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The Idealist (INFP) Personality Type (Characteristics and Traits)

INFP personality type

The INFP personality type, also known as “The Idealist,” demonstrates Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Perceiving traits

INFP types are the ultimate idealists. Therefore, INFPs’ dominant personality traits are heavily slanted towards a viewer of life greater than the individual self. Below are INFPs’ four fundamental characteristics and the dichotomies within which they exist.

  • Introversion (versus Extraversion): Introversion is a person’s tendency to focus inward rather than outward. INFPs are more likely to be quiet and patient individuals.
  • iNtuition (versus Sensing): Intuition is an attitude that leads individuals to gather information by seeing patterns based on subconscious observations. INFPs use think strategically and focus on the big picture instead of minding the finer details.
  • Feeling (versus Thinking): The Feeling characteristic causes individuals to rely on a system of values rather than logic when arriving at conclusions. INFPs drive their decisions based on what they feel rather than rational thinking.
  • Perceiving (versus Judging): The Perceiving traits drives individuals to live in the present moment and behave spontaneously. INFPs dislike planning and prefer to focus on the present. 

The INFP personality is known as The Idealist because of its ability to look at things from a broader perspective while applying their strong set of principles to decision-making. The INFP gets this ability from their three definitive characteristics. First, INFPs are patient individuals who do not make rash decisions. Secondly, INFPs look at the bigger picture rather than the limited details given in the moment. Finally, INFPs are more comfortable making decisions based on personal values rather than purely on logic and calculated reasoning. INFPs’ patience and wisdom allow them to see the bigger picture and make the best decisions for everyone, earning them “The Mediator” label.

INFPs’ core strength lies in their compassion. Idealists are interested in more than just their development and genuinely care about everybody. As great as their selflessness can be, the core weakness of an INFP type is that they don’t pay attention to the small things. INFPs’ focus on the bigger picture and the greater good means that the finer details of the immediate situation can pass them by.

INFP types are best suited to careers in three different areas. First, a career in the arts as either a writer or an artist appeals to INFPs’ natural creativity. Second, a career in the social sciences allows INFPs to embrace their passion for helping others. The third best career path for the INFP is psychology, as Idealists enjoy learning about people and creating deep mental connections.

The gender split between INFP types is almost dead even, with 5.2% of women and 5.1% of men boasting the Idealist personality type.

What does INFP stand for?

INFP stands for Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Perceiving. INFPs are quiet, deep-thinking types who view the whole picture rather than just the details presented at the time. This broad perspective on life is why INFPs fit The Idealist or The Mediator personality archetypes.

What are the facts about INFPs?

Below are the facts about INFPs that illustrate the nuances of the Idealist personality. 

  • They’re dreamers: INFPs have a vivid imagination, and often lose themselves in daydreams. 
  • They feel strong empathy: INFPs relate strongly to the feelings of others, even those of fictional characters.
  • They’re creative: INFPs’ creativity draws them into various artistic endeavors. 
  • They’re often mistaken for being aloof: Others perceive INFPs’ calm demeanor as indifference, whereas Idealists simply excel at keeping their cool.  
  • They’re doubtful: INFPs are open-minded, but this same quality often prevents them from seeing a single suitable decision.

What are the INFP traits?

Below are the four core INFP traits of Idealist personality types.

  • Reservation: Being an introverted personality, the INFP often cuts a reserved character.
  • Insight: Happy to be on the sidelines, the INFP watches what is happening around them and never loses sight of the bigger picture. This gives them the ability to make insightful and intuitive comments.
  • Irresolution: INFPs don’t live in the moment but rather have their eyes on the great whole. This can make them indecisive in the present.
  • Emotionality: Emotion drives the INFP and they react to the world around them based on what and how they are feeling rather than relying on critical thinking or logical reasoning.

What are the INFP strengths?

Below are the four INFP strengths that show the fortes of the Idealist personality type.

  • Empathy: INFPs are emotional and intuitive, making them sensitive to the feelings of others.
  • Big-picture thinking: Being introverted observers, the INFP does not get caught up with the small things but instead always keeps the grander view of life at the forefront.
  • Compassion: The INFP personality is a caring soul, and they value those who they keep close. INFPs prefer a few deep connections over superficial relationships with more people.
  • Independence: While not averse to working with others, the naturally reserved nature of the INFP means they are well suited to jobs that see them work alone.

What are the INFP weaknesses?

The below are the four INFP weaknesses, all of which are related to the Idealist’s strengths. 

  • Aloofness: INFP types often come across as cold or distant, as they do not find it easy to open up to people.
  • Inattention to detail: With their eyes always set on the big picture and a grand vision, INFPs do not have the best attention to detail.
  • Sensitivity: Because of their reserved and emotional nature, INFPs are prone to taking things personally.
  • Romanticism: INFPs want to make the world a better place, but sometimes this comes at the expense of being happy with what they have.

What stresses an INFP?

Below are the six stimuli that stress an INFP.  

  • Conflict: INFPs prefer to avoid disagreements and feel stressed if they find themselves in the middle of a tense situation. 
  • Decision making: INFPs are too open-minded to eliminate less suitable decisions, and often take a long time making up their minds. 
  • Rigid routine: INFPs are spontaneous by nature, so excessive planning and schedules can overwhelm them. 
  • Unfamiliar people: INFPs lack the natural ability to build a rapport with unfamiliar people. INFPs are aware of this social awkwardness and it stresses them out. 
  • Large groups: INFPs are deeply introverted and prefer to socialize in small groups of people they know. Large gatherings drain INFPs of their energy and leave them stressed. 
  • Negative people: INFPs get annoyed and stressed when dealing with negative people because of their idealistic, positive nature.  

How does the INFP deal with stress?

INFP types do not deal with stress very well. When faced with a stressful situation, the INFP is more likely to shut themselves off from the world. Often INFPs disappear into their introverted shell, avoiding the issue until it resolves itself. This isn’t because the INFP doesn’t care but because they care too much. Stress drains the social battery of an INFP, and the only way to power back up again is to detach from everything and retreat inward.

What are the hobbies of an INFP?

Below are the common hobbies on an INFP. 

  • Collecting: A solitary hobby like collecting appeals to an INFP’s introverted nature. 
  • Reading: Reading is the perfect hobby to stimulate INFPs’ vivid imagination. 
  • Creating art: INFPs are creative by nature, so artistic projects are a suitable leisure activity for them. 
  • Yoga: INFPs strive to achieve inner peace, and yoga is a hobby that can help them feel serene. 

What are the career paths for INFPs?

The best career paths for INFPs are ones that lend themselves to their soft and creative nature. Below are five great career paths for INFPs. 

  • Writer: The creative mind of the INFP makes them ideally suited to a career as a fiction writer. However, non-fiction writing does not offer INFPs the same creative release.
  • Interpreter or translator: With a thirst for learning and a desire to help, a career in languages, such as being an interpreter or translator, is well suited to the INFP personality.
  • Graphic designer: Creativity governed by boundaries is the ideal playground for the INFP. A career in graphic design offers just that combination of ideals.
  • Artist: Whether with paints, clay, or digital media, a career as an artist calls to the INFP as it satisfies their creative urgest and grand view of life.
  • Photographer: INFPs are idealists, and the thought of capturing that perfect moment makes a career as a photographer highly appealing and satisfying.

How does INFP prepare for a job interview?

To prepare for a job interview, and INFP should follow the five steps below. 

  1. Know your worth: INFPs don’t like to draw attention to themselves. However, during an interview, they must be confident in what they bring to the workplace.
  2. Take notes: INFPs find it easy to drift away from the present with their focus on the future. Getting any interview dates diarised in bold is vital, so they don’t go unnoticed.
  3. Understand the company mission: INFP works towards the big picture. By understanding the company’s mission statement, an INFP will be able to answer questions with a zoomed-out perspective.
  4. Keep an Open Mind: For an emotional character like the INFP, it is essential to try to tame their natural inclination to react to feeling.
  5. Be Honest About Your Values: Everybody is different, and not everybody appreciates the same things. INFPmust stay true to themselves and be honest about what they value.

Are INFPs good employees?

INFPs are good employees, provided they work in a career that fits their modus operandi. INFPs want to know they are helping people and doing something for good. Within this backdrop, INFP types are hard-working and reliable employees.

INFPs are not driven by a need to achieve a particular position on the career ladder. Instead, they are interested in not only their growth and development but that of their colleagues also. That’s not to say INFPs are unmotivated, but titles do not drive their path.

How do INFPs prefer to work?

INFPs prefer to work in a group or on solo projects. INFPs are happy in their own company, so they work best when given the freedom for creativity within a base framework. Such an arrangement helps keep the idealist grounded while appealing to their artistic nature.

INFPs are unlikely to take up positions in management. However, when they do, Idealists prefer not to micromanage and instead focus on the larger end goal.

What career paths should INFPs avoid?

INFPs should avoid career paths that are bound by bureaucracy and rigid frameworks. Below are a few career paths of which INFPs should steer clear. 

  • Law enforcement: INFPs would struggle with a career in law enforcement. The rigid schedules and lack of creativity in the role would be too stifling for the Idealist.
  • Accountancy: INFP will likely lose sight of the smaller details in an accounting role. A career that requires as much precision as an accountant would go against all of INFPs’ natural tendencies.
  • Systems analyst: Once again, the INFP’s frequent lack of attention to detail would be their downfall in systems analysis.
  • Sales: A sales career clashes with the INFP’s dominant introverted function. An idealist would find a sales role exhausting.
  • Chemical engineer: An INFP would find themselves out of their depth in a career that requires such attention to detail and analytical capabilities as chemical engineering.

What are the statistics for INFP personality types?

The statistics for INFP personality types show that Idealists account for 5.1% of the population. These statistics suggest that there are approximately 400 million INFPs currently in the world.

You are more likely to find an INFP exploring creative or more selfless pursuits, as this appeals to their natural tendencies. If you are looking for Idealists, you are more likely to find them among the artists, authors or psychologists than you are within architectural firms or the financial district.

The gender split of INFPs is slightly in favor women. Approximately 5.2% of women and 5.1% of men are INFP. Many of the base traits belonging to this personality are more feminine, which can impact the way male INFPs are viewed in society.

The INFP personality ranks 9th out of the 16 personalities on the MBTI in terms of overall prevalence.

Who are the INFP celebrities?

INFP celebrities include many famous people who are recognized for their contribution to the arts or the betterment of the world. Twelve of the most well-known INFP celebrities are listed below. 

  • Princess Diana (Princess of Wales)
  • Johnny Depp (American actor)
  • William Shakespeare (English playwright)
  • Keanu Reeves (Canadian actor)
  • David Bowie (English singer-songwriter)
  • Tim Burton (American filmmaker)
  • Sir David Attenborough (English broadcaster)

What are the most quintessential INFP quotes?

Below are the five most quintessential INFP quotes.

  • “Nothing brings me more happiness than trying to help the most vulnerable people in society. It is a good and essential part of my life, a kind of destiny.” – Princess Diana
  • “The truth is: the natural world is changing. And we are totally dependent on that world. It provides our food, water and air. It is the most precious thing we have and we need to defend it.” – Sir David Attenborough
  • “Energy can’t be created or destroyed, and energy flows. It must be in a direction, with some kind of internal, emotive, spiritual direction. It must have some effect somewhere.” – Keanu Reeves
  • “Tomorrow belongs to those who can hear it coming.” – David Bowie
  • “You can close your eyes to the things you don’t want to see, but you can’t close your heart to the things you don’t want to feel.” – Johnny Depp

What are the INFP subtypes?

There are three INFP subtypes — INFP-A+ (The Leader), INFP-A- (The Fighter), and INFP-T+(The Pleaser). All of the INFP subtypes demonstrate the core aspects of the Idealist personality. However, there are subtle nuances that set the INFP subtypes apart from one another.

  • INFP-A+ The Leader: The Leader INFP subtype demonstrates the strongest characteristics in its introverted feeling and extroverted intuition function. INFP-A+s have a self-motivated mindset and are focused on their passions rather than more superficial gains. The INFP-A+ accepts that failure is part of the learning process and sets goals destined to fail the first time of asking.
  • INFP-T- The Follower: The Follower INFP has Extroverted Thinking and Introverted Sensing cognitive functions. The INFP-T- are self-critical and driven by their status within a group rather than personal goals. The Follower subtype focuses too much on self-improvement that they often forget to relax and enjoy life. 
  • INFP-A- The Fighter: The Fighter INFP is not afraid to chase their dreams and never hides their true identity. The INFP-A- becomes almost too focused on their passions and ends up setting unrealistic goals, only to chastise themselves for failing to meet them.
  • INFP-T+ The Pleaser: The Pleaser INFP subtype always tries to maintain a happy and positive appearance. They are the most likely INFPs to change who they are to fit the group. One weakness of being an INFP-T+ type is their tendency to lose sight of themselves in the name of maintaining their happy public image.

How do INFPs view other types?

INFPs view other types based on their fundamental behavior traits. For example, INFPs do not enjoy conflict and thus actively avoid busy or confrontational characters, such as ESTPs. On the other hand, INFPs prefer to spend time with personalities that share their core values of selflessness and embracing the bigger picture, like INFJs. Regardless of the personality type, INFPs keep others at a distance, preferring to nurture deeper relationships with just a few people. 

Can a person be both ESTP and ENFJ?

No, a person cannot be both ESTP and ENFJ. However, many personalities on the MBTI share fundamental character similarities, making it tricky to self-identify or identify others. For example, INFP and ENJFs are intuitive feelers and, as a result, share a desire to create meaningful relationships. However, the base-level introvert and extrovert differences set them apart.

Are INFP personalities hereditary?

No, INFP personalities are not hereditary. There’s no conclusive evidence that an INFP personality (or any other personality) gets passed on genetically. Should a child’s parents both have the same personality type, then there is a strong chance their upbringing will point the child towards the beliefs of that personality. 

How to communicate with an INFP personality person?

To communicate with an INFP personality person, use the five strategies below. 

  • Get personal: INFPs value personal interaction and meaningful connections. One surefire way to successfully communicate with an INFP is to be personal.
  • Think big picture: When communicating with INFP types, it is wise to approach topics from a broader perspective. INFPs are not interested in trivial matters of today but instead talk about how to change things for the future.
  • Listen attentively: Communication is a two-way street; as part of that, it’s essential to listen to what an INFP has to say. 
  • Keep an open mind: When communicating with an INFP, it is vital to keep an open mind and engage in branching discussions. Judgment should be left at the door, and accept that conversations may well backtrack after further reflection.
  • Be respectful: INFPs do not respond well to loud or brash interactions. Therefore, be calm and respectful to get the most out of any INFP communication.

How do INFPs behave in a relationship?

In a relationship, INFPs behave by seeking out the perfect partner. Idealists are romantic souls who want to find Mr(s) Right. INFPs believe in true love and the romance of happy-ever-after. INFPs spent time daydreaming and building up their perfect partner in their heads. As a result, INFPs experience a lot of heartache and disappointment along the way.

INFPs take time to open up to people, so dating can be rough for them. Idealists are best suited to find a mate who understands this challenge and doesn’t write them off as cold or disinterested. Once they have established their relationship, INFPs are devoted partners, attentive to the needs of others and always happy to find a compromise whenever conflict arises. The core risk to an INFP in a committed relationship is being so devoted to their partner’s needs that they lose sight of their own.

How is the INFP personality in parenthood?

In parenthood, INFPs are nurturing caregivers who raise their children in loving homes with solid guidelines on acceptable behaviors. However, INFPs afford their children more leeway than other personality types, giving the kids a degree of input over decisions that affect them.

INFP parents want to see their children grow into the best version of themselves. That’s why Idealists encourage their kids to explore their natural creativity and self-expression. However, INFP parents find it hard to share their emotions with their children.

How productive are INFP business people?

INFP business people are productive if they’re in a suitable workplace. INFPs are hardworking and determined employees if they’re working in a place that suits their personality. Idealists do their best not only to grow themselves but to help their colleagues develop, too. However, an INFP will struggle in a workplace that stifles their creative nature. Stress will pile on, and Idealists’ natural inclination to hide away will come to the forefront.

How efficient are INFP science people?

INFP science people are not very efficient. INFPs have a thirst for knowledge. However, the rigid framework and the attention to detail needed to run and document experiments works against the INFP’s core ideals. While creativity and experimentation can go hand in hand, for the INFP, the structure is often too great for them to overcome.

However, the INFP can thrive when positioned within the social sciences. The ability to knowingly help improve people’s lives plays to one of the core motivations for this personality type.

What are INFPs like as kids?

As kids, INFPs are quiet, reflective types who often seem wise beyond their years, with a strong philosophical outlook on life and unbridled creativity. INFP kids are sensitive souls, so they often struggle in the real world. The naturally boisterous ways of other children can hurt younger INFP types. Idealist kids crave a more profound connection than many other children have yet to fathom, let alone desire.

INFP children are attuned to the needs of others and have a desire to help. However, young Idealists can be easily stunned by their exposure to the world. Everything from schoolyard antics and the taunts of others to the ever-expanding realization that the world has a darker side lays heavy on INFP kids’ shoulders.

How are the genders of  the INFP personality?

The male and female genders of the INFP personality are very similar. However, there are three core differences between the two genders. First, INFP women are often more socially awkward than their male counterparts. This is because the INFP type clashes with traditional male stereotypes. As a result, INFP men are more likely to hide their true personalities in group situations. Second, the INFP male is a hopeless romantic while the INFP female (while still after true love) understands that perfection doesn’t exist, but knows that deep emotional attachments can evolve over time. Third, INFP males are more likely to find themselves in a job they hate but need to have for the sake of social convention. Meanwhile INFP women are often more comfortable with their uniqueness, and will refuse to settle for work they don’t enjoy. This final difference stems from the pressure INFP men feel to conform to traditional masculine values.

How is the INFP female personality?

The INFP female personality accounts for 5.2% of the total female population. Female INFPs are sensitive souls who forge deep emotional attachments with those they hold dear. Female idealists are not afraid to be the authentic version of themselves but will withdraw from social interaction when their social battery starts to drain. However, doing so also worries them, as they know they are shutting out those they are close to.

How is the INFP male personality?

The INFP male personality comprises 5.1% of all men. INFP men generally capture the Idealist moniker more clearly than INFP women. Due to the heavy feminine slant to many INFP characteristics, INFP men get labeled as being such. As a result, they are likely to try and hide their true nature around other more alpha males. INFP men are hopeless romantics, attentive partners, and excellent listeners.

Are INFPs perfectionists?

No, INFPs are not perfectionists. INFPs are big-picture thinkers who often lose sight of the small details. However, Idealists love the idea of a perfect life with the ideal happy-ever-after story.

What are the strongest signals that someone is an INFP?

Below are the strongest signals that someone is an INTP. 

  1. They’re quiet: INFP types are often the quiet ones in a group. INFPs enjoy the company of others, but their introverted nature often sees them take a back seat. If someone arrives at a party but heads out early because they’re tired, they are likely to be an INFP, as gatherings drain their social battery.
  2. They dislike conflict: INFPs hate conflict. As such, they are adept at dealing with it. Either they shut down and hide away until it has passed, or they look to find a way to find a compromise that keeps everybody happy.
  3. They search for deeper meaning: Nothing happens out of coincidence for a true INFP for they believe there is a deeper meaning and reason for things happening.
  4. They’re indecisive: INFPs don’t like making a decision. It’s not because they can’t but rather because they want to wait as long as possible to see the impact their decision will have on the grander scheme of life.
  5. They’re passionate: When it comes to their ideals and what they believe is the right thing for the greater good, INFP types are incredibly passionate. INFP men are exceptionally loyal to their beliefs and core values.

How to understand whether you’re an INFP or not?

To understand whether you are an INFP or not, you need to look inward and ask yourself what is most important. For example, if you are more interested in the future and how you can contribute to making the world a better place than what you have in the present, then there is a chance you are an INFP. Another way to self-identify as an INFP is to consider your friendships and relationships. If you have a few close friends with whom you feel deeply connected, you could be an INFP.

How to classify personality types for INFP communication?

To classify personality types according to their stance on the INFP personality, consider the four classes below. 

  • Kindred personalities: INFPs share many similarities with the personalities in this class. However, sometimes too many shared attributes work against all parties.
  • Friendly personalities: INFPs share a few traits with the members of this class. However, it is often a case of too little late when it comes to friendships.
  • Different personalities: A shared set of base personality traits can be the most solid base for friendships. The differences that arise can often be the glue that cements the bond between INFPs and personalities in this class.
  • Opposite personalities: As close to opposites as you can get, there is little room for common ground between the INFP and members of this class. That’s not to say it’s impossibly but exceedingly unlikely.

What are the main similarities between other personality types and INFPs?

There are three main similarities between other personality types and INFPs. The first similarity is the holistic view of the world, which INFPs share with other NF personalities. The immediate is not the most pressing concern, but rather a focus on the future and how they can impact it positively. The second is the ruling emotional factor. INFPs and other Feeler types allow their emotions to guide their decisions instead of pure logic. The final similarity is between the INFP and other introverted personalities. These personalities are often happy to engage in social activities, but generally they prefer solitude. 

What are the kindred personality types for INFP?

Below are the four kindred personalities of the INFP.

  • INTP: The first kindred personality of the INFP is the INTP because they are both abstract communicators. The main difference between the INTP lies in how they focus their energy. The INFP wants to help those less fortunate, while the INTP is more interested in improving the world through technological advancements.
  • INFP: The second kindred personality of the INFP is the INFP because they both have the same altruistic intentions. Their main difference is that INFPs base their decisions on values while INTPs approach decision-making with logic.
  • INFJ: The third kindred personality of the INFP is the INFJ because they both refuse to just sit back and accept injustice. The main difference between an INFP and INFJ is the relaxed approach the INFP takes to life, as this goes against the grain of the structure-loving INFJ.
  • ENFP: The fourth kindred personality of the INFP is the ENFP because they both value deep and authentic relationships. However, the core difference between the INFP and ENFP personality types is how they interact with the world. The bright and energetic ENFP can be a bit full-on for the INFP.

What are the most friendly personality types to INFP?

The following are the four most friendly personalities to the INFP.

  • ISTP: The first most friendly personality to the INFP is the ISTP because their energetic personality can help bring the INFP to life. The main difference between the ISTP and the INFP is the way they communicate. The ISTP is a straight-talking personality, while the INFP prefers to keep their conversations on a more abstract level.
  • ISFJ: The second most friendly personality to the INFP is the ISFJ because they are both empathetic characters. The main difference between the INFP and the ISFJ is in their willingness to help others. The INFP is highly altruistic, while the ISFJ is a traditionalist with far less interest in changing the world.
  • ESFP: The third most friendly personality to the INFP is the ESFP because they both value spending time with family and friends. However, the main difference between the ESFP and the INFP is the way they approach day-to-day life. THe ESFP is all about having fun in the moment with little regard for tomorrow, while the INFP is more focused on how to make a better tomorrow.
  • ENTJ: The fourth most friendly personality to the INFP is the ENTJ because both the INFP and the ENTJ enjoy talking in a theoretical way. However, the main difference between the INFP and the ENTJ nurture relationships. The INFP looks to build an emotional connection, while the ENTJ is looking for something on a more intellectual level.

What are the main differences between other personality types and INFPs?

There are three main differences between other personality types and INFPs. The first difference is direct speech. The INFP prefers to talk gently and with a deeper meaning behind their words, while other personalities shoot from the hip in a direct, no-nonsense fashion. The second difference is the use of logical thought over-emotional responses. The INFP allows their emotions to drive their reactions, which can set them apart from other personalities. The third core difference is the need for structure. INFPs are often relatively free-spirited and open to spontaneous decisions, while their conflicting personality types all find enjoyment in a more rigid and well-structured life.

What are the opposite personality types to INFP?

Below are the four opposite personality types of INFP.

  • ISTJ: The first most opposite personality type of the INFP is the ISTJ because the INFP is a relaxed figure when it comes to planning and scheduling, however, the ISTJ is far more structured. The main difference between the ISTJ and the INFP is in how they view the world. The INFP sees suffering as a curable injustice, while the ISTJ merely accepts it as part of life.
  • ESTP: The second most opposite personality type of the INFP is the ESTP because the ESTP is all about living in the moment while the INFP is more focused on the future. The main difference between the INFP and the ESTP is their core values. INFPs are empathetic personalities, while the ESTP is far more logic-driven.
  • ESTJ: The third most opposite personality type of the INFP is the ESTJ because the INFP sees change as a means of bettering the world, while the ESTJ is a way of change and sees it as something to be avoided. The main difference between the INFP and the ESTJ is the ESTJ’s lack of visualization. The INFP is all about imagining a better world and how to make it happen, while such conversations would not enthuse an ESTJ.
  • ESFJ: The fourth most opposite personality type of the INFP is the ESFJ because the ESFJ is a bold and straight-talking personality, while the INFP is more the reserved listener. The main difference between the ESFJ and the INFP is that the ESFJ is only concerned with dealing in hard facts, while the INFP prefers speculation and grand picture discussions.

What are the most different personality types for INFP?

The following are the four most different personality types to the INFP.

  • ISFP: The first most different personality to the INFP is the ISFP because the ISFP is more interested in living in the moment. The main difference between the INFP and the ISFP is that the ISFP likes to talk about facts and make step-by-step plans while the INFP prefers talking about theories and potential.
  • INTJ: The second most different personality to the INFP is the INTJ because while both are interested in helping others, the INFJ wants to help in the present while the INFP is concerned with building a better tomorrow. The main difference between the INFP and the INTJ lies in how they communicate, with the INTJ being far more direct than the free-thinking INFP.
  • ENTP: The third most different personality to the INFP is the ENTP because the ENTP has a lot more social energy than the INFP, and this can be exhausting. The main difference between the ENTP and the INFP is the level of emotion they put into their relationships. The INFP seeks out an emotional connection while the ENTP is more emotionally distant.
  • ENFJ: The fourth most different personality to the INFP is the ENFJ because the INFP is a relaxed personality, while the ENFJ is a structure-driven character. The main difference between the INFP and ENFJ is in their base energy levels. The INFP finds social interaction draining while the ENFJ uses it to fuel their endeavors.

What disorders are associated with INFP personality types?

Below are the four disorders that are commonly associated with INFP personality types.

  • Anxiety: Anxiety is a disorder that’s caused by excessive, persistent concern for the future and often manifests as a panic attack. INFPs are commonly associated with the anxiety disorder.
  • Depression: Depression is a disorder that causes people to lose interest in things they once enjoyed and feel sad. Depression is often associated with INFPs. 
  • Avoidant Personality Disorder: People with the Avoidant Personality Disorder feel inadequate and avoid social settings for fear of being judged. INFPs are commonly associated with the  Avoidant Personality Disorder.
  • Borderline Personality Disorder: People with the Borderline Personality Disorder experience rapid mood changes that greatly affect their everyday lives. INFPs are commonly associated with the Borderline Personality Disorder. 

Note there is no scientific evidence to suggest the prevalence of these disorders in the INFP personality type, or any other MBTI type.