If you’re interested in learning what INFP means, you’re in the right place! Read on as we explore this acronym to uncover what it stands for.
-
Kevin
-
January 23, 2022
-
Common Questions
If you’re interested in learning what INFP means, you’re in the right place! Read on as we explore this acronym to uncover what it stands for.
INFP is one of the 16 personality types created by Katharine Briggs and Isabel Myers, creators of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). INFP stands for introversion, intuition, feeling, and perception, which are four core personality traits based on the profound work of C.G. Jung.
Often described as the “mediator,” “healer,” and “idealist, those with the INFP personality type tend to be introverted, idealistic, creative, and driven by high values.
INFP is an acronym used in the publications of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, which was developed from the work of the famous psychiatrist Carl G. Jung in his 1921 publication called Psychological Types.
Jung proposed a psychological typology based on many different theories of cognitive functions that he developed through his clinical observations. From his revolutionary work, many others — such as Isabel Briggs Myers and David Keirsey — developed psychological typologies, which are widely used today by organizations for assessment centers, team building, coaching, personal development, and more.
The purpose of the MBTI is to make the theory of psychological types described by Jung understandable and useful in people’s lives. It’s a tool that is used to help people better understand their own communication preferences and how they interact with others and the world around them. Having an awareness of what MBTI is can help you adapt your interpersonal approach to different situations and audiences.
Some of the most common uses for MBTI include:
To be clear, MBTI discusses an individual’s preference — not their capability. This is an important distinction because everyone has the capability to use all styles; however, most people often have a preferred style.
The whole idea of MBTI is to raise awareness of your own preference and recognize where the other styles could add value. That being said, no one style is better than the other, as an understanding of all styles can increase one’s flexibility and adaptability.
The four psychological scales of the MBTI that are based on the Jungian psychological types are:
A version of the MBTI created by Charles Meisgeier and Elizabeth Murphy is available for kids who are between the ages of seven and 13. Called the Murphy-Meisgeier Type Indicator for Children (MMTIC), this assessment uses the same four psychological types as its counterpart but is written for a second-grade reading level.
The 16 MBTI personality types are as follows:
As mentioned a little earlier, INFPs tend to be introverted as well as quiet and reserved. Being in large social situations is often exhausting for those with this personality type as these folks typically prefer interacting with a select group of close friends.
INFPs are not judgemental and try to find positivity and happiness in everything. They are unique, sensitive, and compassionate human beings who tend to rely on themselves more than other people. Some of the other characteristics commonly found in INFPs include:
Due to their increased intuitiveness as well as sensitivity to feelings and emotions, those with an INFP personality trait often find success in careers as actors, musicians, counselors, artists, writers, and social workers.
Some of the famous INFPs that you may be familiar with include:
So, what does INFP mean?
Simply put, INFP is an acronym that stands for introversion, intuition, feeling, and perceiving.
Known to be creative daydreamers who are highly sensitive and attuned to their surroundings, INFPs are often motivated to reach goals and tend to foster hope, compassion, and encouragement.