Personality traits of the healer or INFP, according to Carl Jung

The INFP personality defines introverted, intuitive, sentimental and perceptive people. According to Carl Jung, they would be profiles endowed with great sensitivity, creativity and independence and who also present a high idealism. They are close, compassionate and are defined as healers because they care about their own personal growth and in turn favor that of others.

When we read the book of Psychological types of Carl Jung and his theories on personality, we appreciate a great advance at its time. At a time when psychology was still in its adolescence, The famous Swiss psychiatrist wanted to lay the foundations for a personality model based on a singular and revolutionary approach at the same time.

Introduced the concepts of introversion and extraversion. However, he established these dimensions as the result of a continuum, where other subjective and perceptual phenomena can intermingle, in turn. Starting from this, we understand that no one is properly “introverted” or “extroverted”, but that we are all within a spectrum where more dynamics, entities and traits define us.

Thus, His theory of personality, defined in eight typologies, would give rise decades later to what is known as the Myers-Briggs indicator (1944), where up to 16 subtypes were determined.. Thus, and despite the fact that these models lack the popularity of others that are based on popular instruments, such as Raymond Cattell’s 16 PF, it should be noted that they continue to have high interest in the field of personal growth.

Studies, such as the one carried out by David J. Pittenger (Marshall University), in Virginia, for example, They tell us that it is a very appropriate tool to promote self-reflection. Therefore, knowing each of their typologies never hurts, so in this article we are going to take an interesting journey through them.

What characteristics define the INFP personality?

The INFP personality, according to the Myers-Briggs model, is the result of the interaction of four basic dimensions:

By the way he uses and channels his energy, his attention, thoughts and interaction ⇒ introvert.The way you process your reality, draw conclusions and appreciate the small details ⇒ intuitive.Likewise, The way the INFP personality makes decisions is through ⇒ feelings.When it comes to organizing and responding to its environment, it does so through spontaneity and always trusting in a basic dimension ⇒ perception.

This type of profile therefore responds to the acronym INFP (Introverted-iNtuitive-Feeling-Perceptive). Thus, the creators of this measurement tool, Katharine Briggs and Isabel Meyer, in turn, defined it as the healing typology. Although, they did not mean that it was a medical-oriented personality type.

Actually, They are idealistic people, highly involved in generating happiness, and in promoting their own and others’ personal growth. For these reasons, the INFP personality has also been classified as a “mediator.”

Let’s therefore look at those characteristics that define them.

They are idealists, they see the good in the world

Idealists of mind and heart are not in excess. Hence, the authors of this scale indicated that this sixth typology, within the Myers-Briggs model, defines only 4% of the population.

They are people who live by their ideals, who trust in the natural goodness of the world.Now, this idealism is by no means passive. This profile is also characterized by a firm but silent commitment. That is, they are still introverted people. Therefore, not many people know the depth of his ideals and personal commitments. They do not hesitate to trace their personal path based on these principles, despite the fact that many do not fully understand or truly know them.

For its part, Their tendency toward idealism means that, from time to time, they lose themselves in deep reflection., where they contemplate the hypothetical and philosophical aspects of life. However, if left unchecked, they can begin to lose touch with reality and become isolated in their own world.

In these cases, support from family and friends will be required to bring you back to the real world.

Ethical and compassionate

His sense of ethics is very high. They are very clear about what is right and what is not, and they do not hesitate to always be faithful to their beliefs.. Therefore, his decisions and actions are strongly guided by aspects such as humor, beauty, morality and virtue; more than in logic or reason itself.

Now, they are not “banner” people. They exercise respect, compassion and care for others through simple but always profound acts.. They generate good from calm and the most absolute discretion.

Independent

We could say that the INFP personality usually draws up a life plan from their own heart.. They are sensitive people, but self-confident. They are introverted and reserved men and women, but never indecisive when it comes to making decisions. They do it through intuition, they trust their inner voice and they do it, furthermore, because they are idealists, because they believe that the world, in its purest essence, is noble and good.

Artistic, sensitive, careless

The INFP Personality It is usually oriented towards art, writing, photography, as well as any artistic expression in which the person can express their emotions, ideals and that inner world, confident and optimistic.

They easily resort to metaphors and parables when expressing themselves, and are capable of creating a symbolic language to share their ideas.s. These qualities drive him to carry out creative works to communicate. So it is no coincidence that many individuals with this personality are poets, writers and/or actors.

At the same time, they are very sensitive profiles with everything that surrounds them. They appreciate details, sensations, they know how to connect with people in a very simple and magical way at the same time.. They are not great conversationalists, but they are very good at knowing how to listen, support and be there when you really need them.

On the other hand, It should be noted that they like to act instinctively. They don’t like having to plan things in advance, keep agendas, schedule tasks, keep order with their belongings and objects. Hence, they are often those people with somewhat messy homes and closets because they prioritize other things.

The INPF personality in relationships

When it comes to romance, the INPF personality is dreamy and idealistic. He usually believes in the power and beauty of true love and they hope to never settle for less.

Therefore, people with this type of personality not only want to find a partner, but They want to connect with a soulmate.

Furthermore, being thoughtful and open-minded people, They are willing to consider dating all types of people. They are able to see beyond the superficial characteristics of a potential partner (such as physical appearance or social status), focusing on deeper and more significant aspects.

However, approaching the world of romance with high expectations is not always positive for these people. In some cases, They can develop an idyllic image of what they want as a couple, which leads to constant disappointment and the consequent rejection of potential partners.

In the friendship

When it comes to friends, the INFP personality can find themselves caught in a web of contradictions. Well, On the one hand, he longs to spend time alone; but, on the other hand, they are also vulnerable to loneliness.

In other words, they long to feel accepted and loved, but They hate the idea of ​​pretending to be someone other than themselves. The positive thing is that when surrounded by true friends, these people can overcome these conflicts and focus on what really matters.

They tend to look for authentic and lasting friendshipswith people who share your desire to think and feel deeply, to do the right thing and leave positive contributions for the world.

Thus, They tend to feel more satisfied sharing with a small, intimate circle of friends..

The INFP Personality as Parents

Since this personality seeks to help other people find their own fulfillment and happinessparenthood can be a rewarding opportunity to fulfill that desire.

Therefore, as parents They can offer their children the freedom to form their own opinionsdiscover their own interests and be authentic people.

However, this does not mean letting children do everything they want. And also They want to teach key values ​​to their childrensuch as honesty, compassion, personal responsibility and respect.

Work Inclinations of the INFP Personality

The most common thing is that these people Choose careers that not only pay the bills, but are also rewarding. Well, they seek to spend their days doing what they really love.

This pretension, together with your tendency to idealize, can cause difficulties when finding a profession that satisfies your practical needs and desires. Which leads them to staying in frustration, waiting for the perfect job to present itself.

Final thoughts

As we see, the INFP personality is defined first and foremost by their confident idealism, kindness, and artistic interests. Hence, often One of the phenomena that these people most often suffer from is disappointment.

Nurturing and sustaining expectations about the world and those who inhabit it also causes them to suffer harsh disappointments. Carl Jung’s model of psychological types, and especially the Myers-Briggs indicator, are resources that are within our reach and that, to say the least, are curious.

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