets of the cosmos.
INTP Personality Type Characteristics Are –
- INTPs are reserved, quiet, and contemplative. They like to mingle with a limited group of close friends with whom they share common interests and relationships since they are introverts.
- INTPs like debating theoretical issues and place a premium on intellect over feeling. INTPs are logical thinkers who make judgments based on facts rather than feelings.
- INTPs are exceedingly rational and objective while examining facts and making conclusions.
- INTPs have a proclivity for being adaptable and thinking “beyond the box.”
- INTPs consider the larger picture rather than focusing on every minor detail.
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 nurturing, kind, and supportive.
- INFPs are perpetually upbeat and feel that there’s good in everyone.
- INFPs are free-spirited, adaptable, and happy to go with the flow.
- INFPs require a lot of alone time.
- INFPs are idealistic, creative, and driven by high values.
What are these 9 differences between INTP and INFP?
Accepting Other People’s Opinions.
INTPS, on the other hand, is more concerned with the logic that underpins the argument. If a person has a good set of logical examples, they may alter their minds. However, if you lack rationality, be prepared to engage in a heated dispute with them.
An INFP will respect other people’s ideas and will listen to them. They do not, however, bend much when it comes to modifying their sentiments.
Distinct Worldviews.
When it comes to their worldview, INTPs are less rigid. They are more adaptable and evolve if they believe another person has a good argument with sufficient reasoning to back it up.
INFPs are more prone to value honesty above all else, and they are sensitive to cognitive dissonance. They have a very strict moral compass, yet they are also highly accepting of what others think.
Creativity.
INTPs, on the other hand, are more interested in nonfiction tales and movies and are uninterested in sentiments or relationships. They usually appreciate fiction only when it is linked to a real-life event.
INFPs live in worlds filled with dreams, imagination, and vibrant colours. They appreciate tales about characters that challenge the standard, as this is a part of their Fi.
For them to listen, the media must empathise with them and their emotional demands. INFPs, for the most part, love immersing themselves in the realm of imagination.
Emotions.
Ti rules INTPs, which might make them feel disconnected from their emotions at times. Because they might lose touch with feelings and meaning at times, the INTP frequently fears that life is pointless and that everything is nihilistic.
INFPs, on the other hand, have the polar opposite terror response. These folks aren’t as cut off from their emotions. As a result, they are less concerned about a lack of significance in their lives. They do, however, value structure and reasoning.
Concerns.
INTPs are afraid of becoming stagnant and dislike feeling as though their potential is dwindling. Because they are attempting to demonstrate that they are smarter than you, this can often lead to them becoming arrogant and immature. However, at this time, they are truly lacking in confidence. When they are in this attitude, they could even avoid fights and disputes.
INFPs are extremely loyal to their friends and family. They are also concerned about losing individuals closest to them due to disagreements or drifting. This personality type might be difficult to deal with when there is a substantial shift or separation. When this happens, people begin to suppress their emotions until they finally burst.
Anxiety.
INTPs, on the other hand, might erupt in rage or even weep when things appear to be coming apart. They may then begin to ask desperate questions and may even withdraw and isolate themselves. When they are very anxious, INTPs may have problems trusting people.
An INFP will begin overworking, overexercising, or over-socializing in order to numb the issue that is causing them to act strangely.
Work Ethic.
INTPs are more likely to accomplish what is necessary to complete a task. They aren’t nearly workaholics, but they are aware that they need money to pay for food and expenses.
INFPs have a strong work ethic and don’t mind putting in extra hours when things become rough. While this is a type of escapism, they are usually incredibly productive people when they are balanced.
Ingenuity.
Both INTPs and INFPs are process-oriented; however, how they approach this concentration differs.
INTPs, on the other hand, are far more analytical in their inventiveness. Because they are exceedingly logical, they frequently generate new ideas based on the irrational things they observe around them.
INFPs embrace self-discovery and creativity and are content to use them to live their life.
Clarity.
When it comes to advancing toward psychological completeness, INTPs lack some clarity. It might be difficult for them to change their perspectives on happiness, and they frequently have to learn to let go.
INFPs, on the other hand, are more open to the idea of psychological completeness because they enjoy the process of self-discovery.
Conclusion –
This blog post aimed to answer the question, “What’s the difference between INTP and INFP?” and reviewed the features and functions of these two introverted Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality types named INTP and INFP to help determine the differences between INTPs and INFPs. Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions or comments you may have.
References –
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