Difference Between INFP and INFJ (Explained)

The INFP and INFJ personality types are often confused due to their similarities, but they have distinct differences. Understanding these differences can help you determine which type you are. The key factors that differentiate them include their perceiving and judging preferences, cognitive functions, method of control, empathy levels, decision-making processes, and privacy preferences.

Key Takeaways:

• INFPs and INFJs have distinct differences in their perceiving and judging preferences.
• They have different dominant cognitive functions, with INFJs leading with introverted intuition (Ni) and INFPs leading with introverted feeling (Fi).
• While both types strive for control, they have different approaches to achieving it.
• INFPs and INFJs experience empathy differently, with INFJs absorbing emotions and INFPs having a mental knowledge of others’ emotions.
• Decision-making processes vary between the two types, with INFPs often struggling and INFJs weighing the pros and cons meticulously.

Perceiving and Judging Preferences

The main difference between INFPs and INFJs lies in their perceiving and judging preferences. INFPs are more spontaneous, dislike strict structure, and prefer to keep their options open. On the other hand, INFJs prefer structure, value planning and organization, and feel uneasy with unexpected events or choices.

INFPs often enjoy exploring different possibilities and are open to new ideas. They don’t like feeling constrained or confined by rigid rules or schedules. This preference for flexibility and adaptability can make them creative and adaptable individuals.

INFJs, in contrast, seek order and predictability. They thrive on having a plan and understanding what lies ahead. They prefer sticking to schedules and routines and find comfort in knowing what to expect. This preference for structure helps them stay organized and focused on their goals.

Cognitive Functions (Introverted Intuition vs Introverted Feeling)

When comparing INFPs and INFJs, one of the key differences lies in their dominant cognitive functions. INFPs lead with introverted feeling (Fi), which means they prioritize their personal values and feelings when making decisions. This internal focus allows them to deeply understand and empathize with others, as they are attuned to their own emotions.

On the other hand, INFJs lead with introverted intuition (Ni), which gives them a more analytical and structured approach to the world. They excel at seeing patterns, making connections, and understanding the bigger picture. This cognitive function allows them to make insightful predictions and perceive underlying meanings.

“As an INFP, I often find myself making decisions based on what feels right to me. My personal values guide my actions and interactions with others. I can easily empathize with people because I understand my own emotions so deeply.” – INFP

Conversely, INFJs rely on their introverted intuition to navigate the complexities of life. They possess a strong ability to read between the lines and understand the underlying motivations and intentions of others. This intuitive insight, combined with their extroverted feeling function, enables them to establish deep emotional connections and create harmony within their relationships.

Understanding the cognitive functions of INFPs and INFJs is crucial in distinguishing between the two personality types. While INFPs prioritize personal values and feelings, INFJs rely on intuitive analysis to navigate the world around them. These differences in cognitive functions shape how they perceive information, make decisions, and interact with others.

Method of Control

When it comes to control, INFPs and INFJs have different approaches. While both types strive for a sense of control in their lives, their methods and perspectives differ.

INFJs may appear highly organized and in control externally. They value structure, planning, and organization, often creating detailed schedules and sticking to them. However, internally, INFJs may struggle with feeling overwhelmed or out of control, as they have a tendency to take on the emotions and burdens of others.

On the other hand, INFPs may appear less organized externally, preferring to keep their options open and embracing spontaneity. However, they possess an internal sense of control through their introverted feeling function. INFPs rely on their personal values and moral compass to guide their decisions and actions, allowing them to maintain a sense of direction and purpose.

Method of Control Comparison

Understanding these differences in the method of control can help you recognize the strengths and challenges of your own personality type, as well as better understand and empathize with others.

Empathy Levels

Both INFPs and INFJs are known for their caring and empathetic nature. However, they experience empathy in different ways. For INFJs, empathy goes beyond mere understanding and extends to a deep emotional connection. They have the ability to absorb and feel others’ emotions as their own. This heightened sense of empathy is rooted in their introverted intuition and extroverted feeling functions, which allow them to truly understand and connect with others on an emotional level.

On the other hand, INFPs experience empathy more as a mental understanding rather than a visceral feeling. They possess a keen awareness of others’ emotions and can mirror them to a certain extent. While they may not physically experience the same intensity of emotions as INFJs, they have the ability to empathize intellectually and offer support and understanding.

“Empathy is seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another, and feeling with the heart of another.” – Alfred Adler

It’s important to note that empathy levels can vary within individuals, regardless of their personality type. Factors such as personal experiences, upbringing, and individual differences can influence how empathy is expressed. However, understanding the general tendencies and differences between INFPs and INFJs can help foster better communication and connection in relationships.

Decision-making Processes

When it comes to decision-making, INFPs and INFJs have distinct approaches. INFPs often find themselves caught in a loop of indecision, fearing making the wrong choice and agonizing over the potential consequences. Their decision-making process is heavily influenced by their ideals, values, and personal feelings, often prioritizing these over logical reasoning or practical considerations.

On the other hand, INFJs approach decision-making with a meticulous and thoughtful mindset. They carefully weigh the pros and cons of each option, taking into account the potential impact on others and considering the overall harmony and well-being of the situation. INFJs are more adept at making decisions, relying on their analytical skills and ability to consider multiple perspectives.

It’s important to note that while INFPs may struggle with decision-making, their deep sense of empathy and understanding of others’ needs often leads them to make choices that align with the greater good. INFJs, with their natural ability to read people and their strong sense of intuition, make decisions that are guided by a combination of objective analysis and consideration for the emotional well-being of those involved.

In summary, INFPs and INFJs have different decision-making processes. INFPs may struggle with indecision and tend to rely more on their personal values and ideals. INFJs, on the other hand, approach decision-making with a careful and thoughtful mindset, considering the impact on others and striving for harmony.

Privacy Preferences

When it comes to privacy, both INFPs and INFJs place a high value on personal space and boundaries. However, they express their privacy preferences in different ways. INFPs tend to be cautious and reserved, taking their time to open up to others. Once they establish trust, they are willing to reveal a lot about themselves and foster deep connections. This gradual process of building trust allows INFPs to maintain a sense of control over their personal information and emotions.

On the other hand, INFJs are exceptionally private individuals who guard their inner world with great care. It can take a considerable amount of time for others to truly know an INFJ on a deeper level. INFJs are masters at keeping their whole selves hidden, and they have an intense dislike of vulnerability. This inclination towards privacy is rooted in their desire to maintain a sense of self-protection and safeguard their emotions from external influences.

Overall, while INFPs and INFJs both value privacy, their approaches differ. INFPs exercise caution and gradually reveal themselves, while INFJs are highly private and keep their true selves concealed. Understanding these privacy preferences can foster better communication and respect in relationships with both INFPs and INFJs.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between INFP and INFJ can greatly enhance your self-awareness and improve your relationships with others. While these two personality types may share some similarities, they possess distinct characteristics and traits that set them apart.

From their perceiving and judging preferences to their cognitive functions, method of control, empathy levels, decision-making processes, and privacy preferences, each type offers a unique perspective on the world. Recognizing these differences allows you to better understand yourself and the people around you.

So, whether you resonate more with the spontaneous and open-minded nature of an INFP or the structured and analytical approach of an INFJ, embrace your true type. Embrace the qualities that make you who you are, and celebrate the diversity within the INFP and INFJ community.

By delving into the nuances of these personality types, you can navigate through life with a deeper understanding and appreciation for the unique traits and characteristics that shape us all.