INFP ~ Personality Type

INFP is an abbreviation used in the publications of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator to refer to one of sixteen personality types. The MBTI was developed from the work of prominent psychiatrist Carl G. Jung in his book Psychological Types. (Wikipedia)

Stands for: Introversion (I), Intuition (N), Feeling (F), Perception (P)

INFP personalities are true idealists, always looking for the hint of good in even the worst of people and events, searching for ways to make things better. While they may be perceived as calm, reserved, or even shy, INFPs have an inner flame and passion that can truly shine. Comprising just 4% of the population, the risk of feeling misunderstood is, unfortunately, high for the INFP personality type – but when they find like-minded people to spend their time with, the harmony they feel will be a fountain of joy and inspiration.

INFP in a Nutshell

INFPs are imaginative idealists, guided by their own core values and beliefs. To a Healer, possibilities are paramount; the realism of the moment is only of passing concern. They see the potential for a better future and pursue truth and meaning with their own individual flair.
INFPs are sensitive, caring, and compassionate, and are deeply concerned with the personal growth of themselves and others. Individualistic and nonjudgmental, INFPs believe that each person must find their own path. They enjoy spending time exploring their own ideas and values, and are gently encouraging to others to do the same. INFPs are creative and often artistic; they enjoy finding new outlets for self-expression.

INFP in a Nutshell

INFPs are imaginative idealists, guided by their own core values and beliefs. To a Healer, possibilities are paramount; the realism of the moment is only of passing concern. They see potential for a better future, and pursue truth and meaning with their own individual flair.
INFPs are sensitive, caring, and compassionate, and are deeply concerned with the personal growth of themselves and others. Individualistic and nonjudgmental, INFPs believe that each person must find their own path. They enjoy spending time exploring their own ideas and values, and are gently encouraging to others to do the same. INFPs are creative and often artistic; they enjoy finding new outlets for self-expression.

What Makes the INFP Tick

INFPs value authenticity and want to be original and individual in what they do. They are often concerned with a search for meaning and truth within themselves. Following tradition holds little appeal for the INFP; they prefer to do their own exploration of values and ideas, and decide for themselves what seems right. INFPs are often offbeat and unconventional, but they feel no desire to conform. The INFP would rather be true to themselves than try to fit in with the crowd.

INFPs are accepting and nonjudgmental in their treatment of others, believing that each person must follow their own path. They are flexible and accommodating, and can often see many points of view. It is important to the INFP to support other people; however, the INFP may react strongly if they feel their own values are being violated. They especially hate being steamrolled by people who insist there is one right way to do things. INFPs want an open, supportive exchange of ideas.

 

Recognising the INFP

INFPs may initially seem cool, as they reserve their most authentic thoughts and feelings for people they know well. They are reflective and often spiritual, and often interested in having meaningful conversations about values, ethics, people, and personal growth. Typically curious and open-minded, the Healer continually seeks a deeper understanding of themselves and of the people around them. They are passionate about their ideals, but private as well; few people understand the depth of the INFP’s commitment to their beliefs.
INFPs are sensitive and empathetic, and engage themselves in a lifelong quest for meaning and authenticity. The mundane aspects of life are of less interest to this type, and they are more excited by interesting ideas than by practical facts. They typically accept others without question, and may take special interest in offbeat points of view or alternative lifestyles. They often have a special affection for the arts, especially the avant garde, as they love experiencing new concepts in self-expression.

Famous INFPs

Famous INFPs include Princess Diana, Audrey Hepburn, Fred Rogers, John Lennon, Kurt Cobain, Tori Amos, Morrissey, Chloe Sevigny, William Shakespeare, Bill Watterson, A.A. Milne, Helen Keller, Carl Rogers, and Isabel Briggs Myers (creator of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator).

INFP in the Population

INFP is the ninth most common type in the population. They make up:

4% of the general population

5% of women

4% of men

Popular Hobbies for the INFP

Popular hobbies for INFPs include poetry, creative writing, music, photography, theatre, and visual art.

Quotes About INFP

"INFPs excel in fields that deal with possibilities for people."
- Isabel Briggs Myers, Gifts Differing
"Healers care deeply—passionately—about a few special persons or a favourite cause, and their fervent aim is to bring peace to the world and wholeness to themselves and their loved ones."
- David Keirsey, Please Understand Me II
"Clearly, INFPs are best when whatever they're doing serves their personal values."
- Otto Kroeger, Type Talk at Work

 

INFP Communication Style

INFPs are gentle, encouraging communicators who enjoy exploring options and ideas. They envision possibilities for people and are often good at coming up with creative, flexible solutions to problems. They are typically attentive listeners who try to adapt their communication style to the people they are dealing with. Compassionate and cooperative, they tend to be appreciative of other people and their ideas, although they may be reserved about sharing their own closely held values and ideas with people they do not know well.

INFP in Love

In relationships, the INFP is nurturing, empathic, and loyal. Healers select their friends and partners carefully, looking for a strong bond and congruent values. They are self-aware and often spiritual.
INFPs tend to be open-minded and accepting of another's behaviour and preferences, so long as their core values are not violated. They support their partners' individuality and encourage them to explore their interests and ideas.
INFPs look for ways to compromise and accommodate other people and often have creative solutions to interpersonal problems. They can be very sensitive, but often keep negative reactions to themselves because they are reluctant to engage in confrontation.
Close and harmonious relationships are important to INFPs, although they also need a lot of independent time to think and reflect. They often want plenty of freedom to express themselves and pursue greater self-awareness. They value a partner who is committed and loving, yet provides them with the support they need to independently explore the mysteries of life.

INFP as Parents

As parents, INFPs are caring, supportive, and adaptable. They rarely establish a strict or structured household, preferring instead to address problems and situations as they arise. They often allow their children a lot of latitude and influence in making decisions, and may leave the creation and enforcement of household rules up to another parent.

Children of INFPs often find that they have the freedom to express themselves and make their own decisions until they violate their INFP parent's values. When values are in question, the Healer parent becomes firm and inflexible.

 

INFP at Work

At work, the INFP is not particularly driven by money or status, preferring work that aligns with their personal values and allows them to help others. INFPs are typically motivated by vision and inspiration and want to engage with projects and causes that feel important to them.
INFPs enjoy the process of creative problem-solving and want to understand complex issues. They appreciate innovation and want to come up with original ideas to improve circumstances for people. An ideal job for a Healer allows them to express their individuality in the way they work and takes advantage of their ability to see unique solutions.
INFPs enjoy working autonomously and having control over how and when to complete a project. They often enjoy participating in teams, although they want to be free to put their own personal stamp on their work. When they do work with other people, it's important to the INFP that they be cooperative, supportive, and flexible, and that they have a similar passion for their ideals.

Top careers for the INFP include:

ARTS AND DESIGN
Fine Artist
Fashion Designer
Graphic Designer
Multimedia Artist or Animator
COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL SERVICE
Mental Health Counselor
School or Career Counselor
Community Service Manager
Social Worker
EDUCATION AND LIBRARY
Archivist or Curator
Elementary School Teacher
Librarian
Preschool Teacher
Professor or College Instructor
Special Education Teacher
HEALTH CARE
Audiologist
Chiropractor
Nutritionist
Genetic Counselor
Massage Therapist
Midwife
Occupational Therapist
Physical Therapist
Speech-Language Pathologist
Veterinarian
Veterinary Technician
BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT
Fundraiser
Human Resources Specialist
Training or Development Manager
SCIENCES
Anthropologist or Archaeologist
Geographer
Historian
Psychologist
Sociologist
Zoologist or Wildlife Biologist
COMMUNICATIONS
Editor
Film Editor
Interpreter or Translator
Photographer
Public Relations Specialist
Writer

SOURCE: HERE
Info and Websites for INFPs: HERE

Love and light,

Trace

xoxo