Thank you for helping me confirm 100% that I am absolutely an INFJ simply because of that 6th function rising up and crushing me senseless... *sigh*

@scott.morgan

8 жыл бұрын

You're welcome +Charlotte Sometimes

your 6th function is not weak, its just undervalued

Hi there, very much enjoyed your video IntrovertPower. I'm an INFP and I resonated with your comment that, when and INFP is overwhelmed by emotions or anxiety, or feels conflicted in some way, he or she could turn to Ni as a way to solve a given problem in a more 'clinical' way. I think this could be problematic for the INFP for a number of reasons. Firstly, basing a decision on how to proceed exclusively on an intuitive insight regarding the possible outcome would be counter productive for an INFP, who places primary importance on maintaining values and ethics. Even if such a course of action resulted in some objective goal being fulfilled, such a course of action would likely to be very difficult to maintain if it did not cohere with the INFPs belief system due to Fi predominance (which would probably take on a much harsher, more punitive character in this instance). I agree with one of the other commentators that this might lead to a kind of nihilistic depression, in which the INFP felt out of touch with his or her higher self and unable find value in the world. I also think the INFPs Ni vision may represent more of an anxiety-laden, nightmarish vision of a possible future than an accurately judged future possibility. The other thing I appreciated about this video was that it astutely recognised that, for the INFP, Fi emotion is information on how to navigate the world. I think INFJs can tend to devalue Fi sometimes, perhaps because they use it in a different way, and understand Fi in the INFP as somehow irrelevant, and misguided depressive thinking. Actually for an INFP, Fi can be equivalent to a kind of guide - a guiding conscience or ethical core which tells them what is the best, more compassionate way to behave in the world.

@scott.morgan

8 жыл бұрын

Great reflections and thoughts, thanks +Ellena Dee

I absolutely needed this. You don't realize how grateful I am for this video. I'm an INFJ who's been in a bad place internally, and I've kinda been "stuck" or "lost" and have been trying to find out who I am. watching this video gave me the "ah-ha!" moment. I believe this video can really help a lot of INFJ and INFP types, especially those who've caught a "snag" in their development. Thank you so much again for your insight.

@scott.morgan

8 жыл бұрын

That is really great to hear.

@JonasAnandaKristiansson

6 жыл бұрын

Kenneth

@amandagraves3024

5 жыл бұрын

I feel exactly the same way!

@bugfolk6323

5 жыл бұрын

Though this is old and likely hopefully you're not in such a rut, maybe this will help someone. I don't know, A lot of my recent internet history is more less struggling to figure out who I am, similar to the dilemma you describe. How to get through it, maybe if you're still struggling, is to let go of trying to dwell on being "true" to a written description of traits, and focus instead on being true to what you know or feel as true to self. The loop for me broke slowly when I realized the frustration was coming from fear of being perceived by others as insincere by claiming I was one type and not acting "in character" to a 4 letter list of traits. (though I could use anything, say claiming to be patient or impatient. Either way there'll be times and situations where I contradict myself. Acknowledging the heart of my frustration was a lack of control over something that isn't supposed to be in my control, was how I let it go. Though MBTI is an interesting metaphor to use when describing thought processes, etc, reality is a lot more complex than what this framework describes. So by acknowledging that there are moments people will see you as one or the other, it doesn't define you. This was how I broke free from worrying about whether or not I was doing things "right", and that freed me up to go by what my intuition is telling me. So at times people will see me and say I'm an IN_J, others see an IN_P, yet others may see an IS_J or IS_P, but that matters little as long as I can connect with people, make friends and share thoughts, feelings, etc.

Based on your theory the faulty Ni would present as the Nihilism of INFP. We no longer feel anything and so everything lose its value. (Since we value the world based on how it feels) We lose all sense of direction and become outwardly defeated/disempowered.

@ReikiLightBringer

10 жыл бұрын

INFJ seem to use faulty Fi (from my observation) as a reason to turn away from caring about other people and becoming completely self centered only seeing what matters to them selves as the truth and only thing worth anything. Maybe this is also why we tend to misunderstand one another. We understand each others negative side to the first function because we experience it. (just thoughts)

@ReikiLightBringer

10 жыл бұрын

i.e to INFP Ni is uncaring and empty so the emotionalism of INFJ seem faked just a mask to us - and Fi is completely self focused and unconcerned with the feelings of others so the emotionalism of INFP is just selfish to INFJ.

@scott.morgan

8 жыл бұрын

I appreciate all your thoughts here on the 6th shadow function +LoveIs (I finally have time now to read comments and respond :)

@sp00g37

6 жыл бұрын

i think nihilism is a great tool. it helps me explore absurdism and the myth of sisyphus. but it also let me take a counter approach to the buddhism i was studying too. after both, the nothingness most people think of nihilism to be is actually just a negative view of freedom. if there is no meaning, no purpose, then one is free to do as they will. but at the same time, if things are intuitive, then they are done for and unto themselves. its not so much that there would be no purpose, its just that the purpose is for itself, not for me.

@lauraelzey6371

5 жыл бұрын

Word...

This completely resonates with me and confirms that I am an INFJ. Whenever I lead with Feeling I get into some BIG trouble that doesn’t help solve problems but when I honor my intuition and listen to it thinking through things acknowledging the feeling I can work through problems easy breezy.

I resonate with this pretty well as an INFP. When I become ultra stressed, I tend to become detached, cold, nihilistic, and very analytical, removing my feelings and wonder/optimism from the equation completely and (it feels like) bottling them for later. I always thought this was me getting overpowered by a thinking function and rationalizing, but it actually seems to make more sense in how you're describing it since it does seem to be driven by a focus on 'goals' - aka a way out of the situation which will allow me to return to normal. By pushing the internal feelings aside, I'm able to take my identity out of whats happening and reanalyze the situation looking for quick practical immediate solutions - this goal focus is very different to how I usually operate (which is driven more by how I feel in the moment, what I feel like doing, what I feel will be the best option to reach a vague future position, nothing concrete and planned and emotionless). I always assumed I was actually acting in my best interest when this happened (it feels a little like a fight or flight response) but now I'm thinking its just an ultra stressed response that I should avoid/ignore and find ways to stick to my Fi/Ne guns.

@riotxxx

7 жыл бұрын

On the point of coming across as an INFJ during these moments, I'd say I do seem 'more' INFJ when ultra stressed. While shelving internal feelings, for some reason my Fi becomes much more Fe-like and people can read my emotions much easier (annoyance, anger, frustration, sadness, disapproval, etc) and because I become goal focused and much more of a 'problem solver' I try to keep people/myself 'on plan' instead of bouncing around like a Ne and thinking about possibilities and potentials.

Really good talk, I especially appreciate (and recognize) the INFJ side of things. As to the INFP using Ni, I don't think it's quite a matter of thinking without feeling (more like Ti?), but rather having meaning and depth stripped of feeling. It's a matter of precisely how you described Ni earlier, 'seeing things click' as it were, disrupting the emotional connection that is the main function of the INFP.

It's been 4 years since you published this so I'd imagine you have come to a more solid understanding of the INFP (my type I think) Ni function. My thought is that when an INFP is under pressure to make major life decisions perhaps the emotional feelings of the pressure (fear/anxiety) blind our Fi function so we have to rely on purely rational decision-making which may put us into a situation that feels wrong although is logically right. To use an analogy: using Fi is like identifying different species of fireflies in an underground cavern while wearing night-vision goggles and then suddenly 1000W spotlights are turned on down there and it is total white-out. You have to take the goggles off and try to figure out which bugs are the particular ones you are looking for. You then climb out of the cave, buy airline tickets to the other side of world, travel there with your bugs, find an apartment, connect all the services and then when you finally lie down in your new bed in your new apartment on the other side of the world, you turn off the lights, look over at the bugs in the jar beside your bed and realise they are the wrong fucking bugs.

@scott.morgan

6 жыл бұрын

Sounds like a perfect analogy of an INFP In the grip Te reaction.

As an INFP, I think this description is accurate, or at least extremely close to being accurate. I had never thought of it in this manner, though I've always been aware that when I'm faced with extreme negative feeling, I have this hidden Jedi-like ability to flip a switch and asses the situation from all angles without a shred of feeling, which I would basically describe as emotionally indifferent. I don't know that I would say I get "stuck" in Ni so much as I would say I will stay there as long as it takes to be able to come out of it without reawakening the negative feeling that sent me there in the first place, which could be hours, days, weeks even. I just hang out in my rational/neutral place until the feeling is starved out.

@scott.morgan

8 жыл бұрын

That is very interesting +Allison Garrett . Thanks for sharing. I think someone else on here has said something similiar. Perhaps it is possible for INFP's to shift into a Ni type space in order to resolve overwhelming emotion. Whether this connects to MBTI theory or is just another ability/skill that some people can do would be an interesting research experiment. (I finally have time now to read comments and respond :)

Thank god for people like you Scott Morgan who have tread the path before others and light the way :D

@scott.morgan

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks Sean :)

as an INFP I can confirm what you've said about falling into the use of Ni at times, I can be very liable to want to make stressful decisions in a clinical manner and it can be quite confusing as it seems right but never feels quite right- I have been prone to disassociation in extreme cases. Thank you for this video, an abundance of information spoken very concisely, I can't wait to watch the others :)

Infp here. This makes absolute sense to me. I think what you called stuck in ni or 6th function I described as intellectualization. I used this defense mechanism for years and years to stay stuck in an abusive relationship. Finally, once I started to use my fit again, I was able to see my way out.

The more i watch videos like this, i can see more of the difference between feeling types and initiatives is the bases of their decisions. For the INFP, their reasoning is based on feeling, and the INFJ base their reasoning on their internal rationale. To overcome their shortcomings, it would help the INFP to turn inward and assess their own processes and work out “is this really what is happening?”. While the INFJ would have to bring in external data through their Fe and Se to feed their Ni.

Thank you for posting this Scott! As an INFP married to an INFJ it spoke very directly to me. I'll refer my wife to your channel. Very smart material. The 'critical parent' and 'sixth shadow function' are concepts new to me. Can't quibble, it all seems to 'set right'. Kudos. Paul

hi really interesting video. i'm an infp in therapy with an infj. my therapist is really great at helping me to make containers :D. now i understand why. but sometimes she tries to get me to make containers too fast and doesn't seem to always get that the feelings are often the aha moment for me. and when i don't feel good about something i tend to get into that ni function and tell myself how i ought to feel about something. i usually get fixated on that--how i should feel--and don't listen to how i do feel.

Wow.. I literally understand EVERYTHING you are saying. If I tried to explain this concept to someone I know, they would be Completely clueless about what I’m talking abt lol. I Love these videos! I have FINALLY felt validated for my deeper self like I belong somewhere. I’m not crazy and i now get the chance to finally break free from being so codependent! This have saved my life. I felt SOOOO alone and empty.

Hey, just want to say thank you for sharing your insights! Often times I find myself "chewing on," or resonating with many of the thoughts you present

@scott.morgan

10 жыл бұрын

Thanks for that, much appreciated.

@DustyFretboard

10 жыл бұрын

Also, I would have to agree about the Ni shadow function. After some reflection, I find the Ni take over whenever the situation "demands" me to suppress my Fi function, particularly at work. The positive about the Ni taking over is, it helps me focus and centralize my skills and knowledge in order to assist clients with their problems ("get stuff done"). It helps me stay on target. The negative, is sometimes I'm aiming at the completely wrong target. The way I take in information according to my functional stack, the Ni can be misdirected and weak. It definitely takes energy to intake information differently in order to accommodate the Ni.

Have found myself trying to understand how my partner may be 'processing' situations, he is an INFP, and I understand that the introverted feeling is definitely his expertise. On the flip side, he has said that the introverted intuition is my wheelhouse, but he tries to tap into introverted intuition to see how I process things and theories.

This is what my mom and I talk about , im an INFJ and she is an INFP. Now I am really convinced we have these personality types haha :D Thank you for this very informative and bright video! :D

@scott.morgan

10 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I'm glad you found it helpful.

I, infj, use my Fi a lot. Nuanced, but like a scalpel. I use it to label memories. Like a little file tag. Imagine a full concept. Well, my Ni will bring up a fully formed concept from my stored pool of information; which I took a long, profectionisticly vigorous time to fill with information. That info. gets stored in the pool, and a nuanced feeling, like a note in music, is attached to each detail of that info.. When I consult my Ni it pulls up a note from here, some notes from there, a couple of notes from elsewhere, etc... in the knowledge pool, and they all come together to me consciously as 1 big feeling/concept that's like a song made of many notes/info./details that fit/play a logical song/concept. When I need to study, or remember something, I say and feel each word until I understand them. Then I repeat the process until I have a complete feeling of understanding. This is why I have such a great memory, and remember everything I study, or try to remember. It even is working when I don't try. My Fi is like a small, just noticeable, intermittent gauge for how I am doing in my life also. I sometimes forget to stop and check it, so I have to remind myself to do so, or anxiety/panic attacks just pop out of nowhere, because I didn't notice I was getting stressed/anxious. Fi is used a lot with INFJs. It's more like molehills than mountains, but they can add up to a mountain if you're not careful. Fi is also how we are so good at picking up on the nuances of body language. Small, but powerful! molehills that add up to mountains of knowing what people are feeling, and thinking, because words have a feeling to them. We can predict what someone is going to say, through the song/feelings from the patterns. This is sometimes long before they realize it themselves. This is also how we can tell if someone is lying, and about what. If they are hiding something, and what it is they are hiding, and WHY/MOTIVE. Don't worry though, because we keep it to ourselves, and use it to help people. Even when our "HORNS" come out when we get mad/furious we are STILL trying to help. Our Fi is like the notes of a song, small, but powerful when added to other notes. We pick up on the emotional song people are playing; which tells us a lot about the person. There are many different songs also, for generalized feelings like: Happy, Sad, Angry, Lonely, Love, etc... that are made up of different notes/nuanced feelings. Much LOVE!

I am an INFJ. You my friend have explained what I just "know" and have not been able to conceptualize for anyone in my life. I've always been considered to be "weird". I am grateful for this. Thank you.

I’m both P/J so not sure I can add anything - but I had been tested on what I do during an emergency and it changed from F to T. I have thought of that when in a normal INFP/J state and feelings were really hurt. The sensation is that feelings fall away and rational thought remains or gets stronger. I thought it was the switch to T as in an emergency. You’ve given me greater insight - thank you.

@scott.morgan

6 жыл бұрын

You're welcome charis128

you're very right about self defense mechanism. I was dealing with an issue with an ESFP, I took my feeling out of the equation as an INFP, and used abstract ideas to solve the issue at work

@scott.morgan

8 жыл бұрын

Very cool +Sylvi (I finally have time now to read comments and respond :)

My bad, I just said a whole lot of nothing really. Any ways, good work, and I think your communication style is to be admired.

Really like how you use your Ni and Ti, that really makes the idea easy to understand than people explaining ideas with their Te.

I find your videos very concise and insightful. As an INFP, I can related to what you are saying about Ni coming up during stressful situations. I become very introverted during these times, and absolutely must find time and space to put myself back together so to speak. Ni helps with this to some degree, making links, and connecting my emotional and cognitive reactions to something (structure, spirit, "the way of being"

Very well done.

I’m trying this therapy called isf with my counselor that helps find the missing pieces to the puzzle to acknowledge my true feelings and ask them if they want to let go of how they have been understanding my own perception on reality. It actually REALLY helps me

Very interesting, great way of explaining it. Although, I was unsure as to what you meant by the feelings not being "real" for the INFJ. I think the problem is when those emotions are over-analyzed (through Ti), leading to an Ni conclusion. Instead, they should use their Fe, and extrovert those emotions. That Fi may or may not have been a good thing for them, but it is not necessarily going to be false. It is considered the "critical" parent, but yes it could also be viewed as child-like figure.

This is why I thought I was a schizoid or autistic or completely devoid of feelings, I felt nothing. Like the lyric from a song by Dinosaur Jr., "I feel the pain of everyone, and then I feel nothing."

@scott.morgan

9 жыл бұрын

Wendy Doll Sounds very intense.

@wendydoll2494

9 жыл бұрын

It's over :)

@wendydoll2494

9 жыл бұрын

Introvert Power I knew what you were going to say once you said that the 6th function was a negative, I will start thinking too much devoid of feelings and come to very cruel conclusions that bother me, it bothers me that I would think that way when I don't feel that way. It's like reading my journal from high school, full of hate that I don't believe in but have to get out like a venom before it pollutes me.

I always enjoy and learn from your videos. They have been among the most helpful for understanding the MBTI, especially regarding INFJ. I have always wondered about whether I am INFJ or INFP. I always test as INFJ, but sometimes descriptions of INFPs, especially in the characterizations of J and P I've heard or read leave me confused. It would be great if you could find some concrete examples, situations, to illustrate the theoretical proposition here. You were almost concrete later in the video when you described generally situations that might help us figure out how we are processing our feelings when they are hurt, but a story would be so helpful with a description of typical reactions and thinking of each type in a specific context. Just a thought.

Sounds like you have very acute self, others & spiritual awareness.

This was interesting. The way you describe getting lost in "Fi" in "INFJ", aka getting melancholy, describes a situation I was in earlier. Though I just found this video in my recommended list, I handled the problem very similar to how you described. I had to get on an antidepressant to first get the negative emotions under control, then I could acknowledge the emotions surrounding, let go, and then focus on other stuff. That said, I can also relate to the "INFP" Ni too, but when I notice it is more in meltdown/ crisis state. The focus then is to get out of an active crying state and try to restore sanity, or fight off feelings of embarrassment.

Not knowing much about the Ni function, as an INFP I do have an example that I believe correlates what you are saying. Sometimes I have what I call a side-deja vu. It is very similar to a deja vu feeling in most ways in that I have a random strong feeling of a similar moment that has happened before, however it does differ. The moment I'm sensing feels as though I have lived this moment over many past lives (repeating this same life). An interesting point is that I also feel a certain progression from life to life with the moment being slightly different each life depending on circumstances, such as how I react to the side-deja vu. I also get premonitions about the future or that someone is thinking something, which both seem completely inaccurately made up if I step back and analyze them. I will also say that in most of these cases the premonition I get is very negative. E.g. if I had a side-deja vu, it would be about a very bad think that is about to happen but is most likely just a random fear. The fact that it's negative should be taken with a grain of salt because most of my thoughts are negative in general. I am a perfectionist and anything imperfect (which is basically anything) is nearly horrendous.

Cheers Paul, appreciate that.

Yeah, I think that's a good way to put it.

This is interesting... It feels a little like warning against bringing a shadow function it of shadow which I disagree with. I've worked hard to develop my Fi through serious emotion experiential work... Using bioenergetic processes to reprogram the loops that get my emotions repressed or put into shadow... And I would also say that the primary driver for Infj is fear causing them to use intuition and thinking to figure everything out. But most aren't aware of it because it's a constant undercurrent and the feeling of that emotion is often surpressed.

There are so many different beliefs and theories about how the function stack works for different types. But, after quite a bit of study, it seems to me that, while each type has their preferences, anyone can use any of the 8. I have heard that the 6th function is actually quite prevalent and dominant in all types, but just non-consciously used. Also, the functions "meld" one into another, rather than working separately on their own. This is why changing only one letter (or dichotomy), alters the way any one given function is expressed. For example, INFP would use NE differently than INTP because the thinking versus feeling preference alters the way intuition is used. It really seems quite easy to access any of the 8 functions as long as a person knows how, ie, is internally aware of it.

Thanks for your comments Sacha.

Scott, speaking as an INFP I think Ni polluting the conscious process does make sense. Before watching the video I'd been examining much of what you described as as being in the grip of inferior Te rather than differentiating these two negative states. I've come to find that if I'm making progress, psychologically speaking, there's a constant undercurrent of emotion attached to it. Even facing pain and sorrow became rejuvenating once I learned to embrace it, then recognize when it's time to let those "negative" feelings go and move forward. In my personal experience, no good seems to come detaching from feelings before processing them as an INFP. That's not to say that can't set an resolvable problem aside while I search for new information or help from someone wiser on the matter than myself, but I have to acknowledge the feelings surrounding the conundrum before I can effectively set it aside. On the flip side, I'm striving to learn more about my INFJ loved ones. Your description of shadow Fi polluting the INFJ's conscious processes makes sense. I'll have to see how well this framework helps me understand and relate to what's going on for them internally.

HI Scott. I hope you read this post.I discovered that I'm an infj a few years back. And have taken Mbti several time with same results. Once in a while I experience an event that apparently never happened. When I talk to the people involved they have no memory of it or say that it simply didn't happen. How ever I remember every detail of it. This kinda freaks me out. It makes me question a lot of my reality . If you have any input on this I would really appreciate it.

the 6th function is the inner wounded child that gets triggered sometimes... Fe is an atmosphere, relating within an environment can be very satisfying. But when hurt, the Fi is triggered and it overwhelms the balanced inner processing, leading to outcomes that are problematic and inauthentic somehow. This is probably related to poor or inconsistent boundaries, because the infj can't express what they really need (externalizing the Fe on their own behalf) when out of balance (stuck in the shadow Fi, which can happen when we're self-critical). What are the steps out of this shadow?? For infj's, to monitor your feelings and to acknowledge it consciously, which stops being overwhelmed by it. Letting the feelings of hurt subsideLIMITATION Voluntarily chosen limits empower your growth. before making decision about it. Sometimes easier said :)

@scott.morgan

7 жыл бұрын

that's a nice summary of it. :)

Thank you

I suspect I am an INFP. I relate to your description of the critical parent function polluting the balance of the 4 function stack. When you were describing how Ni manifests in INFP's I would offer that for me I end up feeling a bit powerless as I wait and wait and wait for some sort of "solution" to fall out of the sky. Sometimes it does happen. But I am uncomfortable with it because I don't know how to support it. It is only when I am reminded that I can consult my feelings to help guide me back to a spot where I can figure out what I need to communicate, create, work to understand better, etc. that I can feel like a directed individual and subsequently less powerless. I don't think Ni as an irrational function in the critical parent position would try to make decisions or strive to come to a decision, thus having "powerless" and aimless qualities. Fi as a rational function in the critical parent position may try to rush the decision making process. Having less (conscious) data to go by, Fi in the critical parent position may give the impression of the individual being unwilling to see from a different point of reference. Interesting, thank you.

I will try this next time Im hurt. I will put the whole problem in a box until I calm down , then take it out to analyze later. Then give it a spanking, bad 6th shadow, bad 6th shadow. Joking ,

Hi, INFP here. I sometimes feel completely overwhelmed by emotions and specially critism. I do not handle it well. Iḿ not sure what is ment by intuition but if meens the gut feeling then I tend to trust it quite a bit and some times it has even been extreemly usefull.

@scott.morgan

8 жыл бұрын

Thanks +Linda (I finally have time now to read comments and respond :)

As an INFP, I perceive the negative form of Ni in others (and self) as a worry and anxiety function, which compared to your explanation seems an inaccurate perception.

@scott.morgan

8 жыл бұрын

Hi +John Rieping , perhaps there are various expressions of the 6th shadow function, depending on the person, the issue at hand, circumstances, family of origin experiences etc.?

@JohnRieping

8 жыл бұрын

That would be reasonable.

Just another thought, on the 6th function, maybe the Fe user needs to dip i into their Fi and sit with their own feelings, while the Ne user needs to dip into their Ni and explore or reexamine their experiences already gained.

thanks for this!

@scott.morgan

8 жыл бұрын

No problem!

@jimschrader9507

8 жыл бұрын

infp here......couple things: i have connected with pop musician todd rundgren since I first heard his records. we seemed right on the same page. whenever interviewed, though - he seemed very frank, cynical even... i'd heard some folks that worked with him thought he was a jerk. years later..i get it. he's an infJ. wants great things for others as i do - just not constrained by 'trying to seem nice' to others. more interested in identifying & executing the possibilities than "how's everybody doin' right now??" another thing... the 6th shadow function - mode makes great sense to me. i can tell you that I use this as a device (much to the amazement & dumbfoundedness of my entj wife...) when I am deeply heartbroken & feel powerless, but want to do what's right... i (try to) skip feelings and produce a rational, clinical solution. i put my heart in a box. can't really sustain that, though, past the next morning. ......- thanks again to YOU, INFJ guy.

The NI comes from nowhere, out of thin air and minus any emotional connection or content, in fact, you may not have been even thinking about what it was that was connected to the ah-ha moment.

resonance (is the word ur looking for) harmonic balance

I think generally the answer is yes to what you say. It could be possible for either an INFJ or INFP to have these sorts of experiences, but I would not limit the experience to just your examples.

Hi PGOD45, that's really interesting. Your the first INFP that has definitively stated an awareness and an ability to effectively use Ni. My thoughts are that while as a general rule the negative aspects of the 6th function is to be avoided, when/if the 6th function is mastered for either an INFP or INFJ, that it can be an enlightening experience. Almost like harnessing the power of an internal nuclear bomb. cont....

Yes, I agree. It is definitely a defense mechanism. However I don't think it necessarily makes anything worse. Introverted feeling can make you extremely anxious or fearful about future situations. Whereas using introverted intuition gives you a sense of release because it makes you realize your fears are irrational. Consider how indecisive infp's can be. Ni function expediates things and whether or not you made a better decision at least you made a decision. I have no clue as to how it affects the INFJ on the other hand. Consider for both these functions are inferior... How long can they be inferior when you constantly are forced to use them because the world puts you in a place you don't want to be. This is why I think Infp's & Infj's and a the other types get so confused... They become so accustomed to using inferior functions, they eventually believe that is their Type.

I am an INFP (I‘m pretty certain), but I find that I use Ni quite a lot when I am put up with my Fi or Ne being so indecisive. I write good argumentative essays and can locate the main ideas of things - I think doing that exercises my Ni. It’s very satisfying when both Fi and Ni collaborate well (I think that’s what’s happening). As for my Ne, which overcomes my mind naturally, I get tired of it. I can never answer questions like, “what is your favorite color/food/movie?” or “what are you going to do after school?” Things like that. I can’t easily summarize things with Ne and Fi so I think I suppress those and use Ni. Does this make sense?

Yes, that is pretty much right although I should mention that the reluctance to offend isn't always because we care about the offender as much as it's because we are afraid of having them attack us more while we can't think of a way to defend ourselves. At least in my case, I try to diffuse their anger because it puts a great deal of stress on me and it threatens an outburst on my side. Showing vulnerability to someone threatening is the last thing we want to do.

Hi Gort, I think it could be. I think whenever we get 'stuck' in a shadow function, it is generally a negative and narrow sighted experience.

Ni is an inner knowing. I call it a gnosis we are born with.

Thoughtful video. I had always wondered about shadow functions and what role, if any, that they have in a person. Eventually I thought that it was under some kind of severe stress or environmental shaping that forced those functions to come out. The military might be a good example for types that are not fit at all for that environment, for their shadow functions to come out. So I guess, I came to that same conclusion as well, but I'm too lazy to perhaps figure out what might happen, unlike you

You were right about the INFP not being able to work out the perspectives. In my experience if Fi is overwhelmed, I find it shutting down and leaving me with nothing to say or do. If I get very offended I will try to look for something to say that will be fair from both perspectives but I won't be able to say anything anyway because I struggle to keep an outburst at bay. Either way it all results in me staring at the person offending or yelling at me expressionlessly until they go away.

“Thinking without feeling.” ...exactly why I abused Adderall when shit in the fan in my life [INFP]

With cognitive functions, it seems like its more like how those functions interact with each other in the data gathering and discussion making processes within each personality type and the person’s preference. But happens within the cognitive stack if someone has a “mental disturbance “ such as depression or the likes? Maybe its a similar effect to someone experimenting with psychedelics? Or maybe unconscious aspects or coming out in a way that others can see, but not understand, and that individual is simply not aware.

hi scott since you are an infj can i ask,how do you experience your 6th shadow function ie how does it feel when you drop into fi?

I am very curious to ask how you describe and differentiate your Fi from your Ni? Do you experience them as separate functions, or is the Ni wrapped up within your Fi world, or something else?

Hello Scott and thank you so much for your insightful videos! There's a question I'm wondering about.... In 2012, I took the MBTI test and the result was INFJ. Back then I didn't pay much attention about since all these years, I have focused on psychotherapy and healing psychological and emotional wounds from intense trauma, which ran very deep due to a dysfunctional family of origin with toxic people and my high sensitivity. It's been very intense and in this period I went very deep into my psyche and went through an inner earthquake and dark night of the soul. Latelly, I took the test again and it turns out that I'm an INFP. To be honest I feel I resonate with both types in different ways. I was wondering if it's possible that as a survival mechanism and maybe unconscious empathic behaviour, my cognitive function could have adapted in a way and that after years of healing, cutting off from the toxic people and starting to find who I am inside, my cognitive functions realigned to who I'm more deeply? I would love to have your feedback on this topic - Thanks

"the way of things)larger than myself that makes sense. This usually involves fitting some new experience into my schema. The final "click" and subsequent relief and momentum in my life only comes when I also integrate the Fi , otherwise it is as if I am omitting my personal experiences (and therefore my "self") from the analysis. Decisions don't turn out well if I leave my sense of self out of the equation, even if I so wish my feelings weren't so influential at times

nailed it

I disagree Ni is negative in an INFP. I wanted to find more information on this because for me Ni comes after Fi in strength of function. Ni is not a way of solving problems.. We use Ti for this and badly.. Ni tells us exactly what is going on with people and relationships. It helps to predict the future after Te has made its initial judgement of a person. So Ni is what we use when we meet someone and can accurately predict who they are and if they will play a major role in our lives. However, an unhealthy INFP may live in Ni, and will become very much like the INFJ. This is because Ne has the complete capacity of Ni, but healthiness allows exploration of it. Whereas an unhealthy INFP needs to draw conclusions because they are in danger (the mind feels). Therefore, they would use Ni and stop using their Ne. INFJs do Fi well without emotion. They do authenticity well.

@wegotonelove

8 жыл бұрын

Although I will say when Ti gathers logic, Ni is also engaged and after a whole comes the aha-moment with a surge of feeling. So not how you described in the INFJ. We can be spot on with our aha-moments, but only when we are stressed. As the INFP regains health Ne becomes once again engaged. At least, this has been my experience.

I made a hasty decision after my feelings being severely hurt, in order to restore harmony in a group.

Could an Ni 6th function show up as foreboding? Could an INFP feel stress and emotional buildup to the point where they start to think there must be a bigger, over-arching reason as to why things feel so bad? And then their Si could pull instance after instance of negative memories in a case-building fashion to construct an imaginary downward trend that portends a horrible future? And then perhaps their Te would be tempted to take some brash action to tackle this bad trend and nip it in the bud? Conspiracy theories, paranoia, prophesies of doom, and all sorts of other rabbit holes...are these the products of poorly used Ni?

@scott.morgan

8 жыл бұрын

Some interesting thoughts +Heather M I'm not sure I have an answer though. (I finally have time now to read comments and respond :)

@heatherw2597

8 жыл бұрын

+Introvert Power Thank you for the response, and I can appreciate how this question may not have an answer. I really enjoy the approach you use in your videos, and hope you create more.

@scott.morgan

8 жыл бұрын

Thanks +Heather M , I am in the process of making more videos.

Man I still cant tell an INFP/INFJ character apart. Watching this made me shift towards INFP, but her evil alter-ego is ENTJ towards herself and ENFP towards love interest. Also feelings is really confusing thingy, would INFP let devour Ni her love feelings w/o attempt to propose, or rather Ti of INFJ would make excuses and Fe would become Fi with lack of communication? My Fe is triggered by this character tragedy thou.

Hi Snail, what I hear in what you say, is that even when deeply offended, while wanting to retaliate, your Fi does not want to offend the offender, causing a sort of freezing. Have I got it right? I see the Fi function as a vulnerable, strong and admirable INFP trait.

if it helps, i am infp, the feeling is considered ecstasy.

im confused. i tested as an infj but nom i wonder if i am an infp. i get very stuck in the thinking and sometimes i dont know where i am at!

Scott, is the main threat of the critical parent function that it changes the dominant function from judging to perceiving (for INFP)? Instead of the INFP making a decision or assessing the value of something that instead they wallow in attempting to perceive (intuit) introvertedly more information? I do find myself often analyzing logically, but I would attribute that to the high use of my devilish function (8th function) of Ti, which I have developed and use almost to the level of my Si.

INFJ cannot really come across as INFP's. Yes, they might replace Ni with Fi, but Fe is always there. And If you are an INFJ you know how Fe works and can test it, unless they also shut down Fe which I don't think can happen.

Introvert Power--would "forecasting/foreseeing extremely negative outcomes in the medium or long-term future" be an example of Ni in an INFP?

hi there infp here saw you other video on 'ni and how we use it' can i ask when an infp falls intp that ni function do they use it like that or how would they use it?

@scott.morgan

9 жыл бұрын

chad h In this video I share my thoughts on what Ni might look like for an INFP. I don't think Ni would look like the way I describe it in "Ni and How We Use it", as Ni is a shadow function for the INFP. A INFP did tell me that he thought INFP's "think" they can use it but it is more them doing Ni more like role or a act. Many of the comments on this video from memory stated that INFP's use Ni as a refuge when Fi is to overwhelming.

@chadh635

9 жыл бұрын

Introvert Power can i just ask what are your thoughts on this,thinking back everytime when i was going through a stressfull situation id often have theres ah ha moments or a flash of insight into my situations.what are you thoughts on this thanks?

Hey, 34 year old infp enneagram 4 here. There is a state in me that I have been trying to explain, maybe it is the 6th function. It happens when sometimes when I am angry, or when I am drunk, and it is like I loose my empathic side. A side that is in a way holding me back in saying what I want, or doing what I want. But I am in control of myself. I don't become sadistic or anything like that. But its like the silk glove comes off. In enneagram talk it is like I am connecting to my 8 instinctual energy . and I am normally a 4. When I was 18-19 people compared me with the jim carrey character in my myself and Irene. It is a strange feeling, its like i am dropping a shield or dropping a invisible wall that is holding me back from saying or doing things. The overly emphatic wall. And I get more of the instinctual energies. And other friends have noticed in me when this happens. They say I get "the eyes", and I think my posture changes as well. I know this sounds a bit scary, and a bit weird. And again, i don't feel sadistic or anything like that. But its like i go from a beta energy to an alpha energy state. When you around 14:39 talked about the clinical feeling of an overloaded Fi, I started to think about my "de-shielded" state. But in my "de-shielded" state I feel I process the world more clearly. So that makes me think that maybe its not the same thing , but maybe a connected thing. But when I'm stressed not angry or drunk, I can get "the wool head". when I'm not thinking clearly and just acting. And then I can do silly things that are clearly logically wrong. And my NF E6 boss could to the same silly things when he was stressed. There is a third state, which comes sometimes if i am scared. Then I feel I process the world though a clinical way. But I feel then I process the world more accurately. Because I do not makes mistakes when I am in that mode. I feel the procrastinating feelings drop away then, and I am free to just do things without overthinking them. Often I just sit on the fence / overthink things, and it is this overthinking that is gone. The overthinking is connected to how my action would impact other people. But its the same, that I am normally oversensitive to peoples feelings. So I think they get sad or hurt when they would not. But this overly empathetic circuitry is often slowing me down a bit. This became a long post, dunno if anyone will read it . Felt like sharing. Cheers.

@scott.morgan

7 жыл бұрын

Read :)

I do a similar thing when confronted by acquaintances, the worst I can do in my own defense in the moment is offer a kind of smirk. But I never ever stop feeling the pain of the other person, I've had people do horrendous things to me and even as a child I'd try to empathize with their need to do such things. Maybe that's just where it comes from? Empathy as a survival tool?

I think "Type Tips" understanding of the shadow functions is a lot better. The shadow functions aren't things that are completely wrong for a certain type, but they're just not the "conscious preference". The shadow functions might be more in the subconscious, and the 6th function can be really powerful. Maybe an INFP is an INFP because they decided that Ni is so powerful that it's scary, and that if they use Fe too much, they won't know themselves. An INFJ is INFJ because the inner world of emotions is sensitive, and they want to be taken seriously by others... they want to be appreciated by others using Fe. It doesn't mean there aren't powerful shadow functions lurking under there that could be a mysterious guiding force.

(INFP) - You recommended the INFJ not use Fi and make decisions based off of hurt feelings. Would the implication then be that the INFP "should" make decisions of hurt feelings from Fi? Does that mean that the INFP (and perhaps ISFP) are 2 of the best types to make decisions based off strong emotions? This would be an interesting implication because most of the literature suggests not to do such a thing, but on the other hand, it would make sense that perhaps a small percentage of the population would be able to make sound decisions based off strong emotions. What do you think?

@scott.morgan

10 жыл бұрын

I think INFP's can make good decisions based on Fi. But for 'strong' feelings or hurt feelings, I wouldn't recommend anyone to necessarily make decisions based off of them straight away. Allowing the strength of the hurt feeling to subside would be a wise move for anyone before making a decision.

@SpiritLoveRoot

10 жыл бұрын

Fi is typically described as a "strong personal value system". Do you think INFP's are then better at making decisions based upon their own personal values than INFJ's or other types?

@scott.morgan

10 жыл бұрын

Not really. I think INFJ's and INFP's just make value based decisions differently: INFP's use Fi and INFJ's use Ni.

@SpiritLoveRoot

10 жыл бұрын

Ok, I guess it depends then on definitions of Ni and Fi which seem to be hard to define.

(INFP) i have to say i don't agree, i don't think that we should be so one sided. i agree with you that it may be easier to come to a solution using your dominant function, but i don't think you enter an eternal no mans land when using your 6th shadow function. i totally agree with you that the 6th function dethrones your dominant function in times of stress, but i don't think that he is a bad king. if prematurely ignored then he might never learn competence. if ignored your theory would then become the self fulfilling prophecy. but given the chance, given the time, you can sit with your 6th function and it will eventually pay out. personally i find it harder to come to a state of 'repose' if i haven't first satisfied the wishes of both Ni and Fi,in a way that they both agree, a point of reconciliation. perhaps thats why i disagree with you. my Ni is quite adept at coming to solutions, not as good as my Fi, but adept non the less due to my acceptance of allowing it to fully express itself. a lover of both and therefore receiver of the gifts of both. more importantly they both grow aware of each other. why not have both? a synthesis.

@scott.morgan

8 жыл бұрын

Thanks +john lones . (I finally have time now to read comments and respond :) I have heard other INFPs express something similar, that they can access and utilizes the Ni function. ANother INFP (Enn Type 4) stated that he believes that INFPs can create internal representations of others and so he believes that INFPs do this with Ni. Meaning they create an Ni space within and move around in it, rather than actually access they Ni as such. It is all very interesting nonetheless.

Perhaps you are accessing your Te inferior function to help process the feeling allowing you to respond without emotion?

...use my "fi".

Hurt....seems real......seduces into Fi.....unhelpful to think its tge truth coming from them...ALL MADE SENSE SCOTT I could use some Ni help right now as a family member and Ive gone silent

infp takes the ego out easier

The more i watch videos like this, i can see more of the difference between feeling types and initiatives is the bases of their decisions. For the INFP, their reasoning is based on feeling, and the INFJ base their reasoning on their internal rationale. To overcome their shortcomings, it would help the INFP to turn inward and assess their own processes and work out “is this really what is happening?”. While the INFJ would have to bring in external data through their Fe and Se to feed their Ni.