Infp Meaning: Here’s What It Means And How To Use It?

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.

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What Does INFP Mean?

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. 

  • (I) Introversion: Someone who is an introvert draws their energy from alone time. Someone who is an extrovert, on the other hand, draws their energy from spending time with others. 
  • (N) Intuition: Those who are intuitive look at information based on impressions and patterns compared to their sensing counterparts who rely on their five senses to interpret their reality. 
  • (F) Feeling: Individuals with the feeling preference consider and use feelings to make important decisions, whereas thinkers rely on logic-based criteria.
  • (P) Perception: Perceivers are often much more flexible and open when it comes to living their lives, while their judgemental counterparts are generally more orderly and planned. 

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.

What Is the Origin of INFP?

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. 

What Is the Purpose of the MBTI?

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:

  • Working with teams
  • Developing yourself
  • Career development
  • Communication style
  • Leadership style
  • Working relationships
  • Resolving conflict
  • Valuing diversity
  • Problem-solving
  • Managing change

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: 

  • Extroversion – Introversion (where do you get your energy from?)
  • Sensing – Intuition (what kind of information do you prefer to use?)
  • Thinking – Feeling (what process do you use to make decisions?)
  • Judging – Perceiving (how do you deal with the world around you?)

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. 

What Are the 16 MBTI Personality Types?

The 16 MBTI personality types are as follows:

  1. ENTJ (Extrovert, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging)
  2. INTJ (Introvert, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging)
  3. ENTP (Extrovert, Intuitive, Thinking, Perceiving)
  4. INTP (Introvert, Intuitive, Thinking, Perceiving)
  5. ENFJ (Extrovert, Intuitive, Feeling, Judging)
  6. INFJ (Introvert, Intuitive, Feeling, Judging)
  7. ENFP (Extrovert, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving)
  8. INFP (Introvert, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving)
  9. ESTJ (Extrovert, Sensing, Thinking, Judging)
  10. ISTJ (Introvert, Sensing, Thinking, Judging)
  11. ESFJ (Extrovert, Sensing, Feeling, Judging)
  12. ISFJ (Introvert, Sensing, Feeling, Judging)
  13. ESTP (Extrovert, Sensing, Thinking, Perceiving)
  14. ISTP (Introvert, Sensing, Thinking, Perceiving)
  15. ESFP (Extrovert, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving)
  16. ISFP (Introvert, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving)

What Are the Characteristics of INFP Personality Traits?

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:

  • Loyal and devoted
  • Warm and caring
  • Prefers to work alone rather than in a group
  • Values close relationships
  • Sensitive to feelings
  • Emotional and compassionate
  • Intuitive
  • Empathetic
  • Faithful 

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:

  • Princess Diana
  • Isabel Briggs
  • William Shakespeare
  • Audrey Hepburn 
  • John Lennon
  • Kurt Cobain

Recap

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. 

Sources:

  1. What Does ‘INFP’ Mean? | Acronyms by Dictionary.com
  2. The Myers & Briggs Foundation | CG Jungs Theory
  3. Take the MMTIC® (Murphy-Meisgeier Type Indicator®) Assessment | People Stripes