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Learn about the INFP personality type, also known as Mediator, and its traits, strengths, weaknesses, and examples. Find out how INFPs express themselves, relate to others, and pursue their passions and purpose.
- Strengths & Weaknesses
INFP Strengths. Empathetic – People with the INFP...
- Romantic Relationships
Premium Mediator Suite; Romantic Relationships People with...
- Career Paths
Premium Mediator Suite; Career Paths Many people with the...
- Infp-T
Turbulent personality types are typically not comfortable...
- Friendships
Premium Mediator Suite; Friendships When it comes to their...
- Conclusion
Moving Forward. Now that you’ve learned the basics, the next...
- FREE Personality Test
Intuitive (N) and Feeling (F) personality types, known for...
- Premium Mediator Suite
The free personality test that you took provides some...
- Parenthood
Free personality test, type descriptions, relationship and...
- Strengths & Weaknesses
- Overview
- Key INFP Characteristics
- Cognitive Functions of an INFP
- Personal Relationships With INFPs
- Career Paths for INFPs
- Tips for Interacting With INFPs
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INFP is a 4-letter acronym that stands for Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Perceiving. The INFP personality type is one of the 16 different types identified by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).
The INFP personality type is often described as an "idealist" or "mediator" personality. People with this kind of personality tend to be introverted, idealistic, creative, and driven by high values.
INFPs want to make the world a better place and are interested in how they can best help others. They also strive to gain a greater understanding of themselves and how they fit into the world.
People with this personality type spend a lot of time exploring their own purpose in life and thinking about how they can use their skills and talents to best serve humanity.
"This personality type tends to devote themselves when interested in something, but can struggle to maintain enthusiasm when it is something they do not care about or are interested in," says Christopher Hansen, a licensed professional counselor at Thriveworks in Austin, TX.
INFPs are known to be introverted, quiet, and reserved. Being in social situations can drain their energy, and they prefer interacting with a select group of close friends. While they like to be alone, this should not necessarily be confused with shyness. Instead, it simply means that INFPs gain energy from spending time alone. On the other hand, they have to expend energy in social situations.
INFPs typically rely on intuition and are more focused on the big picture rather than the nitty-gritty details. They can be quite meticulous about things they really care about or projects they are working on but tend to ignore mundane or boring details.
INFPs place an emphasis on personal feelings, and their decisions are more influenced by these concerns rather than by objective information.
When it comes to making decisions, INFPs like to keep their options open. They often delay making important decisions just in case something about the situation changes. When decisions are made, they are usually based on personal values rather than logic.
The MBTI is based on a theory of personality created by Swiss psychoanalyst Carl Jung. Jung proposed that there are four psychological components of personality: thinking, feeling, sensation, and intuition. People then direct each of these cognitive functions inwardly (introverted) or outwardly (extraverted).
In the MBTI, each personality type is made up of a hierarchical stack of these functions. The dominant function largely controls personality, although it is supported by the auxiliary and, to a lesser degree, the tertiary functions. Inferior functions are those that are primarily unconscious but still exert some influence.
INFPs are idealists so they tend to have high expectations—including in relationships. They might hold an idealized image in their minds of their perfect partner, which can be a difficult role for any individual to fill.
People with an INFP personality type care deeply about other people. Yet, as introverts, they can be difficult to know. They do tend to become very close and deeply committed to the few that they forge close relationships with.
INFPs also dislike and try to avoid conflict. When conflicts or arguments do arise, they usually focus more on how it makes them feel rather than the actual details. During arguments, INFPs might seem overly emotional or even irrational. However, they can also be good mediators by helping others involved in a conflict identify and express their feelings.
"This personality type does not necessarily avoid people, they simply prefer close friends and small groups and like their alone time," says Hansen.
INFPs typically do well in careers where they can express their creativity and vision. While they work well with others, they generally prefer to work alone.
INFPs tend to be very creative, artistic, and spiritual. They are often skilled with language but may prefer to express their thoughts and feelings through writing rather than speaking.
Friendships
INFPs typically have only a few close friendships, but these relationships are generally long-lasting. While people with this type of personality are adept at understanding others' emotions, they often struggle to share their own feelings with others. Social contact can be difficult, although INFPs crave emotional intimacy and deep relationships. Getting to know an INFP can take time and work, but the rewards can be great for those who have the patience and understanding.
Parenting
INFP parents are usually supportive, caring, and warm. They are good at establishing guidelines and helping children develop strong values. An INFP's goal as parents is to help their children grow as individuals and fully appreciate the wonders of the world. They may struggle to share their own emotions with their children and are often focused on creating harmony in the home.
Relationships
As with friendships, INFPs may struggle to become close to potential romantic partners. Once they do form a relationship, they approach it with a strong sense of loyalty. INFPs can sometimes hold overly romanticized views of relationships and may have excessively high expectations that their partners struggle to live up to. They also tend to take comments personally while, at the same time, struggling to avoid conflicts. If your partner is an INFP, understand that they may struggle at times to open up. They may also be overly sensitive to perceived criticisms and will often place your happiness over that of their own. Additional Reading By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."
INFPs are sensitive, idealistic, and imaginative mediators who value authenticity and kindness. Learn about their traits, preferences, and how to find out if you are an INFP.
Jan 29, 2024 · INFPs are sometimes referred to as “the Mediator,” “the Idealist,” “the Healer,” or “the Dreamer.”. ESTJ is the opposite personality type of INFP. INFP is the ninth most common type in the population. INFPs make up: 4% of the general population. 4% of men.
Mediators are empathetic, creative, and idealistic personality types who often feel overwhelmed by other people's problems and modern life. Learn more about their traits, preferences, and beliefs from this article based on research surveys.
INFPs are introverted, intuitive, feeling, and perceiving, and are also known as The Healer or The Mediator. They are creative, idealistic, and compassionate, and value authenticity and personal growth.
