· 8 years ago · Jul 27, 2018, 10:20 PM
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585 <h3>The Principles of Cognitive Function Theory @mbti-notes</h3>
586
587 <p>Guide Contents:</p>
588 <p>I. <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/theory#part1">What Is Type?<br></a> - Cognition versus Behavior<br> - Personality is Interactive<br> - Personality is not a “Box”<br> - Personality Evolves<br>II. <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/theory#part2">The Functional Stack</a><br>III. The Primary Functions<br> 1: <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/theory#dom">The Role of the Dominant Function</a> <br> - dominant <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/theory#domsini">Si/Ni</a>, <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/theory#domsene">Se/Ne</a>, <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/theory#domtifi">Ti/Fi</a>, <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/theory#domtefe">Te/Fe</a><br> - <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/theory#tadom">considerations for typing accurately</a><br> 2: <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/theory#inf">The Role of the Inferior Function</a><br> - inferior <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/theory#infsini">Si/Ni</a>, <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/theory#infsene">Se/Ne</a>, <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/theory#inftifi">Ti/Fi</a>, <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/theory#inftefe">Te/Fe</a><br> - <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/theory#tainf">considerations for typing accurately</a><br> 3: <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/theory#aux">The Role of the Auxiliary Function</a> <br> - auxiliary <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/theory#auxsini">Si/Ni</a>, <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/theory#auxsene">Se/Ne</a>, <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/theory#auxtifi">Ti/Fi</a>, <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/theory#auxtefe">Te/Fe</a><br> - <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/theory#taaux">considerations for typing accurately</a><br> 4: <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/theory#tert">The Role of the Tertiary Function</a><br> - tertiary <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/theory#tersini">Si/Ni</a>, <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/theory#tersene">Se/Ne</a>, <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/theory#tertifi">Ti/Fi</a>, <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/theory#tertefe">Te/Fe</a><br> - <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/theory#tatert">considerations for typing accurately</a><br>IV. <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/theory#dynamics">Function Dynamics<br></a> - <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/theory#perceiving">Perceiving Conflicts</a><br> - <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/theory#judging">Judging Conflicts</a><br>V. <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/theory#summary">Bring It All Together</a></p>
589 <p>
590 <a name="part1"></a>____________________</p>
591 <p><strong>PART I: WHAT IS TYPE?<br></strong></p>
592 <p>Interest in personality theory often stems from curiosity about individual differences among people, especially when those differences produce conflict or misunderstanding. There are many personality theories out there, and they differ in terms of: 1) how they conceptualize and systematize individual differences, 2) how they explain the existence of those differences and/or their origin, and 3) what the differences mean and what to do about them. Many people are introduced to type theory through online MBTI quizzes and short type descriptions, however, they only scratch the surface of what type is about. Some people understand the 16 types through memorizing labels or stereotypes that fail to honor the true diversity and subtleties of each type. If you want to understand type and yourself beyond oversimplified labels, crude stereotypes, or generic average descriptions, it is necessary to learn some key principles of type theory.</p>
593 <p>Type theory, broadly speaking, includes several different interpretations of Carl Jung’s theory of psychological types, of which the MBTI system is but one well-known school of thought (others include Keirsey’s Temperaments, Socionics, Beebe’s Eight-Function Model). The ideas presented in this guide are an attempt to synthesize the best aspects of several models while still adhering to the key principles of analytical psychology. Theory is only as good as how well it can match up to empirical fact and this guide has been painstakingly revised and refined many times in accordance with real experiences and feedback from real individuals of each type. Type theory has shown great promise in helping people make sense of themselves and others, even aiding with resolving some long running psychological issues.</p>
594 <p>While Carl Jung wrote about psychological types, his main focus was not personality per se but actually psychoanalysis and the relationship between therapist and client. He was largely concerned with understanding the therapeutic relationship and how to best help people heal their psychological problems. Therefore, it is difficult to fully understand his ideas about personality without knowing the broader context of his way of doing therapy, which is often referred to as <strong>analytical psychology</strong> (sometimes classified as belonging to the psychodynamic or psychoanalytic school that was founded by Sigmund Freud). Jung and an entire generation of subsequent followers/critics were instrumental in developing many of the ideas that we now take for granted about psychology, particularly about the unconscious mind. Generally speaking, <em>analytical psychology seeks to understand individuals and how they psychologically develop and mature, heavily emphasizing the role that the unconscious mind plays in influencing our thoughts, emotions, and behavior</em>.</p>
595 <p>Before getting into the details of each type, it is important to first understand the basics of what type is.</p>
596 <p><strong>Cognition versus Behavior</strong></p>
597 <p>Type theory conceptualizes personality as a set of <strong>cognitive preferences</strong>, and people are sorted into different personality categories according to their preferences. The categories are not hierarchical (no type is better than the others); they are all considered equal in that each personality type has its own set of strengths and weaknesses and its own unique role to play in the world. In order to understand what type is, the first concept to learn is <em>the difference between cognition and behavior</em>.</p>
598 <ul>
599 <li><strong>cognition</strong>: the perceptual and evaluative mental processes that one uses to make sense of the world and navigate it successfully</li>
600 <li><strong>behavior</strong>: characteristics, traits, and actions that are often easily observable or measured</li>
601 </ul>
602 <p>The best way to identify a person’s type is to analyze their cognitive processes and the behaviors that they give rise to. Too often, people only look at behavior. For example, both ESFPs and ESFJs tend to be open and friendly people, however, the cognitive process that produces the trait of friendliness is different for the two types. Thus, if you only look at the “friendliness” but don’t know, cognitively, why it exists, it becomes all too easy to mistype or confuse the two.</p>
603 <p>Without cognition, you wouldn’t have ideas, thoughts, or feelings, and your behaviors wouldn’t have much meaning because you would be ruled only by your autonomous brain that is geared for physical survival. It is through cognition that we develop a sense of self, make meaning out of life’s events, and visualize what is in store for us in the future. This implies that <strong>cognitive processes can go awry</strong> because some people do not develop a strong sense of self, some people have difficulty finding meaning in life, and some people cannot envision their future self very well. The challenge of type theory is not only to categorize people according to their similarities and differences but also to make sense of those differences, especially when they stem from cognitive dysfunction. Therefore, there is an underlying developmental aspect that is baked into Jung’s conception of personality.</p>
604 <p><strong>Personality is Interactive<br></strong></p>
605 <p>Since type theory conceptualizes personality primarily as one’s cognitive processes, personality is actually understood as <strong>dynamic</strong>. Your mind is constantly interacting with the world and trying to make sense of environmental stimuli - you act upon the world and the world acts upon you - which means that a good theory of personality must take into account not just individual traits but also how those traits interact with the larger world in which a person lives.</p>
606 <p>While cognition and behavior are interdependent, they don’t have a one-to-one relationship, i.e., <em>thinking</em> something does not automatically lead to <em>doing</em> something. Your personality cannot predict <em>all</em> of your behavior because there are factors aside from personality that also influence you (such as stress, socioeconomic pressure, mental illness, etc), but personality does go a long way to explain why you made the choices you made. Humans presumably have free will, so you can make a conscious choice to override your cognitive preferences whenever you deem it necessary.</p>
607 <p>For example, even though you possess the cognitive preference for introversion, which predicts that much of your behavior will be related to exercising your preference for introversion, you also understand that some situations call for extraverted behavior, therefore, you are willing to set aside your introversion under certain circumstances. This produces a temporary mismatch of personality and behavior, but it does not cancel out your true personality, i.e., an introvert who learns to <em>act</em> extraverted will never <em>be</em> a true extravert since the extraverted behavior does not negate the cognitive preference for introversion. Type theory differs somewhat from other personality theories because it takes complex patterns of cognition as most primary for defining a person.</p>
608 <p><strong>Personality is Not a “Box”</strong></p>
609 <p>Type should not be conceptualized as a “box” that restricts or limits how a person should live their life. Personality type is often mingled with other concepts that should be treated separately.</p>
610 <p><em>Type should not be conflated with intelligence</em>, though the two interact with each other. Intelligence refers to the ability to learn well. While type is likely to influence the kinds of things you get INTERESTED in, type itself does not guarantee that you will end up being GOOD AT those things. To be good at something requires intelligence, but also things like aptitude, skill, passion, practice, hard work, education, access to good learning resources, etc. Not every individual ends up liking things or being good at things that you would expect for their type. Remember that learning is heavily influenced by one’s social environment and life experiences. Type should not place a limit on what interests you have or what jobs you want to do.</p>
611 <p><em>Type should not be conflated with emotional stability</em>. Emotional stability refers to one’s ability to manage emotional life. While your type influences how willing you are to take into account feelings and emotions when decision making, type does not determine whether you will be an emotionally well-adjusted person. To be an emotionally intelligent person requires learning, experience, and practice; it goes with broader psychological development and how mature a person is in their mindset. Anyone can learn to have better emotional management skills as long as they value having such knowledge and set out to master it.</p>
612 <p><em>Type should not be conflated with stereotypical behavioral traits</em>. One reason people mistype is because of common stereotypes that make people believe they can’t be a certain type if they don’t behave a certain way. For example, there is a stereotype that ESTPs are all good at sports, so a clumsy ESTP with two left feet might have difficulty typing themselves when they don’t realize that the stereotype is not the true definition of ESTP. Many generic type descriptions assign certain behavioral traits to each type in order to speed up and simplify the typing process, but they unfortunately easily morph into stereotypes that people rely on to understand themselves/others. Stereotypes can be harmful if they prey on your insecurities, if they offer you a false sense of validation, or if you use them to pigeonhole others unfairly. On the surface, stereotypes might seem positive because people want to feel understood and labels are an easy device for communicating about yourself to others, however, simplistic labels and stereotypes can lock you into seeing yourself and others in a narrow and rigid way, cutting off the potential for growth or deeper understanding.</p>
613 <p><em>Type should not be conflated with sameness</em>. Don’t assume that everyone of the same type is the same. Everyone has their own unique history and life circumstances to deal with, so <strong>every individual is a unique example of their type</strong>. Think of it this way: All humans have a face but no two faces are exactly the same, even identical twins diverge as their physical bodies respond differently to the wear and tear of living different lives. Some faces look similar, some look more unique than others, some look more extreme than others. It’s not very useful to describe someone simply as having a face, which is basically what you do when you stereotype because, by this crude measure, all humans are the same - this kind of overgeneralizing erases the diversity and the distinctiveness of the individuals within the group. Let’s say that you often observe someone to be “reserved”, it is very easy to jump to the conclusion that they are introverted because they display stereotypical introverted behavior. However, there are many possible non-type-related reasons why a person might behave that way, such as: depression, anxiety, a recent tragedy, past learning or upbringing, cultural influences, etc. In other words, the person might indeed be introverted but you can’t be certain until you <strong>accurately contextualize their behavior by examining their unique individual circumstances</strong>. When trying to type yourself or other people, you are likely to make mistakes if you rely on stereotypes or simply take behaviors at face value; you should instead try to grasp the individual’s cognitive processes that produced those behaviors, which is a much more difficult task.</p>
614 <p><strong>Personality Evolves</strong></p>
615 <p>Type theory conceptualizes personality as an integral part of a person’s process of <strong>psychological growth</strong>. Your type never changes but it evolves over time as you slowly learn to harness the “missing” parts of your personality. Imagine that personality is like a weighing scale: If you are introverted, then you are likely to develop the strengths and advantages of introversion more naturally, which means that you will spend less time to develop the strengths and advantages of the opposite process of extraversion. This produces an imbalance among these two sides of your personality when you’re young, but as you get older (assuming normal psychological development), you gradually become more conscious of this imbalance and then feel a natural desire to rectify it. This is why someone might type as introverted early in life but then as extraverted later in life, assuming that they only use a simple test to type themselves. It is likely that the person is indeed introverted but their personality evolved to more fully embrace extraversion. In other words, normal personality development makes people more <strong>well-rounded</strong> over time (though there are many things that can get in the way of the development process).</p>
616 <p>However, you cannot embrace the opposite side of your personality to the extent that it becomes the natural or dominant part of your personality, which means that there is some truth in the old adage that people never change. There are indeed limits to personality development because you cannot be all things at once, however, you can learn to harness some of the strengths that were inaccessible to you earlier on in life. Type theory outlines how each personality grows and develops. When you understand the principles of type development, you can consciously steer your self-development in a more positive direction. When you understand your type’s strengths and weaknesses in greater depth, you have a chance to make the necessary corrections and/or practice the necessary skills to bring better balance to your personality. The challenge of type development is not to become superhuman or godly but to gradually <strong>increase self-awareness</strong>, which allows you more opportunity for effective self-management. Being more self-aware, you understand yourself and the world more accurately and then make better decisions.</p>
617 <p>As you read through the guide, you might notice that I often use the words “<strong>unconscious</strong>” and “<strong>conscious</strong>” to describe how a person uses their cognitive functions. Generally speaking, you use a cognitive function <em>un</em>consciously when you don’t know or don’t understand why you think or behave a certain way, when you are unaware of how exactly the function is influencing or motivating you, when you are unaware that lazy cognitive “shortcuts” are producing inaccurate perception and flawed judgment, when you are unaware of the underlying emotional reactivity that distorts your perception and judgment processes. By contrast, using a function consciously means that you are self-aware and possess an accurate understanding of your intentions and motivations, you understand how function misuse can lead to cognitive biases and distortions and then make an effort to correct any cognitive processes that run amok.</p>
618 <p>
619 <a name="part2"></a>____________________<br><br><strong>PART II: THE FUNCTIONAL STACK</strong></p>
620 <p>In type theory, a cognitive process refers to a particular method of making sense of the world. There are two kinds of cognitive processes: 1) <strong>perceptual</strong> processes that gather information about the world (through <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/basics#sn" target="_blank">Sensing or Intuition</a>), and 2) <strong>judgment</strong> processes that consolidate, organize, and evaluate information for decision making (through <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/basics#tf" target="_blank">Thinking or Feeling</a>).</p>
621 <table style="border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0;">
622 <tbody>
623 <tr>
624 <th colspan="2" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; font-weight: normal; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal;"><strong>Perceiving Process</strong></th>
625 <th colspan="2" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; font-weight: normal; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal;"><strong>Judging Process</strong></th>
626 </tr>
627 <tr>
628 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; text-align: center;"><strong>S</strong><br>(Sensing)</td>
629 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal;">gathers sensory<br>facts/details</td>
630 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; text-align: center;"><strong>T</strong><br>(Thinking)</td>
631 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal;">judgments based on<br>systematic principles</td>
632 </tr>
633 <tr>
634 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; text-align: center;"><strong>N</strong><br>(Intuition)</td>
635 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal;">gathers abstract<br>patterns/possibility</td>
636 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; text-align: center;"><strong>F</strong><br>(Feeling)</td>
637 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal;">judgments based on<br>human values</td>
638 </tr>
639 </tbody>
640 </table>
641 <p>Each cognitive process can be expressed inwardly in an introverted (i) manner or outwardly in an extraverted (e) manner, making 8 possible modes of cognitive functioning.</p>
642 <table style="border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0;">
643 <tbody>
644 <tr>
645 <th colspan="2" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; font-weight: normal; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal;"><strong>Cognitive</strong><br><strong>Process</strong></th>
646 <th style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; font-weight: normal; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal;"><strong>Introverted </strong><br><strong>Function</strong></th>
647 <th style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; font-weight: normal; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal;"><strong>Extraverted </strong><br><strong>Function</strong></th>
648 </tr>
649 <tr>
650 <td rowspan="2" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal;">Perceiving<br>Process</td>
651 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal;"><strong>S</strong></td>
652 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal;"><strong>Si</strong> (Introverted Sensing)<br>compares sensory details</td>
653 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal;"><strong>Se</strong> (Extraverted Sensing)<br>acts on sensory changes</td>
654 </tr>
655 <tr>
656 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal;"><strong>N</strong></td>
657 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal;"><strong>Ni</strong> (Introverted Intuition)<br>interprets abstract meaning</td>
658 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal;"><strong>Ne</strong> (Extraverted Intuition)<br>actualizes abstract possibilities</td>
659 </tr>
660 <tr>
661 <td rowspan="2" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal;">Judging<br>Process</td>
662 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal;"><strong>T</strong></td>
663 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal;"><strong>Ti</strong> (Introverted Thinking)<br>calculates subjective formulas</td>
664 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal;"><strong>Te</strong> (Extraverted Thinking)<br>integrates with objective standards</td>
665 </tr>
666 <tr>
667 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal;"><strong>F</strong></td>
668 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal;"><strong>Fi</strong> (Introverted Feeling)<br>adheres to subjective values</td>
669 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal;"><strong>Fe</strong> (Extraverted Feeling)<br>cooperates with objective values</td>
670 </tr>
671 </tbody>
672 </table>
673 <p><strong>Introversion</strong> and <strong>extraversion</strong> are opposing attitudes that describe the flow of mental energy, either inwards or outwards respectively. Everyone possesses introverted and extraverted functions and uses them with varying degrees of success and they should ideally work well together to help you reconcile your inner experience (the <strong>subjective</strong>) with the outside world (the <strong>objective</strong>). Introverted functions channel mental energy inwards to your subjective experience, compelling you to interpret information through a personal lens and reflect on who you are as an individual apart from the world. Extraverted functions channel mental energy outwards to the objective world, compelling you to respond to external objects/stimuli, to act upon the world and integrate well with your surroundings.</p>
674 <p>In order to address common mistyping patterns, this guide groups the cognitive functions along these categories:</p>
675 <table style="border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0;">
676 <tbody>
677 <tr>
678 <th style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; padding: 1px 5px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; border-color: black;">Category</th>
679 <th style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; padding: 1px 5px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; border-color: black; text-align: center;">Functions</th>
680 <th style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; padding: 1px 5px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; border-color: black; text-align: center;">Purpose</th>
681 <th style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; padding: 1px 5px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; border-color: black;">Operation</th>
682 </tr>
683 <tr>
684 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; padding: 1px 5px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; border-color: black;">Introverted <br>Perceiving</td>
685 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; padding: 1px 5px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; border-color: black; text-align: center;">Si or Ni</td>
686 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; padding: 1px 5px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; border-color: black; text-align: center;">conserve energy<br>define priorities</td>
687 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; padding: 1px 5px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; border-color: black;">filter information by its<br>subjective importance</td>
688 </tr>
689 <tr>
690 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; padding: 1px 5px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; border-color: black;">Extraverted<br>Perceiving</td>
691 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; padding: 1px 5px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; border-color: black; text-align: center;">Se or Ne</td>
692 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; padding: 1px 5px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; border-color: black; text-align: center;">receptivity<br>adaptability</td>
693 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; padding: 1px 5px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; border-color: black;">openness to interact with <br>environmental cues</td>
694 </tr>
695 <tr>
696 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; padding: 1px 5px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; border-color: black;">Introverted<br>Judging</td>
697 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; padding: 1px 5px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; border-color: black; text-align: center;">Ti or Fi</td>
698 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; padding: 1px 5px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; border-color: black; text-align: center;">individuality<br>uniqueness</td>
699 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; padding: 1px 5px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; border-color: black;">create a personalized <br>judgment system</td>
700 </tr>
701 <tr>
702 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; padding: 1px 5px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; border-color: black;">Extraverted<br>Judging</td>
703 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; padding: 1px 5px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; border-color: black; text-align: center;">Te or Fe</td>
704 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; padding: 1px 5px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; border-color: black; text-align: center;">integration<br>affiliation</td>
705 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; padding: 1px 5px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; border-color: black;">align with objective <br>standards and values</td>
706 </tr>
707 </tbody>
708 </table>
709 <p>This implies that when a person uses Si a lot, they can superficially resemble a person who uses Ni a lot, <em>in behavior</em>, because both seek to conserve energy and honor personal priorities (same for the other three categories). However, Sensing and Intuition employ different <em>cognitive</em> strategies to achieve those goals, which again emphasizes the point that your type is found in cognition rather than behavior, i.e., the “how” and “why” (the exact method and reason for conserving energy) is more important than the “what” (the simple fact that one does). Whether or not you can use each category of function successfully (to achieve the purpose that they are meant for) is largely determined by the function’s position in your <strong>functional stack</strong>. Each type is defined by a unique functional stack that orders the cognitive functions according to their <strong>level of dominance</strong> in your mind (named from top to bottom: <strong>dominant</strong>, <strong>auxiliary</strong>, <strong>tertiary</strong>, <strong>inferior</strong>). However, just because a function is higher in your stack, it does NOT mean that you can use it maturely, rather, it only means that you rely more heavily upon it, so you have more opportunity to learn how to use it well, but it is not a given that you will because development is not always a smooth process for everyone. The top four primary functions affect your conscious life and form the core of your personality, and these are the functions that you should focus on understanding. The leftover functions are commonly referred to as shadow functions</p>
710 <table style="border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0;">
711 <tbody>
712 <tr>
713 <th colspan="6" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; font-weight: normal; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; text-align: center;"><strong>MBTI Code & Functional Stack</strong></th>
714 </tr>
715 <tr>
716 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; text-align: center;"><strong>MBTI</strong></td>
717 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; text-align: center;"><strong>Dom</strong></td>
718 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; text-align: center;"><strong>Aux</strong></td>
719 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; text-align: center;"><strong>Ter</strong></td>
720 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; text-align: center;"><strong>Inf</strong></td>
721 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; text-align: center;">Shadow<strong><br></strong></td>
722 </tr>
723 <tr>
724 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; text-align: center;"><strong>ISTJ</strong><br><strong>ISFJ</strong></td>
725 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; text-align: center;">Si</td>
726 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; text-align: center;">Te<br>Fe</td>
727 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; text-align: center;">Fi<br>Ti</td>
728 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; text-align: center;">Ne</td>
729 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; text-align: center;">Se-Ti-Fe-Ni<br>Se-Fi-Te-Ni</td>
730 </tr>
731 <tr>
732 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; text-align: center;"><strong>INTJ</strong><br><strong>INFJ</strong></td>
733 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; text-align: center;">Ni</td>
734 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; text-align: center;">Te<br>Fe</td>
735 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; text-align: center;">Fi<br>Ti</td>
736 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; text-align: center;">Se</td>
737 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; text-align: center;">Ne-Ti-Fe-Si<br>Ne-Fi-Te-Si</td>
738 </tr>
739 <tr>
740 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; text-align: center;"><strong>ISTP</strong><br><strong>INTP</strong></td>
741 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; text-align: center;">Ti</td>
742 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; text-align: center;">Se<br>Ne</td>
743 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; text-align: center;">Ni<br>Si</td>
744 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; text-align: center;">Fe</td>
745 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; text-align: center;">Te-Si-Ne-Fi<br>Te-Ni-Se-Fi</td>
746 </tr>
747 <tr>
748 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; text-align: center;"><strong>ISFP</strong><br><strong>INFP</strong></td>
749 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; text-align: center;">Fi</td>
750 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; text-align: center;">Se<br>Ne</td>
751 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; text-align: center;">Ni<br>Si</td>
752 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; text-align: center;">Te</td>
753 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; text-align: center;">Fe-Si-Ne-Ti<br>Fe-Ni-Se-Ti</td>
754 </tr>
755 <tr>
756 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; text-align: center;"><strong>ESTP</strong><br><strong>ESFP</strong></td>
757 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; text-align: center;">Se</td>
758 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; text-align: center;">Ti<br>Fi</td>
759 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; text-align: center;">Fe<br>Te</td>
760 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; text-align: center;">Ni</td>
761 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; text-align: center;">Si-Te-Fi-Ne<br>Si-Fe-Ti-Ne</td>
762 </tr>
763 <tr>
764 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; text-align: center;"><strong>ENTP</strong><br><strong>ENFP</strong></td>
765 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; text-align: center;">Ne</td>
766 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; text-align: center;">Ti<br>Fi</td>
767 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; text-align: center;">Fe<br>Te</td>
768 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; text-align: center;">Si</td>
769 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; text-align: center;">Ni-Te-Fi-Se<br>Ni-Fe-Ti-Se</td>
770 </tr>
771 <tr>
772 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; text-align: center;"><strong>ESTJ</strong><br><strong>ENTJ</strong></td>
773 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; text-align: center;">Te</td>
774 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; text-align: center;">Si<br>Ni</td>
775 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; text-align: center;">Ne<br>Se</td>
776 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; text-align: center;">Fi</td>
777 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; text-align: center;">Ti-Se-Ni-Fe<br>Ti-Ne-Si-Fe</td>
778 </tr>
779 <tr>
780 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; text-align: center;"><strong>ESFJ</strong><br><strong>ENFJ</strong></td>
781 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; text-align: center;">Fe</td>
782 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; text-align: center;">Si<br>Ni</td>
783 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; text-align: center;">Ne<br>Se</td>
784 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; text-align: center;">Ti</td>
785 <td style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 75%; padding: 2px 6px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; overflow: hidden; word-break: normal; text-align: center;">Fi-Se-Ni-Te<br>Fi-Ne-Si-Te</td>
786 </tr>
787 </tbody>
788 </table>
789 <p>The job of each cognitive process is to orient you towards a particular aspect of reality, similar to how eyes are for seeing and ears are for hearing, and so on. Everyone uses all four cognitive processes (SNTF) with varying degrees of success and, when used well together, they provide a comprehensive understanding of the world. Unfortunately, S/N and T/F are <em>dichotomous</em> processes that operate in opposite directions, therefore, you cannot both Sense and Intuit at exactly the same time, and you cannot both Think and Feel at exactly the same time (similar to how you cannot travel both left and right at exactly the same time). Put another way, you must negate or “shut off” one to perform the other; you can switch back and forth, but you can’t do them at the same time.</p>
790 <p>As a consequence, Sensing and Intuiting can bring you conflicting data about the world, and Thinking and Feeling can draw conflicting conclusions about the world. When faced with challenges throughout life, we tend to utilize the perceiving process and the judging process that better serve our needs and desires. Over time, it is normal that one side of the dichotomy becomes better developed while the other side lags in development, thereby creating a stable yet somewhat imbalanced personality by way of one’s habitual preferences. However, this means that your ability to use the non-preferred cognitive processes is somewhat hampered. There is continual debate about how much of personality is inborn or when exactly these cognitive preferences arise during childhood development but, so far, science does not have the technological means to answer such questions with certainty. (It is my personal opinion after reviewing early development research that personality type is already set at birth.)</p>
791 <p>In the normal course of development, people come to rely more heavily on one perceptual process (either S or N) and one judgment process (either T or F), and your main preferences are indicated by the top two functions of your stack. The remaining two non-preferred cognitive processes make up the third and fourth positions of the stack. This means that for the dominant and auxiliary functions: 1) one is a perceiving function and the other a judging function, and 2) one is extraverted (e) and the other introverted (i). The dominant and inferior functions are opposite to each other. The auxiliary and tertiary functions are opposite to each other.</p>
792 <p>Taking a closer look at each functional stack, you can begin to see how it affects what you tend to pay attention to and what you tend to value in life. If your dominant function is an extraverted judging function (Te or Fe), you tend to value integrating well into your external environment and, as a consequence, you naturally place less importance on carving out individuality and uniqueness (because separating yourself out directly interferes with integrating well). If your dominant function is an extraverted perceiving function (Se or Ne), you tend to value being open and flexible in responding to what is happening in the external world and, as a consequence, you naturally place less emphasis on conserving energy and having well-defined personal priorities. It’s not that the lower functions are ignored or never used, they are simply lower on your list of what’s important, which of course influences how you make decisions in life. If you tried to value everything equally, you’d often get stuck in contradictions, which wouldn’t be good for your psychological well-being. But these contradictions do happen, the details of which are covered later in the section about Function Dynamics.</p>
793 <p>[It is worth noting that, while there is agreement that people use all four cognitive processes (SNTF), some theorists argue for primary stack models (top four functions only) while others argue for full stack models (that include the shadow functions). There also continues to be disagreement about the true order of the functional stack, particularly regarding the auxiliary and tertiary functions. Some full stack models are relatively new in the literature and require more development and critique. For a variety of reasons that I will not get into here, I remain unconvinced by full stack models so far because they do not postulate anything that cannot already be explained by primary stack models (I admittedly prefer simplicity). While people may use shadow functions in limited ways, I do not consider them very important for understanding type development and thus will not be covering them in this guide as they add an unnecessary layer of complexity that might stymie newbies.]</p>
794 <p><strong>Translating MBTI Code</strong></p>
795 <p>Myers and Briggs chose to emphasize the extraversion/introversion (E/I) and judging/perceiving (J/P) aspects of type, so they gave these two dimensions their own labels. They believed that refining the theory in this way made it more practical and easy to understand. A person is introverted (I) if their dominant function is introverted (i) or extraverted (E) if their dominant function is extraverted (e).</p>
796 <p>The <strong><a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/basics#jp" target="_blank">J/P dichotomy</a></strong> points to people’s attitude about the EXTERNAL world, specifically, <strong>whether one prefers more or less structure</strong> from it, with J wanting more and P wanting less, so the J/P dichotomy is only concerned with the <strong>extraverted functions</strong> or a person’s relationship to the objective world:</p>
797 <p>- The P designation refers to types who like openness, so they prefer less external structure in order to remain free and open to gathering more information. P refers to types who have an <strong>extraverted perceiving function</strong> (Se/Ne) as one of their first two functions: 1) Se or Ne will be the dominant function if the person is E or extraverted; 2) Se or Ne will be the auxiliary function if the person is I or introverted.</p>
798 <p>- The J designation refers to types who like closure and for things to be decided in a timely manner, so they prefer more external structure in order to make life easier to predict and navigate. J refers to types who have an <strong>extraverted judging function</strong> (Te/Fe) as one of their first two functions: 1) Te or Fe will be the dominant function if the person is E or extraverted; 2) Te or Fe will be the auxiliary function if the person is I or introverted.</p>
799 <p>
800 <a name="dom"></a>____________________</p>
801 <p><strong>PART III: THE PRIMARY FUNCTIONS</strong></p>
802 <p>This part explains the eight cognitive functions and how to identify their dominant, auxiliary, tertiary, and inferior positions in the functional stack. Each section covers one position of the stack and concludes with notes about common typing issues/errors that people often encounter. While it is necessary to discuss the functions separately in order to clarify and distinguish between them, it is important to remember that, in real people, functions are continuously interacting with each other in complex ways. Also, possessing a function does not mean that you know how to use the function well, i.e., <strong>type development is an important consideration</strong>, which is covered in part 3 of the study guides.</p>
803 <p>If typing yourself, take some online tests to narrow down the types to a few possibilities, then examine the functions in depth to see which functional stack fits you best. <strong>In order to type as accurately as possible, you must figure out ALL FOUR of the functions and their rightful positions !!</strong></p>
804 <p>********************</p>
805 <p><strong>Section 1: THE DOMINANT FUNCTION</strong></p>
806 <ul>
807 <li>dominant perceiving functions: <a href="#domsini">Si/Ni</a>, <a href="#domsene">Se/Ne</a></li>
808 <li>dominant judging functions: <a href="#domtifi">Ti/Fi</a>, <a href="#domtefe">Te/Fe</a></li>
809 <li>considerations for <a href="#tadom">typing accurately</a></li>
810 </ul>
811 <p><strong>This is Me!</strong></p>
812 <p>The dominant function is the function you rely on the most frequently and heavily to navigate the world. It provides the foundation for your sense of identity, helping to define your goals and desires in life and what you need for feeling fulfilled. This means that, when you use the dominant function well (with good results), you will feel as though you are being your best self, but when you do not use the dominant function well, you are likely to experience cognitive dissonance, negative emotions, or feel as though you are not being the best you. <strong>People who do not use their dominant function very well often suffer low self-awareness in terms of not understanding who they really are or what they really need or want in life</strong>.</p>
813 <p>A good way to identify the dominant function is to observe yourself when faced with a <strong>new situation</strong> or when you encounter <strong>mild challenges</strong>. New or challenging situations tend to disorient you and you will then reach for the easiest “cognitive tool” to reorient yourself. The dominant function is the one that you use with the most ease and comfort, so it is often the first choice.</p>
814 <p>When typing yourself, <strong>focus more on cognition than behavior</strong>. Two different cognitive functions can produce similar looking behaviors on the surface but the underlying reason or motivation for the behavior will be different, so only looking at surface level behavioral traits is not enough or even misleading. The question to ask yourself is not “<em>What do I do?</em>” but rather “<em>WHY did I do that</em>?” For example, let’s say that upon meeting a new situation you tend to hesitate or people describe you as a “hesitant” person (behavior/trait), so the question to ask yourself is WHY (cognition)? Which cognitive function motivates you to behave like that? What is the aim or purpose of holding back? Don’t just pick out some random behaviors here and there, rather, observe <strong>overarching patterns </strong>in how you think/behave over time and figure out <strong>the reason WHY</strong> those patterns exist.</p>
815 <p>Get a good general overview of the eight functions by reading the descriptions below. The descriptions are simplified in addressing typical examples but <strong>not every individual is a typical example of their type</strong>. Functions are complex and multifaceted, manifesting in many different possible ways. The subsequent sections about the lower functions talk more about unhealthy or dysfunctional aspects of type. Ensure that you have understood the conceptual differences between <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/basics" target="_blank">Sensing and Intuition as well as Thinking and Feeling</a> because, without a good grasp of the basics, it may be easy to get confused when learning the more advanced function concepts.</p>
816 <p>
817 <a name="domsini"></a><strong>A. Introverted Perceiving Functions: Reflect Then Act<br></strong></p>
818 <p>Both Si and Ni tend to feel insecure about the external world and can easily feel overwhelmed by rapid changes in the environment. In order to combat this chronic insecurity, both functions create a personalized store of foundational knowledge to fall back on for making sense of new information - they first need to establish a sense of internal stability in order to feel confident about acting effectively in the external world. Therefore, these two functions can manifest some similar looking behaviors on the surface (e.g. reservedness), but the underlying cognitive processes for reaching confidence move in opposite directions (S v N).<strong><br></strong></p>
819 <p><strong>Si dominant (ISxJ):</strong> A perceiving function, Introverted Sensing focuses on subjective perception of sensory details, storing information in accordance with past experiences. Si dominants seek a sense of internal <strong>familiarity</strong>, stability, and security, therefore, they are naturally attuned to consistency in sensory details, quick to notice discrepancies when doing mental comparisons, and attentive to anything that might produce physical discomfort/vulnerability. Attending carefully to concrete details allows them to build up a reliable base of knowledge for use in approaching new situations. However, this also means that they can feel easily disoriented when confronted with too much new or unfamiliar information, perhaps becoming anxious when they do not have enough time to sort through a barrage of incoming details. When a person does not know how to use Si appropriately, they tend to become too inflexible or risk averse, prone to getting too comfortable with stale rituals/routines or bad situations. Healthy Si dominants tend to be good at understanding procedures and building impressively detailed expertise through methodical and incremental learning, often admired for their patience, conscientiousness, and reliability.</p>
820 <p>Here are some questions for determining whether Si is present, most of these should apply if the function is dominant (barring grip situations). If only some of them apply or only very infrequently, then the function might be lower in the stack or there could be some minor Sensing overlap with Se. Remember that you are looking for <em>consistent patterns</em>.</p>
821 <ul>
822 <li>Do you feel most comfortable when the details of situations seem familiar to you and you know the people involved (and do you tend to feel uneasy or hesitate a lot when confronted with unfamiliar situations where you don’t know what the “proper conduct” should be)?</li>
823 <li>Is it very important to you to proceed in new situations carefully or cautiously, preferring to rely on well-established advice, steps, rules, procedures, or methods whenever available?</li>
824 <li>Are you mostly a creature of habit and find comfort in routine, do you dislike when your daily rhythms are unexpectedly interrupted/disrupted by external factors, do you dislike being forced to improvise?</li>
825 <li>When feeling low or uncomfortable, do you find yourself harping on little details or comparing/contrasting situations negatively against some similar past experience?</li>
826 <li>Do you have a pattern of disliking people who seem: vague, impractical, ungrounded, inconsistent, irresponsible, careless, bombastic?</li>
827 <li>Have you ever gotten feedback about being: boring, closed-minded, unadventurous, meek, hesitant, persnickety, finicky, a worrywart, inflexible, stringent, overblown about physical discomforts?</li>
828 </ul>
829 <p><strong>Ni dominant (INxJ):</strong> A perceiving function, Introverted Intuition focuses on subjective interpretations of abstract meaning, processing contextual information about how things are interrelated in hopes of being able to envision what is to come. Ni dominants seek a sense of direction, purpose, or <strong>deeper meaning</strong> in life, therefore, they are naturally attuned to “seeing through”, to conceptualize the fundamental root, essence, importance, or significance of things, wanting to grasp “the one true meaning” of events. Reflecting on complexities and implications and gathering multiple interpretations allows them to envision what the future should hold. However, this also means that they can easily become mentally disconnected when they only deal in abstractions, perhaps too extreme in idealization or feeling at a loss when they have no clear direction to travel. When a person does not know how to use Ni appropriately, their perception of the world becomes distorted as they extract the wrong meaning from what they observe, unwittingly operating on false assumptions or problematic ideas about “truth” or “perfection”, unable to synthesize their murky impressions into a realistic mindset. Healthy Ni dominants tend to be good at interpreting meaning, implications, or theoretical complications, often admired for their insight, wisdom, or depth of thought. (Ni is the function which operates closest to the unconscious mind and many NJs are often unaware of its activities until they learn about it.)</p>
830 <p>Here are some questions for determining whether Ni is present, most of these should apply if the function is dominant (barring grip situations). If only some of them apply or only very infrequently, then the function might be lower in the stack or there could be some minor Intuition overlap with Ne. Remember that you are looking for <em>consistent patterns</em>.</p>
831 <ul>
832 <li>Do you feel most comfortable when you have a sense of purpose or longer term direction (and tend to suffer malaise, uncertainty, or apathy when you don’t have an idea for how to proceed)?</li>
833 <li>Is it very important for you to consider the grander scheme, preferring to make decisions based on finding deeper meaning, connecting overarching/underlying ideas, or envisioning the possible implications?</li>
834 <li>Are you often experiencing/wanting insights that deepen your outlook and want things to be better by visualizing what would be ideal, perhaps expressing perfectionistic or controlling tendencies in pursuit of ideals?</li>
835 <li>When feeling low, do you find yourself judging people/situations as being shallow, superficial, trivial, insignificant, meaningless, or having “no point”?</li>
836 <li>Do you have a pattern of disliking people who seem: self-limiting, narrow-minded, shallow, short-sighted, brash, fickle?</li>
837 <li>Have you ever gotten feedback about being: presumptuous, pompous, pretentious, demanding, hard to please, hard to know, vague, unrealistic, intense, extreme, overserious, overthinking, unfun?</li>
838 </ul>
839 <p>[<em>Jump to <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/theory#inf">The Inferior Function</a> or Inferior <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/theory#infsene">Se/Ne</a></em>]</p>
840 <p>
841 <a name="domsene"></a><strong>B. Extraverted Perceiving Functions: Act Immediately</strong></p>
842 <p>Both Se and Ne desire the utmost freedom to explore opportunities in the external world and, as a result, they tend to lack a sense of inner stability. In order to maintain freedom to gather data and experiences, both functions eschew internal experiences or inner reflection in favor of engaging immediately with the external environment - they need to maintain passion/interest through being completely open to whatever variety of things happen in the external world moment to moment, adjusting themselves as necessary to events as they unfold. Therefore, these two functions can manifest some similar looking behaviors on the surface (e.g. impulsivity), but the underlying cognitive processes for exercising freedom move in opposite directions (S v N).</p>
843 <p><strong>Se dominant (ESxP):</strong> A perceiving function, Extraverted Sensing focuses on interesting environmental stimuli, responding quickly to sensory or concrete changes in the world. Se dominants seek a sense of <strong>engagement</strong>, pleasure, or excitement, therefore, they are naturally attuned to new opportunities for firsthand experiences that seem fun, intriguing, or exciting to them. Being spontaneous and quick to respond to change allows them to adapt fluidly and learn fast on the fly, easily putting negativity behind them to move on to new vistas. However, this also means that they may not take enough time to reflect on whether the experiences they pursue are meaningful for their long term development, perhaps becoming too rash or haphazard when decision making. When a person does not know how to use Se appropriately, they tend to develop an avoidant mindset because immediate escape is the easier path to take when faced with harsh difficulties or negative consequences. Healthy Se dominants tend to be good at taking advantage of shifting conditions and enjoy operating at peak “in the zone” mental and/or physical performance, often admired for their realness, resilience, or natural ease.</p>
844 <p>Here are some questions for determining whether Se is present, most of these should apply if the function is dominant (barring grip situations). If only some of them apply or only very infrequently, then the function might be lower in the stack or there could be some minor Sensing overlap with Si. Remember that you are looking for <em>consistent patterns</em>.</p>
845 <ul>
846 <li>Do you have high tolerance for excitement and often seek out activities/situations where you feel fully engaged/stimulated by what is happening (and otherwise tend to easily suffer boredom, restlessness, or fear of missing out)?</li>
847 <li>Is it very important to you to grasp opportunities to have fun or feel pleasure, easily joining, participating, interacting, or diving in without hesitation?</li>
848 <li>Are you mostly a down-to-earth, playful, spontaneous, and free-spirited person, flexible in responding to change, and generally open and adventurous about new situations?</li>
849 <li>When feeling low, do you find yourself seeking physical distractions, indulging in sensory pleasures, or purposely creating (fleeting) excitements?</li>
850 <li>Do you have a pattern of disliking people who seem: “all talk and no action”, half-baked, pretentious, insinuating, <span class="quote">circuitous</span>, overcomplicated, navel-gazing, cowardly, timid, conventional, inhibited, uptight?</li>
851 <li>Have you ever gotten feedback about being: ostentatious, loud, a showboat, impulsive, aimless, slapdash, flippant, glib, superficial, naive, childish, silly?</li>
852 </ul>
853 <p><strong>Ne dominant (ENxP):</strong> A perceiving function, Extraverted Intuition focuses on discovering new abstract possibilities in the world, looking through physical objects to visualize the potential that they possess. Ne dominants seek a sense of continuous <strong>inspiration</strong>, therefore, they are naturally attuned to good ideas, prone to having a head full of thoughts and willing to go wherever ideas take them. Wanting to connect with the best of people or the world allows them to live life with a sense of hope and freedom, feeling eager to actualize potential for progress or improvement. However, this also means that they can be easily distracted by any random idea that grabs their attention, which might lead to them failing to carry out tasks through to completion or frequently suffering “greener pasture syndrome” in not valuing the progress that they have already made. When a person does not know how to use Ne appropriately, they tend to waste time being unfocused in chasing immediate mental stimulation, unable to achieve the tangible progress that they desire in life due to being impatient, disorderly, or careless with details. Healthy Ne dominants tend to be good at visualizing and catalyzing new trends for positive change, often admired for their creativity or optimism.</p>
854 <p>Here are some questions for determining whether Ne is present, most of these should apply if the function is dominant (barring grip situations). If only some of them apply or only very infrequently, then the function might be lower in the stack or there could be some minor Intuition overlap with Ni. Remember that you are looking for <em>consistent patterns</em>.</p>
855 <ul>
856 <li>Do you feel a strong need for mental stimulation and often have many diverse ideas, hopes, aspirations, dreams, or fantasies that you wish to fulfill (and are you reactive against monotony, logistical restrictions, and people nitpicking/dismissing your ideas and aspirations)?</li>
857 <li>Is it very important for you to feel as though you are making some progress or moving forward, easily connecting with possibility and going wherever it may take you without much hesitation?</li>
858 <li>Are you mostly an optimistic and easygoing person, resourceful in coming up with new ideas/fixes when necessary, and generally open-minded and easily taken by all sorts of new ideas?</li>
859 <li>When feeling low, do you find yourself suddenly dispirited or hopeless or stuck, perhaps after trying out several ideas that left you feeling underwhelmed or disappointed (i.e. reality doesn’t live up to your expectations)?</li>
860 <li>Do you have a pattern of disliking people who seem: unimaginative, foolhardy, over-traditional, nitpicky, rigid, slow, closed-minded, pessimistic (wet blanket)?</li>
861 <li>Have you ever gotten feedback about being: impractical, not sensible, careless, clumsy, scattered, inconsistent, unreliable, irresponsible, too reliant on others (to work out the details for you or clean up your messes)?</li>
862 </ul>
863 <p>[<em>Jump to <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/theory#inf">The Inferior Function</a> or Inferior <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/theory#infsini">Si/Ni</a></em>]</p>
864 <p>
865 <a name="domtifi"></a><strong>C. Introverted Judging Functions: Personalized Conclusions</strong></p>
866 <p>Both Ti and Fi desire a certain degree of independence from outside influences and, as a result, they prefer to use their own personal judgments about the world to guide their behaviors. In order to maintain the individual freedom to act according to personal judgment, both functions tend to see oneself as existing separately from the external environment, coming and going freely - they need private time and space to formulate their own personalized response to whatever is happening in the external world. Therefore, these two functions can manifest some similar looking behaviors on the surface (e.g. self-contained), but the underlying cognitive processes for preserving independence move in opposite directions (T v F).</p>
867 <p><strong>Ti dominant (IxTP):</strong> A judging function, Introverted Thinking evaluates information according to precise cause-and-effect formulas, seeking coherence among beliefs, consistency in decision making, and accuracy in calculating probabilities. Ti dominants seek to construct a <strong>self-sufficient</strong> mental model of situations, therefore, they are naturally inclined to systematize information and critically excise any data that seems to them to be irrelevant, inaccurate, unreliable, false, contradictory, invalid, or emotionally biased. Being patient in skill building, accumulating technical/formulaic expertise, and analyzing and deconstructing systems allows them to navigate the world with independence, confidence, and competence. However, this also means that they tend to overvalue the notion of individual “intelligence” and undervalue other important aspects of life that they deem to be “irrational” or “irrelevant” to their interests. When a person does not know how to use Ti appropriately, they tend to be too reductive and suffer blind spots in reasoning because of failing to understand other relevant perspectives, perhaps even excising human perspective altogether because it is defined as unuseful or detrimental to sound judgment. Healthy Ti dominants tend to be good at critical systems analysis and correcting their bad judgments as new evidence arises, able to come up with well-tailored solutions, and often admired for their measured and capable approach to problems.</p>
868 <p>Here are some questions for determining whether Ti is present, most of these should apply if the function is dominant (barring grip situations). If only some of them apply or only very infrequently, then the function might be lower in the stack or there could be some minor Thinking overlap with Te. Remember that you are looking for <em>consistent patterns</em>.</p>
869 <ul>
870 <li>Do you: automatically figure out the exact mechanics/mechanisms of how things work, critically troubleshoot problems, enjoy skill-building and tailoring elegant solutions, value precision/accuracy over speed, and use straightforward cause-effect principles to guide your behavior (and does it bother you when you are unable to figure out the exact cause of a problem or feel unable to calculate an easy formulaic solution)?</li>
871 <li>Is it very important for you to be intelligent, sensible, competent, independent, and self-sufficient, handling life and problems on your own, being responsible to yourself in correcting flaws and mistakes?</li>
872 <li>Are you mostly an analytical and impartial person who faces facts, speaks the facts, needs time for private interests, and keeps to oneself rather than getting unnecessarily involved/embroiled in things?</li>
873 <li>When feeling low, do you often find yourself unable to work or procrastinating, inexplicably unable to care about the things you should be caring about or usually care about?</li>
874 <li>Do you have a pattern of disliking people who seem: hasty, indiscreet, meddlesome, pushy, dogmatic, ideological, overemotional, irrational, manipulative, unwilling to face up to mistakes or admit errors?</li>
875 <li>Have you ever gotten feedback about being: lazy, indifferent, oblivious, asocial, cold, blunt, inexpressive, unemotional/unfeeling, inappropriate, awkward, selfish, inconsiderate?</li>
876 </ul>
877 <p><strong>Fi dominant (IxFP):</strong> A judging function, Introverted Feeling evaluates information through individual experience, using private feelings, personal values, and instinctive moral boundaries as reliable guides for decision making. Fi dominants seek inner harmony, therefore, they possess a visceral sense of what is “good” or “bad’, wanting to relieve “badness” or suffering whenever they encounter it. Maintaining a sense of <strong>congruency</strong> between their feelings, values, and actions means that they can express themselves authentically (oftentimes through artistic pursuits) and they can be counted on to protect individual integrity for others (when at their best). However, this also means that they tend to have difficulty acting against their strong feelings or opinions, perhaps unable to accomplish tasks or integrate well with the environment because of being held back by an overly individualistic mindset. When a person does not know how to use Fi appropriately, their attitude about life becomes unstable as their judgment or motivation tends to waver any time their feelings waver, prone to being too subjective in how they evaluate (moral) worth. Healthy Fi dominants tend to be good at understanding moral boundaries and protecting individual rights and freedoms, often admired for their sincerity, integrity, or willingness to stand up for what they believe is right.</p>
878 <p>Here are some questions for determining whether Fi is present, most of these should apply if the function is dominant (barring grip situations). If only some of them apply or only very infrequently, then the function might be lower in the stack or there could be some minor Feeling overlap with Fe. Remember that you are looking for <em>consistent patterns</em>.</p>
879 <ul>
880 <li>Do you often make strong value judgments and feel the need to stay true to yourself, your moral instincts, your opinions, your passions, your values, and your beliefs, and want to defend them whenever they are threatened (and is it very difficult for you to go against your feelings, opinions, and morals when tasks or circumstances urge you to suppress/abandon them)?</li>
881 <li>Is it very important to you that people (especially you) are allowed to express their individuality freely and creatively, even when it means that social conventions must be disrupted to ensure such opportunities?</li>
882 <li>Are you mostly a loyal and tolerant person, generally preferring to live and let live as long as no one infringes upon your space or moral boundaries?</li>
883 <li>When feeling low, do you easily start feeling bad about yourself or suffer extremes in low self-esteem, perhaps judging yourself as not being “normal”, “assertive”, “competent”, “smart” enough, etc?</li>
884 <li>Do you have a pattern of disliking people who seem: conforming, by-the-book, inauthentic, intrusive, domineering, disrespectful, unfeeling, impersonal?</li>
885 <li>Have you ever gotten feedback about being: self-absorbed, self-righteous, oversensitive, fragile, passive, unconfident, flighty, uncommunicative, hard to connect with, hard to reason with?</li>
886 </ul>
887 <p>[<em>Jump to <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/theory#inf">The Inferior Function</a> or Inferior <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/theory#inftefe">Te/Fe</a></em>]</p>
888 <p>
889 <a name="domtefe"></a><strong>D. Extraverted Judging Functions: Universalized Conclusions</strong></p>
890 <p>Both Te and Fe rely on “universal” principles as a means to integrate as seamlessly as possible into the external world and, as a result, they can have difficulty recognizing the importance of personal or individual factors that set people apart. In order to maintain a sense of existential stability, both functions prefer to use objectively or collectively agreed upon standards for making decisions and tend to dislike when situations/people do not abide by those standards - they need the entire world to seem stable in order to feel stable. Therefore, these two functions can manifest some similar looking behaviors on the surface (e.g. pushy), but the underlying cognitive processes for managing situations move in opposite directions (T v F).</p>
891 <p><strong>Te dominant (ExTJ):</strong> A judging function, Extraverted Thinking focuses on external structures, using objective systematic standards to evaluate success/failure in the world. Te dominants spot problems quickly and seek to remedy them immediately, always wanting to be as effective as possible when taking action, therefore, they are naturally attuned to the “rules of the game” that are guaranteed to win desirable and <strong>efficient results</strong>. Being structured in thought and organized in action allows them to approach situations with a sense of proficiency and confidence, often adroitly removing obstacles and reaching goals in a straightforward and linear fashion. However, this also means that they tend to have difficulty with situations that are ambiguous or not easily structured, perhaps quick to feel frustrated or impatient when encountering confusion, failure, incompetence, or weakness. When a person does not know how to use Te appropriately, they tend to be too absolutist, controlling, or amoral in believing that the end justifies the means, incapable of appreciating the process because of only valuing results. Healthy Te dominants tend to be good at tasks that require management or leadership behaviors, able to organize well and streamline plans, often admired for their strength and endurance in overcoming setbacks.</p>
892 <p>Here are some questions for determining whether Te is present, most of these should apply if the function is dominant (barring grip situations). If only some of them apply or only very infrequently, then the function might be lower in the stack or there could be some minor Thinking overlap with Ti. Remember that you are looking for <em>consistent patterns</em>.</p>
893 <ul>
894 <li>Do you highly prize efficiency, setting clear goals and objectives, generally willing to put out the effort to manage, lead, or organize when necessary (and do you tend to feel uneasy when problems remain unresolved or nobody steps up to properly take charge/responsibility)?</li>
895 <li>Is it very important to you to have enough power to change problematic situations, resolve issues, or correct mistakes when necessary?</li>
896 <li>Are you mostly a tough, straight-talking, no-nonsense, taking-care-of-business sort of person who generally does not have much difficulty keeping life together, and tries to help others through pointed and constructive criticism?</li>
897 <li>When feeling low, do you seek out organizational, strategic, or problem-solving activities to re-establish your confidence?</li>
898 <li>Do you have a pattern of disliking people who seem: lazy, slow, indecisive, unproductive, incompetent, self-indulgent, self-pitying, weak, fragile, soft, oversensitive, melodramatic, sentimental?</li>
899 <li>Have you ever gotten feedback about being: unsympathetic, judgmental, hasty, abrupt, harsh, aggressive, domineering, bossy, stubborn, hypocritical, a bad listener?</li>
900 </ul>
901 <p><strong>Fe dominant (ExFJ):</strong> A judging function, Extraverted Feeling focuses on social organization, using objective collective values to evaluate one’s position in the world. Fe dominants seek to build <strong>harmonious relationship</strong> and reduce interpersonal conflict, therefore, they are naturally attuned to the needs and feelings of others, trying to use that information to navigate social situations successfully. Establishing a good social network allows them to feel emotionally supported, appreciated for their contributions, and confident upon achieving acceptance. However, this also means that they tend to be too easily influenced by social factors, perhaps becoming overdependent on external sources for self-esteem or moral direction, sometimes feeling tempted to sacrifice too much for the sake of social approval or “the greater good”. When a person does not know how to use Fe appropriately, they tend to be insecure and have difficulty separating the self from others, frequently feeling torn between preserving independence versus honoring social roles/responsibilities. Healthy Fe dominants tend to be good at addressing relationship/social issues and promoting a sense of unity/belonging, often admired for their social grace, helpful attitude, or willingness to provide moral/emotional support to others.</p>
902 <p>Here are some questions for determining whether Fe is present, most of these should apply if the function is dominant (barring grip situations). If only some of them apply or only very infrequently, then the function might be lower in the stack or there could be some minor Feeling overlap with Fi. Remember that you are looking for <em>consistent patterns</em>.</p>
903 <ul>
904 <li>Do you feel most at ease when everyone is getting along well, cooperating well, treated equally and fairly, and being emotionally supportive of each other (and do you tend to be easily disturbed by social pressure, conflict, disagreement, dissent, criticism, or negativity)?</li>
905 <li>Is it very important to you to feel a sense of connection, acceptance, or community, easily suffering feelings of loneliness or emptiness when isolated for too long?</li>
906 <li>Are you mostly an amiable and compassionate person, wanting everyone (whom you like) to feel comfortable and included in a warm social atmosphere, seeking to ease differences/conflict through diplomacy and compromise?</li>
907 <li>When feeling low, do you crave social validation or (irrationally) start to feel socially undesirable, wanting love and care but perhaps not knowing exactly how to ask for/receive it (without feeling guilty/ashamed/selfish)?</li>
908 <li>Do you have a pattern of disliking people who seem: selfish, self-absorbed, negative, aloof, unfeeling, inconsiderate, antisocial, ungrateful, harsh, critical, judgmental, condescending, arrogant, dismissive?</li>
909 <li>Have you ever gotten feedback about being: nosy, meddlesome, melodramatic, irrational, attention-seeking, posing (to impress others), inauthentic, insecure, guarded, a pushover or doormat, prone to mindreading or speaking for others (without their consent)?</li>
910 </ul>
911 <p>[<em>Jump to <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/theory#inf">The Inferior Function</a> or Inferior <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/theory#inftifi">Ti/Fi</a></em>]</p>
912 <p>
913 <a name="tadom"></a>
914 </p>
915 <p><strong>E. Typing Accurately</strong></p>
916 <p>Cognitive function theory is a structural framework that provides a systematic method of deconstructing your mental activities. It is normal for beginners to feel overwhelmed by the details because there are so many types to consider. Complex ideas take time to learn. Depending on your level of self-awareness, your mental activities might seem quite messy and hard to analyze. Just remember that the whole point of learning type theory is to gradually make sense of yourself and become more conscious of how you use your functions. </p>
917 <p>Generally speaking, introverted functions are harder to identify because they are internalized and operate somewhat under your radar, whereas extraverted functions are easier to identify because they are more likely to manifest visibly in your outward behaviors. Therefore, some introverts might notice their extraverted auxiliary function more readily because it is more easily observable. Because the dominant function is the one that you use with the most ease and comfort, it also means that it can be used too <em>habitually</em>, where you <em>take it for granted</em> and are not fully aware of using it. Therefore, identifying the dominant function is a good way to increase self-awareness (so that you can learn to use the function more maturely).</p>
918 <p>If you identify strongly with a function description, it is likely to be a higher function in the stack. If you find a function description to be unusual, abnormal, “wrong”, or completely alien to your way of thinking, then it is likely to be lower in your stack. People who are prone to looping can feel a strong enough affinity with the tertiary function to believe that it could be dominant, this is covered later in the Tertiary function section. People who are prone to inferior grip issues can believe that their inferior function is dominant even when they dislike using it or do not use it all that well, this is covered later in the Inferior function section. If your personality has not developed well due to various impediments, you might use the dominant function in a negative manner, unable to tap into its strengths and advantages, but the key is that you really NEED to use it well because doing so means that you are being authentically you, which will result in good psychological well-being and emotional stability.</p>
919 <p>It is certainly theoretically possible to use any of the eight function approaches depending on the circumstances (behaviorally speaking), but what you are looking for is the <strong>dominating trend</strong>, the <strong>overarching cognitive motivation</strong> behind your behavior. There should be plenty of hard evidence of a dominant function because it permeates your entire thought process. You are NOT looking for what is “possibly true” but not actually true, or what you “aspire” to be but deep down know you are not. <strong>Who are you really and what is most important to you in life? </strong>Avoid typing yourself with superficial stereotypes that do not really capture the essence of the functions, e.g.:</p>
920 <ul>
921 <li>Si is not the same as memory</li>
922 <li>Ni is not the same as a long term goal</li>
923 <li>Ti is not the same as analyzing something</li>
924 <li>Fi is not the same as emotions</li>
925 <li>Se is not the same as physical ability</li>
926 <li>Ne is not the same as being creative/random</li>
927 <li>Te is not the same as being organized</li>
928 <li>Fe is not the same as being sociable</li>
929 </ul>
930 <p>While these could be little clues, they are not sufficient in themselves for confirming the presence of a function. Everyone has a memory and gets sentimental at times, everyone has an emotional life, everyone would like to have friends, etc. Whatever common traits, characteristics, or behaviors you display, the key question is to <strong>ask WHY you display them</strong>, then the function becomes more obvious. For example, anyone can be optimistic, pessimistic, indecisive, friendly, stubborn, <insert adjective>. It is not enough to simply describe a person as “optimistic” (trait:behavior), ask WHY they are (motivation:cognition). Is it PRIMARILY:</p>
931 <ul>
932 <li><em>because of</em> feeling safe and secure in life (Si)?</li>
933 <li><em>because of</em> feeling as though the world is an exciting place (Se)?</li>
934 <li><em>because of</em> feeling aligned with the future (Ni)?</li>
935 <li><em>because of</em> imagining many positive possibilities (Ne)?</li>
936 <li><em>because of</em> confidence in one’s skills and capabilities (Ti)?</li>
937 <li><em>because of</em> possessing the power to overcome obstacles (Te)?</li>
938 <li><em>because of</em> feeling good about oneself (Fi)?</li>
939 <li><em>because of</em> feeling connected and supported (Fe)?</li>
940 </ul>
941 <p>Many people have difficulty typing because they don’t know themselves well enough and they are not aware of the motivational forces behind their cognitive-behavioral patterns. In other words, they don’t understand WHY they think or behave as they do. The best use of cognitive function theory is for making the mind more transparent because you can’t develop better self-regulation when you don’t have a clue about what is really motivating you.</p>
942 <p>Remember that <strong>people do not only use one function</strong>, so identifying the dominant function is not enough to be absolutely sure of your type - you must put together a holistic picture of the four functions and understand the role that each one plays in your cognition. The dominant function section might give you a good idea of which four functions are in your stack, but not necessarily the exact order of them. If you can narrow down the dominant function to one or two possibilities, then the next step is to identify the corresponding inferior function as further evidence.</p>
943 <p>
944 <a name="inf"></a>********************</p>
945 <p><strong>Section 2: THE INFERIOR FUNCTION</strong></p>
946 <ul>
947 <li>inferior perceiving functions: <a href="#infsini">Si/Ni</a>, <a href="#infsene">Se/Ne</a></li>
948 <li>inferior judging functions: <a href="#inftifi">Ti/Fi</a>, <a href="#inftefe">Te/Fe</a></li>
949 <li>considerations for <a href="#tainf">typing accurately</a></li>
950 </ul>
951 <p><strong>I’d Rather Not Be This Way</strong></p>
952 <p>The inferior function is opposite to the dominant function, so the two functions pull you in opposite directions, feeding you conflicting information about the world. If the dominant function represents you and who you should be when at your best, then the inferior function is the <strong>dark aspect</strong> of your personality, the part of yourself that you do not understand very well, the part of your personality that you are prone to ignoring or avoiding. Due to long term reliance on the dominant function and always choosing its goals and desires, the goals and desires of the inferior function remain submerged in the unconscious mind. However, according to analytical psychology, mental activities that are <em>too</em> repressed in the unconscious mind have a way of exerting themselves underhandedly when you least expect it, which implies that the inferior function is not truly “inferior” but actually quite powerful in ways that you do not fully grasp.</p>
953 <p>As personality develops, we must repress the inferior function in order to give the dominant function more energy and control over life, otherwise the psychological conflict between the two functions would cause too much mental disturbance. This leads to the inferior function remaining undeveloped because of operating beyond conscious awareness most of the time, so you will never be able to use it as well or as comfortably as a dominant function. The more heavily you rely on the dominant function, the more you unconsciously press down on the inferior function, creating a psychological imbalance that bottles up its energy and causes it to feel too constricted.</p>
954 <p>When you are under intense emotional stress or no longer have the mental energy to maintain the cognitive control of the dominant function, bottled up inferior energy has the potential to leak into the conscious mind, sometimes causing a regression to more primitive coping behaviors, described by Naomi Quenk as “being <strong>in the grip</strong> of the inferior function”. This state of mind makes you act seemingly out of character. Once the grip period is over, you may wonder why you behaved so badly or what came over you. It is often during these critical times that the inferior function is more visible and memorable because it accompanies negative emotions or the low points in life. Since the inferior function tends to flare up when you lose self-control, it is more likely to manifest in immature, childish, dysfunctional, or destructive behavior.</p>
955 <p>People who are very prone to manifesting inferior grip tendencies generally have low self-awareness, unhappy but not understanding why, and their cognitive processes operate at an instinctual or primal level, mostly driven by unconscious emotional reactivity. If you experience prolonged periods of being in the grip, it can obscure your true self, which may lead to mistyping because, at that point, the inferior function has turned your personality “upside down”, making it very difficult to know who you really are.</p>
956 <p>While there are positive aspects to the inferior function, the negative aspects are most useful for typing because they are more memorable and easier to spot. Below are explanations of how and why inferior functions tend to manifest in their negative form.</p>
957 <p>
958 <a name="infsini"></a><strong>A. Introverted Perceiving Functions: Overwhelmed Within</strong></p>
959 <p>Ne and Se dominants often feel the need to chase stimulation from the external world. If such dominant behaviors become too extreme, they will lack inner substance and proper direction, unable to establish a strong and stable sense of self within because of not taking enough time for personal reflection. When in the grip, the inferior function forces their attention inwards to reflect on their personal well-being and whether their actions truly have any personal meaning. Unused to taking time for careful introspection, being overwhelmed by soul searching and unbid images of the future can easily lead to an underlying sense of unease, uncertainty, or panic.</p>
960 <p><strong>Inferior Si (ENxP):</strong> Since Ne values freedom of thought, hope, and inspiration, if the resultant behaviors get too extreme, Ne dominants are likely to become increasingly scattered or overextended in chasing after the positive possibilities they envision. When dominant behaviors lead to too much unrealized potential, unconscious inferior Si impulses start to rise up and overwhelm Ne’s natural optimism. When in Si grip, Ne dominants are likely to become troubled, demoralized, or uptight, e.g.: they may feel like they have nothing to show for themselves (and perhaps try desperately to refocus/redouble their efforts); they may feel deeply haunted by past events/mistakes and then fear that the future is ruined as a result; they may become irrationally pedantic or fussy about tiny details in vain attempts to avoid facing reality. Generally speaking, their tendency to believe that the rules of the world do not apply to them makes them too impatient to methodically build detailed knowledge like the best Si dominants, therefore, their unconscious attempts to use Si to compensate for Ne extremes do not tend to turn out well, especially when under stress (due to poorly developed judging functions that lead to bad decision making). See also: <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/post/136898571387/how-functions-work-inferior-si-entpenfp" target="_blank">inferior Si</a> in depth.</p>
961 <p>Si expresses the need for attentiveness, caution, stability, and physical security. Therefore, ignoring Si for too long often results in lack of focus, carelessness, unstable lifestyle, and poor physical health. To determine whether you experience inferior Si grip, ask yourself what uncharacteristic impulses rise up when you “lose yourself” and become the worst version of you. A grip state can take the form of a temporary and maladaptive reaction to short-term environmental stress, however, there are also more chronic grip cases that result from long term personality development problems (these individuals generally misuse all four functions and have poor self-knowledge of the dominant function.)</p>
962 <p>Loss of healthy dominant Ne functioning:</p>
963 <ul>
964 <li>I feel as though I have lost my creative spark.</li>
965 <li>I am unable to see positive possibilities for my life.</li>
966 <li>I see no path forward and withdraw to reflect on why.</li>
967 </ul>
968 <p>Examples of out of character Si grip tendencies:</p>
969 <ul>
970 <li>I am alone, isolated, misunderstood, underappreciated.</li>
971 <li>I can’t help feeling anxious, apprehensive, irritable.</li>
972 <li>I am inexplicably compulsive, pedantic, nitpicky about little details.</li>
973 <li>I obsess about one issue that makes me feel hapless/hopeless.</li>
974 <li>I ruminate about a past event/mistake/regret over and over.</li>
975 <li>I fear that past mistakes have closed the door on my future. </li>
976 <li>I get sick easily when stressed and irrationally fear illness/disease.</li>
977 <li>I believe I cannot finish all the things I dream of doing/accomplishing.</li>
978 <li>I am constantly stressed about time passing and incomplete tasks.</li>
979 </ul>
980 <p><strong>Inferior Ni (ESxP):</strong> Since Se values openness, movement, and engagement, if the resultant behaviors get too extreme, Se dominants are likely to become increasingly thoughtless or irresponsible in chasing pleasure and evading pain. When dominant behaviors lead to unavoidable negative consequences, unconscious inferior Ni impulses start to rise up and overwhelm Se’s easygoing adaptability. When in Ni grip, Se dominants are likely to become gloomy, cynical, or disconnected, e.g.: they may find it difficult to enjoy the things that usually engage their attention; they may become paranoid and only see the doomed scenario of every situation; they may feel as though the world has nothing to live for and then search desperately for some kind of “spiritual meaning”. Generally speaking, they are too restless to intricately synthesize contradictory perspectives into an accurate vision of the future like the best Ni dominants, therefore, their unconscious attempts to use Ni to compensate for Se extremes do not tend to turn out well, especially when under stress (due to poorly developed judging functions that lead to bad decision making). See also: <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/post/138300935012/how-functions-work-inferior-ni-estpesfp" target="_blank">inferior Ni</a> in depth.</p>
981 <p>Ni expresses the need for reflection, direction, purpose, and vision. Therefore, ignoring Ni for too long often results in recklessness, aimlessness, meaningless lifestyle, and unfulfilled potential. To determine whether you experience inferior Ni grip, ask yourself what uncharacteristic impulses rise up when you “lose yourself” and become the worst version of you. A grip state can take the form of a temporary and maladaptive reaction to short-term environmental stress, however, there are also more chronic grip cases that result from long term personality development problems (these individuals generally misuse all four functions and have poor self-knowledge of the dominant function.)</p>
982 <p>Loss of healthy dominant Se functioning:</p>
983 <ul>
984 <li>I feel as though I cannot enjoy anything anymore.</li>
985 <li>I am unable to find interest in what I would normally find fun.</li>
986 <li>Life suddenly seems too serious, like an uphill battle.</li>
987 </ul>
988 <p>Examples of out of character Ni grip tendencies:</p>
989 <ul>
990 <li>I am alone, removed, separate, trapped in myself.</li>
991 <li>I can’t help feeling gloomy, skeptical, withdrawn.</li>
992 <li>I am inexplicably intolerant, doubtful, distrustful about everything.</li>
993 <li>I panic about being doomed in some imagined future scenario.</li>
994 <li>I am paranoid about ulterior motives or being taken advantage of.</li>
995 <li>I suddenly feel as though I’ve wasted my life on pointless things.</li>
996 <li>I look for (mystical) “signs” to confirm my suspicions/insecurities.</li>
997 <li>I have an overpowering urge to seek higher purpose/spiritual meaning.</li>
998 <li>I am plagued by disturbing images and fear going insane.</li>
999 </ul>
1000 <p>[<em>Jump to <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/theory#aux">The Auxiliary Function</a> or Auxiliary <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/theory#auxtifi">Ti/Fi</a></em>]</p>
1001 <p>
1002 <a name="infsene"></a><strong>B. Extraverted Perceiving Functions: Overwhelmed by the World</strong></p>
1003 <p>Ni and Si dominants often feel the need to reflect and process information in order to understand situations more thoroughly before taking action in the world. If such dominant behaviors become too extreme, they lose touch with the outside world, unable to adapt to new changes or consider new possibilities because of failing to properly adjust the thick subjective filter through which they gather information. When in the grip, the inferior function forces them to confront external changes or possibilities that they would rather not acknowledge. Unused to responding quickly to fast-moving circumstances, being overwhelmed by frequent intrusions from the external world can easily lead to denial, shutting down, or an underlying sense of dread.</p>
1004 <p><strong>Inferior Se (INxJ):</strong> Since Ni values direction, purpose, or meaning, if the resultant behaviors get too extreme, Ni dominants are likely to become increasingly narrow-minded or unrealistic about what they believe is possible in life. When dominant behaviors lead to frustrated goals/ideals, unconscious inferior Se impulses start to rise up and overwhelm Ni’s natural foresight. When in Se grip, Ni dominants are likely to become reactive, hasty, or short-sighted, e.g.: they may have difficulty responding well to intrusions of new factual information and even continue their attempts to force their imaginary vision on the world; they may become demanding or controlling about details, irrationally fussing over sensory/aesthetic changes; they may indulge hedonistic or destructive impulses in a lame attempt to bury feelings of emptiness (rationalizing whatever they want to do in the moment but then regretting their ill-thought-out actions later on). Generally speaking, they are too blinded by distorted beliefs to adjust quickly and objectively to the plain facts of the world like the best Se dominants, therefore, their unconscious attempts to use Se to compensate for Ni extremes do not tend to turn out well, especially when under stress (due to poorly developed judging functions that lead to bad decision making). See also: <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/post/127263303957/how-functions-work-inferior-se-intjinfj" target="_blank">inferior Se</a> in depth.</p>
1005 <p>Se expresses the need for engagement, interaction, enjoyment, and resourcefulness. Therefore, ignoring Se for too long often results in feeling disconnected, feeling left behind or that life is passing you by, inability to feel joy because of only seeing what is lacking/missing, and inability to see/grasp good opportunities for growth. To determine whether you experience inferior Se grip, ask yourself what uncharacteristic impulses rise up when you “lose yourself” and become the worst version of you. A grip state can take the form of a temporary and maladaptive reaction to short-term environmental stress, however, there are also more chronic grip cases that result from long term personality development problems (these individuals generally misuse all four functions and have poor self-knowledge of the dominant function.)</p>
1006 <p>Loss of healthy dominant Ni functioning:</p>
1007 <ul>
1008 <li>I feel as though my mind is murky and opaque.</li>
1009 <li>I cannot find meaningful direction or purpose in life.</li>
1010 <li>Every day feels the same but I don’t know how to change it.</li>
1011 </ul>
1012 <p>Examples of out of character Se grip tendencies:</p>
1013 <ul>
1014 <li>I am easily thwarted, provoked, disturbed (so I avoid).</li>
1015 <li>I can’t help feeling frustrated, implacable, or unseen in the world.</li>
1016 <li>I am inexplicably clumsy, unfocused, accident/error prone.</li>
1017 <li>I am bothered by aesthetic “imperfections” or changes in my environment.</li>
1018 <li>I compulsively exert physical control (clean, organize, exercise, etc).</li>
1019 <li>I restlessly seek “facts” to justify my impulsive/reckless actions.</li>
1020 <li>I engage in hedonistic behavior in lame attempts to address emptiness.</li>
1021 <li>I seek excitement but always end up apathetic/dissatisfied.</li>
1022 <li>I often regret spending too much time (obsessing) on trivial things.</li>
1023 </ul>
1024 <p><strong>Inferior Ne (ISxJ):</strong> Since Si values familiarity, stability, or security, if the resultant behaviors get too extreme, Si dominants are likely to become increasingly closed-minded or hesitant about risk/change. When dominant behaviors lead to extreme inflexibility, unconscious inferior Ne impulses start to rise up and overwhelm Si’s cautious nature. When in Ne grip, Si dominants are likely to become unpredictable, erratic, or chaotic, e.g.: they may have difficulty responding well to uncontrollable visualizations about what could go wrong (catastrophizing about “potential disasters”); they may irrationally chase foolish solutions/improvements only to upend their lives for little to no real gain; they may behave in ways that they know are inconsistent/irresponsible but cease to care. Generally speaking, they are too restrained by fear of loss to accurately visualize positive possibilities and work past negative ones like the best Ne dominants, therefore, their unconscious attempts to use Ne to compensate for Si extremes do not tend to turn out well, especially when under stress (due to poorly developed judging functions that lead to bad decision making). See also: <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/post/128225101612/how-functions-work-inferior-ne-istjisfj" target="_blank">inferior Ne</a> in depth.</p>
1025 <p>Ne expresses the need for imagination, inspiration, optimism, and change. Therefore, ignoring Ne for too long often results in stagnation, boredom, pessimism, and risk aversion. To determine whether you experience inferior Ne grip, ask yourself what uncharacteristic impulses rise up when you “lose yourself” and become the worst version of you. A grip state can take the form of a temporary and maladaptive reaction to short-term environmental stress, however, there are also more chronic grip cases that result from long term personality development problems (these individuals generally misuse all four functions and have poor self-knowledge of the dominant function.)</p>
1026 <p>Loss of healthy dominant Si functioning:</p>
1027 <ul>
1028 <li>I feel uncomfortable because life seems lacking.</li>
1029 <li>I am unable to do things as carefully as I’d like.</li>
1030 <li>Change is coming too fast and I can’t keep up.</li>
1031 </ul>
1032 <p>Examples of out of character Ne grip tendencies:</p>
1033 <ul>
1034 <li>I am easily insecure, easily troubled, easily on edge.</li>
1035 <li>I can’t help feeling unstable, restless, bored.</li>
1036 <li>I am inexplicably careless, irresponsible, erratic.</li>
1037 <li>I have lost social inhibition and say/do damaging things.</li>
1038 <li>I imagine all manner of things that could possibly go wrong.</li>
1039 <li>I am paralyzed/anxious when I think about the future.</li>
1040 <li>I am easily taken by new/outlandish ideas (related to the future).</li>
1041 <li>I experience fits of hopefulness that quickly get dashed by reality.</li>
1042 <li>I fantasize/desire something but can’t find the right way to obtain it.</li>
1043 </ul>
1044 <p>[<em>Jump to <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/theory#aux">The Auxiliary Function</a> or Auxiliary <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/theory#auxtefe">Te/Fe</a></em>]</p>
1045 <p>
1046 <a name="inftifi"></a><strong>C. Introverted Judging Functions: Disconnected from Self<br></strong></p>
1047 <p>Fe and Te dominants often feel the need to actively manage people and situations in order to ensure smooth integration with the external world. If such dominant behaviors become too extreme, they will lose touch with their own personal needs, unable to properly care for themselves properly because of perceiving such behaviors as being “selfish” in placing the individual front and center (thus segregating and failing to integrate well). When in the grip, the inferior function forces their attention inwards to confront their own long neglected grievances or concerns. Unused to reflecting deeply on personal needs and feeling separate from the external world, being overwhelmed by a tumultuous inner life can easily lead to confusion or melancholy.</p>
1048 <p><strong>Inferior Ti (ExFJ):</strong> Since Fe values relationship, harmony, or unity, if the resultant behaviors get too extreme, Fe dominants are likely to become increasingly overbearing or insecure in relationships. When dominant behaviors lead to feelings of disharmony or disapproval from others, unconscious inferior Ti impulses start to rise up and overwhelm Fe’s natural compassion. When in Ti grip, Fe dominants are likely to become confused, critical, or resentful, e.g.: they may get stuck thinking in circles when disagreed with or disapproved of, unable to make good decisions without outside validation; they may be quick to blame or “correct” people’s behavior to be more “harmonious” only to worsen the conflict; they may become unable to see the good in others and start to believe people unworthy of care and compassion, or harbor resentment about people they perceive as “socially unacceptable”. Generally speaking, they are too emotionally invested in relationships to evaluate issues impartially and come up with rational, coherent strategies/solutions like the best Ti dominants, therefore, their unconscious attempts to use Ti to compensate for Fe extremes do not tend to turn out well, especially when under stress (due to poorly developed perceiving functions that gather information too selectively). See also: <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/post/138752527937/how-functions-work-inferior-ti-esfjenfj" target="_blank">inferior Ti</a> in depth.</p>
1049 <p>Ti expresses the need for critical thinking, clarity of judgment, independence, and self-sufficiency. Therefore, ignoring Ti for too long often results in inability to solve problems and address flawed thinking, confused or emotionally biased judgment, being at the mercy of social influence, lack of self-confidence, and overdependence on others for guidance/support/approval. To determine whether you experience inferior Ti grip, ask yourself what uncharacteristic impulses rise up when you “lose yourself” and become the worst version of you. A grip state can take the form of a temporary and maladaptive reaction to short-term environmental stress, however, there are also more chronic grip cases that result from long term personality development problems (these individuals generally misuse all four functions and have poor self-knowledge of the dominant function.)</p>
1050 <p>Loss of healthy dominant Fe functioning:</p>
1051 <ul>
1052 <li>I feel pessimistic about human nature.</li>
1053 <li>I am unable to socialize or connect with people.</li>
1054 <li>I don’t have energy to care for myself or relationships.</li>
1055 </ul>
1056 <p>Examples of out of character Ti grip tendencies:</p>
1057 <ul>
1058 <li>I am lonely, disconnected, cornered, maltreated.</li>
1059 <li>I can’t help feeling bitter, critical, cynical.</li>
1060 <li>I am inexplicably cold, judgmental, unsympathetic.</li>
1061 <li>I ruminate and create backstories to “logically” explain bad behavior.</li>
1062 <li>I look for “reasons” to dump on, manipulate, or guilt people.</li>
1063 <li>I feel completely rational yet others say I am very irrational.</li>
1064 <li>I go on “quests for truth” to solve a problem or prove I am right.</li>
1065 <li>I am plagued by underlying antagonism, inferiority, inadequacy.</li>
1066 </ul>
1067 <p><strong>Inferior Fi (ExTJ):</strong> Since Te values efficiency, competence, or structure, if the resultant behaviors get too extreme, Te dominants are likely to become increasingly aggressive or insensitive in their actions. When dominant behaviors lead to unavoidable setbacks or severe pushback, unconscious inferior Fi impulses start to rise up and overwhelm Te’s natural toughness and confidence. When in Fi grip, Te dominants are likely to become passive, emotional, or self-pitying, e.g.: they may retreat/withdraw after consecutive failures leave them feeling at a loss; they may blame or punish themselves for inadvertently hurting someone they care deeply about; they may feel unable to move forward because of feeling like the world is not cooperating with them or appreciating their efforts. Generally speaking, they are too impatient/uncompromising to accept mistakes and then fail to work sensitively around human flaws, limitations, and weaknesses like the best Fi dominants, therefore, their unconscious attempts to use Fi to compensate for Te extremes do not tend to turn out well, especially when under stress (due to poorly developed perceiving functions that gather information too selectively). See also: <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/post/140050745702/how-functions-work-inferior-fi-estjentj" target="_blank">inferior Fi</a> in depth.</p>
1068 <p>Fi expresses the need for dignity, integrity, well-being, and acceptance. Therefore, ignoring Fi for too long often results in failure to recognize personal/individual needs, hypocritical/incongruous behavior, suppression of emotional life, and an aggressively critical attitude. To determine whether you experience inferior Fi grip, ask yourself what uncharacteristic impulses rise up when you “lose yourself” and become the worst version of you. A grip state can take the form of a temporary and maladaptive reaction to short-term environmental stress, however, there are also more chronic grip cases that result from long term personality development problems (these individuals generally misuse all four functions and have poor self-knowledge of the dominant function.)</p>
1069 <p>Loss of healthy dominant Te functioning:</p>
1070 <ul>
1071 <li>I feel as though my confidence has disappeared.</li>
1072 <li>I am unable to complete tasks/goals efficiently.</li>
1073 <li>I am at a loss about how to solve important problems.</li>
1074 </ul>
1075 <p>Examples of out of character Fi grip tendencies:</p>
1076 <ul>
1077 <li>I am tired, fed up, unmotivated, unappreciated.</li>
1078 <li>I can’t help feeling melancholy, reproached, rebuked.</li>
1079 <li>I am inexplicably overcome by helplessness.</li>
1080 <li>I don’t realize how much I sulk, complain, whine.</li>
1081 <li>I am strangely hypersensitive to “unfair” treatment.</li>
1082 <li>I believe I am righteous in my vengefulness/vindictiveness.</li>
1083 <li>I suddenly realize and regret my hurtful/insensitive behavior.</li>
1084 <li>I withdraw to avoid public emotional displays/breakdowns.</li>
1085 <li>I pity myself and make excuses instead of taking charge.</li>
1086 </ul>
1087 <p>[<em>Jump to <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/theory#aux">The Auxiliary Function</a> or Auxiliary <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/theory#auxsini">Si/Ni</a></em>]</p>
1088 <p>
1089 <a name="inftefe"></a><strong>D. Extraverted Judging Functions: Out of Touch With the World<br></strong></p>
1090 <p>Fi and Ti dominants often feel the need to carve out private space in order to maintain individual freedom to pursue self-expression or personal activities. If such behaviors become too extreme, they can’t integrate well with the environment because their subjective judging process often fails to take into account objective values and concerns. When in the grip, the inferior function forces their attention outwards to confront their failures in the world. Unused to using objective standards to evaluate the self, being overwhelmed by external judgments and viewing the self from the outside can easily lead to an underlying sense of incompetence or inadequacy.</p>
1091 <p><strong>Inferior Te (IxFP):</strong> Since Fi values individuality, integrity, and congruency, if the resultant behaviors get too extreme, Fi dominants are likely to become psychologically segregated from the world, unable to achieve a sense of validation or success in life because of being unable to integrate well with the standards that govern their surroundings. When dominant behaviors lead to failure and accompanying low self-esteem, unconscious inferior Te impulses start to rise up and overwhelm Fi’s natural empathy. When in Te grip, Fi dominants are likely to become cold, testy, or controlling, e.g.: they may feel emotionally disconnected but not understand why; they may become vindictive when they feel morally wronged by people or the world; they may become obstinate in attitude, aggressively trying to “correct” all the wrongs they see or doing extreme things to get life together only to burn out quickly. Generally speaking, they place too much trust in their own subjective feelings/judgments, not realizing when they are wrong, unable to organize facts objectively and devise effective strategies for solving problems like the best Te dominants, therefore, their unconscious attempts to use Te to compensate for Fi extremes do not tend to turn out well, especially when under stress (due to poorly developed perceiving functions that gather information too selectively). See also: <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/post/128803785927/how-functions-work-inferior-te-isfpinfp" target="_blank">inferior Te</a> in depth.</p>
1092 <p>Te expresses the need for competency, efficiency, power, and achievement. Therefore, ignoring Te for too long often results in mistakes and failures, ineffectual behavior or procrastination, lack of confidence or helplessness, and lack of ambition or motivation. To determine whether you experience inferior Te grip, ask yourself what uncharacteristic impulses rise up when you “lose yourself” and become the worst version of you. A grip state can take the form of a temporary and maladaptive reaction to short-term environmental stress, however, there are also more chronic grip cases that result from long term personality development problems (these individuals generally misuse all four functions and have poor self-knowledge of the dominant function.)</p>
1093 <p>Loss of healthy dominant Fi functioning:</p>
1094 <ul>
1095 <li>I feel as though I cannot express myself.</li>
1096 <li>I am unable to recognize my good qualities.</li>
1097 <li>I am too weak to overcome my negative attitude.</li>
1098 </ul>
1099 <p>Examples of out of character Te grip tendencies:</p>
1100 <ul>
1101 <li>I am empty, hardened, uninterested, remote.</li>
1102 <li>I can’t help being blunt, critical, aggressive.</li>
1103 <li>I am plagued by self-reproach, blame, disapproval.</li>
1104 <li>I am ready to pick a fight with anyone I find disagreeable.</li>
1105 <li>I have an overpowering urge to “correct” everything.</li>
1106 <li>I hate being a failure but don’t see how I can be otherwise.</li>
1107 <li>I make many fleeting/failed attempts to get my life together.</li>
1108 <li>Even if I can get organized, I can’t follow through with plans.</li>
1109 <li>I dislike/despise everything but see no feasible solutions.</li>
1110 </ul>
1111 <p><strong>Inferior Fe (IxTP):</strong> Since Ti values self-sufficiency, coherence, or technical prowess, if the resultant behaviors get too extreme, Ti dominants are likely to become increasingly socially insensitive/disconnected, behaving in ways that are harmful/destructive to others/relationships. When dominant behaviors lead to serious social conflict, unconscious inferior Fe impulses start to rise up and overwhelm Ti’s natural autonomy. When in the grip, Ti dominants are likely to become inept, suspicious, or volatile, e.g.: they may become desperate when feeling misunderstood or conniving when they cannot get what they want; they may frequently misinterpret what others expect of them and then ascribe the wrong motives to people; they may act out in frustration or anger when they perceive their independence violated. Generally speaking, their easy emotional detachment leads to a failure to handle social issues with the grace and selflessness of the best Fe dominants, therefore, their unconscious attempts to use Fe to compensate for Ti extremes do not tend to turn out well, especially when under stress (due to poorly developed perceiving functions that gather information too selectively). See also: <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/post/135002965032/how-functions-work-inferior-fe-istpintp" target="_blank">inferior Fe</a> in depth.</p>
1112 <p>Fe expresses the need for caring, belonging, generosity/helpfulness, and compassionate relationships. Therefore, ignoring Fe for too long often results in antisocial or unsympathetic behavior, isolation or misanthropy, selfishness or stinginess, and stunted/dysfunctional relationships that are devoid of feeling and empathy. To determine whether you experience inferior Fe grip, ask yourself what uncharacteristic impulses rise up when you “lose yourself” and become the worst version of you. A grip state can take the form of a temporary and maladaptive reaction to short-term environmental stress, however, there are also more chronic grip cases that result from long term personality development problems (these individuals generally misuse all four functions and have poor self-knowledge of the dominant function.)</p>
1113 <p>Loss of healthy dominant Ti functioning:</p>
1114 <ul>
1115 <li>I feel strangely clouded and confused.</li>
1116 <li>I am unable to make sense of my problems.</li>
1117 <li>I don’t know why I am doing the negative/obnoxious things I do.</li>
1118 </ul>
1119 <p>Examples of out of character Fe grip tendencies:</p>
1120 <ul>
1121 <li>I am uncool, awkward, unconfident, “not myself”.</li>
1122 <li>I can’t help feeling strangely guilty, inadequate, inferior, undesirable.</li>
1123 <li>I inexplicably seek out affirmation, approval, agreement.</li>
1124 <li>I go out of my way to provoke/get attention from a particular person.</li>
1125 <li>I don’t know how I suddenly get caught up in drama/arguments.</li>
1126 <li>I don’t normally consider what people think but now I can’t brush it off.</li>
1127 <li>I often suspect people are trying to manipulate/control me.</li>
1128 <li>I suddenly realize I am inept and fear damaging a relationship.</li>
1129 <li>I am suddenly very bothered about feeling alienated/alone.</li>
1130 </ul>
1131 <p>[<em>Jump to <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/theory#aux">The Auxiliary Function</a> or Auxiliary <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/theory#auxsene">Se/Ne</a></em>]</p>
1132 <p>
1133 <a name="tainf"></a>
1134 </p>
1135 <p><strong>E. Typing Accurately</strong></p>
1136 <p>Being the lowest function in the primary stack and deeply submerged in the unconscious mind, most people are generally unaware of inferior function activities unless they have specifically studied function development. The inferior function produces personality <strong>flaws</strong> and deep unconscious <strong>insecurities</strong> which often lead to overcompensation, for example:</p>
1137 <ul>
1138 <li>inf Si believes oneself good with details but is careless with them</li>
1139 <li>inf Ni believes intuitions are prescient but gets unintended consequences</li>
1140 <li>inf Ti believes oneself rational but decisions are emotionally driven</li>
1141 <li>inf Fi believes oneself morally principled but behaves hypocritically</li>
1142 <li>inf Se believes oneself practical but blinded by unrealistic assumptions</li>
1143 <li>inf Ne believes oneself open-minded but shoots down good ideas</li>
1144 <li>inf Te believes judgments objective but only uses subjective opinion</li>
1145 <li>inf Fe believes analysis complete but fails to include other vantage points</li>
1146 </ul>
1147 <p>Some people are attracted to opposite types because of wanting someone else to make up for personal flaws/insecurities instead of correcting them properly, e.g., NPs often seek out SJs to do their dirty work and SJs often seek out NPs for excitement instead of being adventurous themselves. People who are at higher levels of type development tend to be more aware of the inferior function because of wanting to develop it rather than avoid it, but this is rare and not easily observable until about middle-age (assuming natural course of development).</p>
1148 <p>Identifying the inferior function is the best way to tell similar or mirror types apart and it is a fast way to settle E or I (see the linked in-depth articles on inferior functions if you are unsure). Extraverts can have a tougher time with this step because they tend to reflect less and thereby lack depth of self-knowledge. However, anyone can be in denial about their shortcomings because they would like to see themselves in a positive light, therefore, it is all too easy to deceive oneself into thinking that the inferior function is higher or better developed than it really is. Identifying the inferior function should be very helpful for typing accurately and for raising self-awareness because the process forces you to look beyond whatever superficial self-image you have constructed for yourself, but <strong>only if you are able to be honest in confronting the undesirable aspects of your personality</strong>.</p>
1149 <p>If your personality has not developed well for whatever reason, you may be prone to inferior function issues or inferior grip episodes and not realize it. If these issues become chronic, you can lose sight of who you really are as your self-image becomes increasingly distorted, e.g., you may continually strive to become something that leaves you feeling unhappy. Sometimes, a personality can be so unhealthy that a person identifies with the negative descriptions of a function in both the dominant and inferior positions. Remember that the dominant function is the one that should determine your direction in life if you are to reach your full type potential. The goals and desires of the inferior function are also an important part of your personality but they ultimately leave you feeling unsatisfied because they alone will not result in you being your authentic self. In fact, suffering inferior grip for prolonged periods often leads to subconscious self-loathing, guilt, or shame as you consistently reject the true self, trying to convince yourself that you are someone else.</p>
1150 <p>Grip behaviors are sometimes misguided ways to compensate for low self-esteem when the environment is not conducive to dominant function growth. People with low self-esteem are emotionally driven to avoid their shortcomings, trying to paper over their flaws in order to feel good in the moment. However, this strategy actually further damages self-esteem in the long run because it prevents you from succeeding in life as your true self. Such individuals can even believe that the inferior function is dominant because they so desperately want to deny the true self. This phenomenon seems more common among Feelers (who mistype as Thinkers) because they are more sensitive to criticism and more willing to contort themselves to fit with social expectations, however, doing this for many years leads to low self-awareness. If you suspect that you suffer inferior function issues, it might help to look back at more “normal” periods of life when you felt more yourself or get feedback from people who can provide objective facts and details about your personality. If you know that you are prone to chronic grip episodes, you can recalibrate your personality by 1) re-engaging the strengths of the dominant function and 2) developing the auxiliary function properly (refer to the Type Development guide).</p>
1151 <p>Temporary but volatile stress-induced grip behaviors seem very out-of-character and usually only arise when you are feeling very overwhelmed by negative emotions or difficult problems, in which case you should <em>deal directly with the source of the stress that is sapping your energy</em>. Stress-induced grip releases bursts of pent up unconscious urges that overwhelm your normal sense of identity, turning you into a darker version of yourself that, deep down, you do not want to be.</p>
1152 <p>You may display a wide range of seemingly random stress behaviors and there is some overlap between types as well as individual differences within each type because being in the grip is often an extremely messy state (behavior); but the key idea is to observe your general pattern of stress behaviors to see whether they are indicative of a particular inferior function and its impulses (cognition). Remember: Don’t just ask yourself WHAT you do, it is more important to question WHY you are doing it and whether your negative behaviors reflect the unconscious urges of an inferior function whose needs are not being adequately met or given enough room to breathe. <strong>Don’t focus on the stress behaviors themselves but rather analyze the cognitive patterns that produced those behaviors</strong>.</p>
1153 <p>If you have matched up the dominant and inferior functions, then you have successfully narrowed the field down to two types. Analyzing the auxiliary and tertiary functions next should allow you to pinpoint your exact type.</p>
1154 <p>
1155 <a name="aux"></a>********************</p>
1156 <p><strong>Section 3: THE AUXILIARY FUNCTION</strong></p>
1157 <ul>
1158 <li>auxiliary perceiving functions: <a href="#auxsini">Si/Ni</a>, <a href="#auxsene">Se/Ne</a></li>
1159 <li>auxiliary judging functions: <a href="#auxtifi">Ti/Fi</a>, <a href="#auxtefe">Te/Fe</a></li>
1160 <li>considerations for <a href="#taaux">typing accurately</a></li>
1161 </ul>
1162 <p><strong>The Advisor</strong></p>
1163 <p>The auxiliary function acts as a helper or assistant to the dominant function and becomes much more active when the flaws of the dominant function start to appear (usually around ages 8-12). When the dominant and auxiliary functions work well together, they make decisions as a well-oiled team because you have one perceiving function to gather data and one judging function to organize data for decision making, one introverted function for reflection and one extraverted function for taking action. Striking a good balance between these two functions ensures that many of your bases are covered. You rely heavily on the dominant function so you can use it with relative ease, however, the auxiliary function is more unconscious and thus requires more focus and energy to pull out and use appropriately. As a consequence, it is sadly the case that <strong>many people do not know how to use the auxiliary function well</strong> and this can make it tricky to identify because sometimes it works as a good team player, sometimes it gets repressed, or sometimes it simply runs wild (used rather unconsciously).</p>
1164 <p>When a conflict arises between the dominant and auxiliary functions (because they pull you in opposite directions introvertedly or extravertedly), the dominant function wins out, leaving the auxiliary function to operate less consciously, not really under your full control. As the dominant function gets overstretched, the auxiliary function keeps piping up with its “advice”, which can produce psychological tension or turmoil. At that point you can: 1) accept that there is a conflict and respond to it appropriately by listening and incorporating what the auxiliary function has to say when decision making, or 2) behave defensively and keep pushing those messages away, but then whatever is producing your conflict remains unresolved and will probably keep haunting you.</p>
1165 <p>Since it is the auxiliary function’s job to keep you on the right track by giving you advice when you need it, a failure to heed that advice often results in manifesting <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/variations" target="_blank">negative aspects</a> of your type. The descriptions below list some common ways that the auxiliary function manifests, however, <em>not every characteristic will be true for a given individual depending on the state of their auxiliary function development - generally speaking, the more undeveloped, the more erratically or inconsistently a person will use a function.</em></p>
1166 <p>Development of the auxiliary function goes more smoothly when the environment is conducive to its growth or encourages its use in the early teen years. However, when environmental conditions are not ideal, a person is likely to show signs of <strong>resisting </strong>auxiliary development throughout their teens. When a person does not strongly resist auxiliary development but nevertheless lacks a good mentor/guide for learning how to use the function appropriately, they are likely to show signs of <strong>overindulging</strong> the function, which sets the stage for later tertiary development as a much needed correction (usually in young adulthood). A person who is frequently under psychological stress can show signs of repression and overindulgence because of frequent disruptions to normal cognitive functioning. When a person strongly resists auxiliary development throughout their teens and well into adulthood, perhaps due to negative reinforcement from the environment, they are likely to fall into a tertiary looping pattern (as covered in the next section on tertiary functions).</p>
1167 <p>
1168 <a name="auxsini"></a><strong>A. Introverted Perceiving Advice: “Stop, Drop, and Reflect!”</strong></p>
1169 <p><strong>Auxiliary Si (ESxJ): </strong>Dominant Te and Fe have a tendency to overgeneralize because of relying on judgments/beliefs that are presumed to be universally applicable. Therefore, the auxiliary Si function should be used to attend more carefully to factual and concrete details, to examine the particulars methodically instead of relying too heavily on crude overgeneralizations. ESTJs should pause to gather factual details about well-established procedures/methods that should be followed in order to produce maximally efficient/effective action. ESFJs should pause to gather factual details about people in order to make decisions that have a positive impact on each individual’s emotional well-being. Without proper Si reflection, these two types are prone to being careless with details, often too hasty or insensitive in how they make decisions, unable to see that different circumstances/people call for different approaches.</p>
1170 <ul>
1171 <li>Repressing Si development: dismisses important details, especially when brought up as criticism; unable to prioritize tasks well, often buckling under too much pressure/responsibility; unable to care for physical well-being properly because of being overactive in the world; defines self-worth mainly through external sources of validation; struggles with paralysis upon meeting difficult challenges or problems</li>
1172 <li>Overindulging Si: strict and narrow-minded about what is “proper” behavior, critical of those who are “improper”; overdependent on established rules, routine, authority, or conventional thinking; inflexible mindset, cannot handle abrupt change, cannot easily change plans; overbearing, too exacting in expecting others to follow rules or conventions; able to rationalize bad/selfish decisions as being for the sake of “getting things done”; very nitpicky about insignificant visual details</li>
1173 <li>Healthy Te-Si: Your main goal is to be competent, efficient, and reliable in achieving good results from your actions so that you can integrate well into the system that is evaluating your performance. Si should help you accumulate and remember detailed knowledge of important standards, rules, and procedures that should be followed to achieve goals successfully. You prioritize the need to maintain a stable and efficient system of operation and do not wish to change the status quo without good reason.</li>
1174 <li>Healthy Fe-Si: Your main goal is to maintain the quality of your relationships with others so that you can integrate well into the social environment that you find yourself in. Si should help you accumulate and remember detailed knowledge of the people around you in order to ensure that they feel heard, valued, and respected enough to maintain investment in the relationship. You prioritize the need to maintain interpersonal or social harmony and do not wish to disrupt the status quo without good reason.</li>
1175 </ul>
1176 <p><strong>Auxiliary Ni (ENxJ): </strong>Dominant Te and Fe have a tendency to overgeneralize because of relying on judgments/beliefs that are presumed to be universally applicable. Therefore, the auxiliary Ni function should be used to gather more contextual information, to carefully visualize the implications of decisions instead of relying too heavily on crude overgeneralizations. ENTJs should pause to gather ideas about the best long term goals to strive for and the best method of achieving them. ENFJs should pause to gather ideas about how best to improve one’s relationship to people or attitude about society. Without better Ni reflection, these two types are prone to being too impatient to deepen their understanding, often too hasty or insensitive in how they make decisions, unable to understand reality accurately or approach people with the necessary nuance and forethought.</p>
1177 <ul>
1178 <li>Repressing Ni development: dismisses the need for carefully considering implications, avoids solitary introspection; unable to prioritize tasks well, often overconfident in taking on too much; unable to care for psychological well-being because of being out of touch with implications for personal growth; defines self-worth mainly through external sources of validation; struggles with feelings of emptiness/meaninglessness upon meeting difficult challenges or problems</li>
1179 <li>Overindulging Ni: prone to irrational thinking; believes in “one truth” that everyone is expected to agree with or adhere to, dismisses criticism by attacking people’s “frame of reference” as being wrong; perceives oneself as “special” or somehow different from others despite chasing conventional sources of success or admiration; prone to arrogance, condescension, or superiority complex; inflexible mindset, cannot handle unexpected changes, cannot easily change ideas/ideals even when proven wrong; unreasonable/extreme expectations about what constitutes “success” in life, able to rationalize bad/selfish decisions as being for “the greater good”; cynical, only sees what is “lacking” in the world</li>
1180 <li>Healthy Te-Ni: Your main goal is to be competent, efficient, and creative in achieving good results from your actions so that you can integrate well into the system that is evaluating your performance. Ni should help you predict outcomes more accurately and then set meaningful goals to pursue so that you can meet or exceed expectations of success. You prioritize the need to maintain a high level of performance in order to keep moving forward in realizing the potential you envision.</li>
1181 <li>Healthy Fe-Ni: Your main goal is to improve the quality of your relationships so that you can integrate well into the social environment that you find yourself in. Ni should help you understand relationship and societal issues with more depth and nuance in order to ensure that your actions are congruent with meaningful goals for relationship/societal growth. You prioritize the need to maintain good progress in relationships in order to actualize their potential for improving society at large.</li>
1182 </ul>
1183 <p>[<em>Jump to <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/theory#tert">The Tertiary Function</a> or Tertiary <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/theory#tersene">Se/Ne</a></em>]</p>
1184 <p>
1185 <a name="auxsene"></a><strong>B. Extraverted Perceiving Advice: “See Beyond Yourself!”</strong></p>
1186 <p><strong>Auxiliary Se (ISxP): </strong>Dominant Ti and Fi have a tendency to be self-centered because of relying too much on personal knowledge/experience to evaluate situations. Therefore, the auxiliary Se function should be used to gather empirical knowledge about the world, to expand the self through real-world experiences instead of relying too heavily on myopic judgments. ISTPs should explore a variety of interests and experiences in order to refine their knowledge of the world towards greater accuracy and competence in problem solving. ISFPs should explore a variety of interests and experiences in order to discover how they can actualize their personal values in the world and achieve a feeling of congruency. Without adventurous and active Se exploration, these two types do not get enough exposure to new experiences, often too superficial in judgment and short-sighted in decision making, unable to see just how limited their personal point-of-view really is.</p>
1187 <ul>
1188 <li>Repressing Se development: unadventurous, often lazy or apathetic, dismissive of new experiences, prejudges situations (without gathering any firsthand experience); unable to adapt well to change, dismisses criticism or good advice; unable to accept new factual information if it requires a change in attitude/lifestyle; unwilling to work hard for anything</li>
1189 <li>Overindulging Se: impulsive, recklessly chases stimulating experiences out of boredom; prone to getting addicted to sensory stimulation; greedy for pleasurable experiences, vain about physical appearances, selfish in putting oneself before others; aimless, drifts through life evading responsibility, does not think about consequences; impatient, cannot focus enough to learn well</li>
1190 <li>Healthy Ti-Se: Your main goal is to fix problems quickly and effectively. Se should help you gather better firsthand, factual, systematic knowledge so that you can make correct judgments, correct any bad judgments, and address problems with a realistic and adaptable mindset. You prioritize the need for straightforward and practical problem solving and do not wish to overcomplicate matters.</li>
1191 <li>Healthy Fi-Se: Your main goal is to stay true to your moral feelings and personal values but in a manner that is also congruent with what happens in the world. Se should help you gather firsthand, factual, experiential knowledge so that you can explore different kinds of value systems and adapt more readily to moral challenges, better able to actualize your values through seeing and promoting beauty in the world. You prioritize how you feel in the here and now and do not wish to overthink things.</li>
1192 </ul>
1193 <p><strong>Auxiliary Ne (INxP): </strong>Dominant Ti and Fi have a tendency to be self-centered because of relying too much on personal knowledge/experience to evaluate situations. Therefore, the auxiliary Ne function should be used to gather more interesting ideas, to consider a wider range of possibilities about who/what they can be/do instead of relying too heavily on myopic judgments. INTPs should explore a variety of intellectual interests in order to refine their understanding of the world towards greater precision and discover the best solutions to problems. INFPs should explore a variety of personal passions in order to discover how to be their best self in the world and achieve a feeling of congruency. Without mind-opening Ne exploration, these two types do not get enough exposure to the true range of possibilities in the world, often too messy in thought and impractical in decision making, unable to see just how small/rudimentary their ideas really are.</p>
1194 <ul>
1195 <li>Repressing Ne development: closed-minded, often passive or apathetic, dismissive of new ideas, prejudges situations (without seeing their positive potential); unable to adapt well to novelty, deflects criticism or downplays good advice; unable to accept good ideas if it requires a change in attitude/lifestyle; unwilling to work hard for progress</li>
1196 <li>Overindulging Ne: unrealistic, mired in fantasy or pursues impractical ideas; prone to chasing (and getting addicted to) intellectual stimulation out of boredom; idealistic to a fault, ignores warning/danger signs, unwilling to acknowledge negative possibilities, struggles with feeling disappointed by negative outcomes or let down by reality; scattered, cannot focus enough to learn in depth</li>
1197 <li>Healthy Ti-Ne: Your main goal is to find the best solution to the problem you are focused on. Ne should help you mentally manipulate system variables/configurations and visualize a variety of solutions so that you can better deconstruct problems and calculate which solution is best. You prioritize the need to patiently explore conceptual possibilities in order to find solutions that can maximize improvement or progress.</li>
1198 <li>Healthy Fi-Ne: Your main goal is to stay true to your moral ideals and personal values but in a manner that is also congruent with what is best for the world around you. Ne should help you explore different possibilities and adapt more creatively to moral challenges, better able to actualize your ideals through a hopeful attitude and aspirational action in the world. You prioritize the need to explore conceptual potential in order to find imaginative ways to foster human/individual growth and well-being.</li>
1199 </ul>
1200 <p>[<em>Jump to <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/theory#tert">The Tertiary Function</a> or Tertiary <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/theory#tersini">Si/Ni</a></em>]</p>
1201 <p>
1202 <a name="auxtifi"></a><strong>C. Introverted Judging Advice: “Get a Hold of Yourself!”</strong></p>
1203 <p><strong>Auxiliary Ti (ExTP): </strong>Dominant Se and Ne have a tendency to be unfocused because of wanting freedom to explore and being easily distracted by environmental stimulation/opportunities for immediate gratification. Therefore, the auxiliary Ti function should be used to analyze situations more systematically, to carefully reflect on cause and effect instead of making decisions haphazardly and jumping into situations blindly. ESTPs should stop to consider whether their actions will produce negative consequences in order to choose good opportunities for gradual development. ENTPs should stop to consider whether their ideas will produce negative consequences in order to choose the ideas that are most likely to produce tangible progress and improvement for oneself. Without careful systematic Ti analysis, these two types are prone to being too dismissive or rebellious, often repeating mistakes or finding themselves in dead ends, unable to see how their own bad judgment leads to the bad outcomes they get.</p>
1204 <ul>
1205 <li>Repressing Ti development: impatient, wings everything, wants immediate results but unwilling to strategize carefully; poor judgment, unable to grasp and organize all the relevant facts/factors, unable to narrow down the options systematically; repeats mistakes, unable to accurately predict cause-and-effect of actions and their consequences; stubborn, cannot admit to being wrong, cannot acknowledge making mistakes, rationalizes away criticism</li>
1206 <li>Overindulging Ti: excessively reductive judgment, overconfident about ideas or arrogant about beliefs; egotistical, perceives oneself as more intelligent/capable than others (despite failing in important areas of life); emotionally blank, lacks self-awareness of emotional motivations, lacks shame or empathy, corrects/criticizes people with little to no regard for their well-being; dismisses dissenting viewpoints, does not deign to listen to advice from anyone defined as “intellectually inferior”</li>
1207 <li>Healthy Se-Ti: Your main goal is to be open to adventure and gather firsthand experiences of the world so that you can learn well and live life fully. Ti should help you analyze, calculate, and evaluate which (new) experiences/activities are worth pursuing so that you can minimize negative consequences and maximize positive consequences. You prioritize the need to be practical and impartial when analyzing situations so that you can make confident decisions that are free from undue bias or irrelevant information.</li>
1208 <li>Healthy Ne-Ti: Your main goal is to be open to new ideas and possibilities so that you can have the freedom to realize positive potential and make progress in the world. Ti should help you analyze and evaluate which ideas are worth pursuing so that you can better calculate beforehand whether you should invest the time and energy into actualizing them. You prioritize the need to carefully analyze as many different possibilities as you can so that you can make good decisions that are free from undue bias or irrelevant limitations.</li>
1209 </ul>
1210 <p><strong>Auxiliary Fi (ExFP): </strong>Dominant Se and Ne have a tendency to be unfocused because of wanting freedom to explore and being easily distracted by environmental stimulation/opportunities for immediate gratification. Therefore, the auxiliary Fi function should be used as a personal compass, to stay true to one’s values and set good moral boundaries instead of making decisions haphazardly and jumping into situations blindly. ESFPs should stop to consider whether their actions will promote good health and moral integrity in order to choose good opportunities for lasting happiness. ENFPs should stop to consider whether their ideas will promote good health and moral integrity in order to choose the ideas that are most likely to produce tangible progress and improvement. Without staying true to healthy Fi values, these two types are prone to being too careless or oblivious, often repeating mistakes or finding themselves in destructive situations, unable to see how their own moral failings lead to the bad/unhappy outcomes they get.</p>
1211 <ul>
1212 <li>Repressing Fi development: overeager, wings everything, wants immediate gratification but evades the consequences; poor judgment, no reliable or consistent method for making good decisions, does not possess good standards for narrowing down the options, unable to acknowledge/process important negative feelings; repeats mistakes, unable to learn well because of devaluing past experiences or dismissing warning signs; low self-esteem, cannot admit to making bad decisions, cannot acknowledge causing harm, does not know what to do with criticism or negative feedback (except feel bad)</li>
1213 <li>Overindulging Fi: moralizing, dogmatic about personal value judgments, cannot acknowledge other viewpoints; self-absorbed, takes everything very personally; melodramatic, decision making is heavily influenced by unruly passions/feelings/emotions/whims, desperate for happy feelings and emotional validation, easily offended by negativity, plays the victim or redirects blame when criticized</li>
1214 <li>Healthy Se-Fi: Your main goal is to be open to adventure and gather firsthand experiences of the world so that you can learn well and enjoy living life. Fi should help you evaluate which (new) experiences/activities are worth pursuing so that you can better care for your well-being and understand the moral implications of your decisions before diving in. You prioritize the need to channel your energy, empathy, and passion into new/practical activities that will produce good observable benefits.</li>
1215 <li>Healthy Ne-Fi: Your main goal is to be open to new ideas and possibilities so that you can have the freedom to realize positive potential and make progress in the world. Fi should help you carefully evaluate what is best for personal development and reflect on the moral implications of your ideas before investing time and energy into actualizing them. You prioritize the need to channel your energy, empathy, and passion into creative/interesting new ideas that will produce tangible progress.</li>
1216 </ul>
1217 <p>[<em>Jump to <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/theory#tert">The Tertiary Function</a> or Tertiary <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/theory#tertefe">Te/Fe</a></em>]</p>
1218 <p>
1219 <a name="auxtefe"></a><strong>D. Extraverted Judging Advice: “You Need Guidance!”</strong></p>
1220 <p><strong>Auxiliary Te (IxTJ): </strong>Dominant Si and Ni have a tendency to be too insular because of only gathering information that is limited to what is personally relevant/significant. Therefore, the auxiliary Te function should be used to promote more effective action in the world, to set good goals and learn how to reach them efficiently instead of dwelling too long in comfort zones and never becoming a useful person. ISTJs should build competence by increasing their factual expertise about the system they are working with and integrating well with existing standards of success. INTJs should build competence by deepening their understanding of how the system works and taking advantage of opportunities to integrate well or improve upon it when necessary. Without the tough-mindedness of Te, these two types are prone to being too passive or apathetic, often lacking the will to take the necessary action to address their faults/flaws, unable to solve problems effectively and make meaningful advancement in life.</p>
1221 <ul>
1222 <li>Repressing Te development: indecisive, unable to discover the best goals to pursue; ineffectual, unable to understand the most efficient way of achieving a goal, unable to stick with plans; would rather avoid responsibility outright than deal with the possibility of negative results/outcomes; rejects the need for achievement because of not knowing how to achieve goals; cannot readjust attitude/behavior when proven wrong</li>
1223 <li>Overindulging Te: controlling, micromanages situations because of believing that one knows better, very stringent about enforcing black and white rules/standards; too focused on results at the expense of moral/personal integrity; insensitive, emotionally stunted, often too harsh with people, criticizes to “help” but ends up hurting instead; places undue pressure on oneself to succeed or carry out responsibilities, unable to delegate, unable to enjoy leisure time</li>
1224 <li>Healthy Si-Te: Your main goal is to establish a good foundation of knowledge and expertise so that you can preserve the gains you have achieved and feel well-prepared to carry out your tasks and responsibilities. Te should help you understand and follow the exact standards and rules that will produce efficient and successful goal completion in the world. You prioritize the need to make definitive and impartial decisions in order to feel confident and secure when navigating situations or problems.</li>
1225 <li>Healthy Ni-Te: Your main goal is to establish a deeper understanding about the real implications of your actions/decisions so that you can feel certain about finding good direction and achievement over the long term. Te should help you understand the underlying rules of cause and effect that will produce efficient and successful goal completion in the world. You prioritize the need to make definitive and impartial decisions in order to feel confident and assured about realizing your potential and making progress toward life goals.</li>
1226 </ul>
1227 <p><strong>Auxiliary Fe (IxFJ): </strong>Dominant Si and Ni have a tendency to be too insular because of only gathering information that is limited to what is personally relevant/significant. Therefore, the auxiliary Fe function should be used to learn socially positive behaviors, to discover personal strengths and weaknesses through the reflection/feedback of relationships instead of dwelling too long in comfort zones and never becoming a useful person. ISFJs should build social competence by increasing their understanding of people and integrating well with important social norms and values. INFJs should build social competence by deepening their understanding of how people/groups function and taking advantage of opportunities to integrate well or improve relationships when necessary. Without the social conscience of Fe, these two types are prone to being too isolative or insecure, often lacking the deep empathy and compassion that is necessary for building good social support systems, unable to socialize well and develop the happy relationships they desire.</p>
1228 <ul>
1229 <li>Repressing Fe development: socially inept, unable to develop good relationships or good social support despite needing it; uncommunicative and withdrawn, feels isolated or misunderstood, doesn’t know how to make oneself understood to others; socially insecure, would rather remain a social outsider than deal with the possibility of criticism/rejection; trust issues, very slow to open up due to fearing exposure or being hurt; emotionally immature, poor emotional management skills, fears being emotionally vulnerable or showing true feelings in front of others, unable to handle closeness/intimacy despite wanting it, unable to accept care and love from others despite wanting it; cannot compromise or adjust attitude to better suit social circumstances</li>
1230 <li>Overindulging Fe: easily influenced, offended, shamed, guilted by social judgment or other people’s opinions; cannot help being reactive to negativity, criticism, disagreement, disapproval (despite efforts to control oneself); cannot draw appropriate relationship boundaries, prone to unstable/unequal relationships, prone to nitpicking people’s behavior, prone to placing high/unreasonable expectations on others to behave “inoffensively”, prone to being too accommodating then resenting/blaming the other person; needy for approval/affirmation (even if in denial about it); tendency to behave desperately, manipulatively, hypocritically when feeling threatened; unconsciously defines the self through relationships, social status, social comparison, social approval/admiration</li>
1231 <li>Healthy Si-Fe: Your main goal is to feel comfortable in your relationships and feel well-prepared to handle interpersonal issues. Fe should help you learn about others through being open to feedback and influence, thus incorporating the knowledge (about people and social norms/values) that is necessary to secure a good social support system. You prioritize the need to navigate social life with grace, care, and compassion in order to foster social harmony and cooperation.</li>
1232 <li>Healthy Ni-Fe: Your main goal is to find a sense of purpose and belonging and feel capable in handling interpersonal/social issues. Fe should help you learn about others through being open to feedback and influence, thus developing a deeper understanding of human psychology and social values. You prioritize the need to navigate relationships with grace, care, and compassion in order to realize your personal potential via being a force for good in the lives of others.</li>
1233 </ul>
1234 <p>[<em>Jump to <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/theory#tert">The Tertiary Function</a> or Tertiary <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/theory#tertifi">Ti/Fi</a></em>]</p>
1235 <p>
1236 <a name="taaux"></a>
1237 </p>
1238 <p><strong>E. Typing Accurately</strong></p>
1239 <p>The role of the auxiliary function is extremely important for psychological health because it produces better functional balance, therefore, without its healthy functioning, a person will be much more prone to overextending the dominant function, which can eventually lead to more frequent loop or grip behavior (thus making it more difficult to type accurately). Since the auxiliary function is oriented in the same i/e direction as the inferior function, it can help counter some of the negative effects of unconscious inferior impulses, providing a pathway for dispersing mental energy that prevents the dominant function from “overheating”. If your personality has not developed in a positive way for whatever reason, the root of the problem is likely to be a poorly developed auxiliary function (that has gradually produced a dysfunctional dominant function). Therefore, if you display many negative characteristics of your type, focus on building better psychological balance through developing the dominant and auxiliary functions in a more positive direction (see the Type Development guide for more detail).</p>
1240 <p>The auxiliary might seem more obvious in introverts because it is extraverted (easily expressed and observed in outward behaviors) and harder to spot in extraverts because it is introverted (directed towards inward reflection). The auxiliary function is commonly underdeveloped, which can produce typing difficulty, and these individuals usually show clear signs of not living up to their potential because development slowed/halted at such an early stage.</p>
1241 <ul>
1242 <li>When the auxiliary is poorly developed due to youth or inexperience (<16), it is common for a person to believe that it is pointed in the opposite direction because it is completely overshadowed by the looming and overextended dominant function. For example, INTJs will think that Ni-Te resembles Ti or ESFPs will think Se-Fi resembles Fe. They are usually in the stage of learning (and struggling with) how to use the function more appropriately.</li>
1243 <li>When a person fears the change that auxiliary development will bring, they are likely to enter a mental state called tertiary temptation, which is covered in the next section on Tertiary functions. Unconsciously, they would rather identify with the tertiary function because of wanting to resist proper auxiliary development, which can create confusion about which cognitive process is actually higher in the stack.</li>
1244 <li>When a person strongly resists auxiliary development, they can mistake the auxiliary function as an inferior function because they “hate” the function so much and are so bad at using it that they want to excise it from consciousness. However, being high in the stack and so essential for psychological well-being, the auxiliary function cannot be ignored or disregarded no matter how hard one tries. It continues to permeate existence and “give advice” even as one tries to deny its importance. The inferior function generally does not enter awareness unless a person is forced to acknowledge it due to intense stress or extreme personality dysfunction. Therefore, generally speaking, <em>if a function heavily enters into patterns of thought, it is more likely to be auxiliary and not inferior </em>(i.e. higher in the stack).</li>
1245 </ul>
1246 <p>For healthy individuals, one simple strategy for identifying the auxiliary function is to go back and compare the dominant descriptions of the functions to see which one describes you better. While the auxiliary function does not operate in exactly the same manner as a dominant function, there may be enough resemblance between dominant and auxiliary characteristics to identify it. Auxiliary goals and desires are also quite important to you but only insofar as they help you with meeting the dominant’s goals and desires. If you are confused about the definition of S/N or T/F, read <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/basics#sn">Sensing vs Intuition</a> or <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/basics#tf">Thinking vs Feeling</a> because these are fundamental concepts in type theory and must be understood in order to advance your knowledge. However, if you are not clear about your dominant goals and desires because of an unhealthy personality, it will be more difficult to tell which function is higher/lower in the stack, in which case you should spend more time on identifying the inferior function. If you are fairly confident about your dominant-inferior axis, then the auxiliary should be enough to settle on your true type, and the tertiary function should provide enough evidence to rule out all other types.</p>
1247 <p>
1248 <a name="tert"></a>********************</p>
1249 <p><strong>Section 4: THE TERTIARY FUNCTION<br></strong></p>
1250 <ul>
1251 <li>tertiary perceiving functions: <a href="#tersini">Si/Ni</a>, <a href="#tersene">Se/Ne</a></li>
1252 <li>tertiary judging functions: <a href="#tertifi">Ti/Fi</a>, <a href="#tertefe">Te/Fe</a></li>
1253 <li>considerations for <a href="#tatert">typing accurately</a></li>
1254 </ul>
1255 <p><strong>Excuses, Excuses, Excuses</strong></p>
1256 <p>The tertiary function produces much of the variation among individuals of the same type because it is often used very inconsistently due to its lower position in the stack. Tertiary behaviors are likely to contradict generic type descriptions, and how the function manifests largely depends on a person’s level of psychological and emotional development. There is not much official literature about tertiary functions specifically, so I have taken the liberty to piece together expert details with my own extrapolations/research below.</p>
1257 <p>Since the tertiary function is opposite to the auxiliary, it serves as a check on some of the weaknesses or excesses of auxiliary functioning. However, since the tertiary function is much lower in the stack, it is often used with little conscious awareness, producing poor or mixed results, usually in the form of childish or immature behavior. People who have successfully developed and integrated the auxiliary function will tend to use the tertiary function more appropriately because of being able to reduce the friction between the two opposing functions - they are able to consider and weigh information from both functions and make better decisions. People who have a poorly developed auxiliary function will tend to use the tertiary function more like an unconscious defense mechanism, creating a self-protective state of mind that is sometimes referred to as a <strong>tertiary loop</strong> or <strong>tertiary temptation</strong>.</p>
1258 <p>When people rely too heavily on the dominant function and cannot develop the auxiliary function well, it produces too much tension in the mind because of repressing the inferior function too severely. The dominant function is then very prone to fatigue, opening up space for the inferior function to manifest grip behavior, which is an existentially threatening state. One way a person can cope with this threat is to <strong>unconsciously</strong> enlist the help and protection of the tertiary function. By doing this, a person can 1) justify not listening to the auxiliary function even as its advice grows ever louder, and 2) build a flimsy defense against both the auxiliary and inferior functions by drawing tighter and more rigid boundaries around the ego.</p>
1259 <p><strong>The Introverted Loop:</strong> Introverts are often very reflective and comfortable in their own inner world and when they spend too much time there, they are more likely to feel increasingly cut off from the outside world, becoming incapable of achieving goals and then having to deal with feelings of failure, incompetence, or regret. The auxiliary function will then warn them that they need to engage more successfully with the outside world but they instead utilize the tertiary function to <em>resist opening up</em>. As they become more and more isolative and out of touch, threats from the inferior function become more and more pronounced, forcing them to retreat ever deeper into their inner world in a vicious cycle. As a result, their interpretations or beliefs about the world become more and more distorted, but they (unconsciously) blame the outside world for not accommodating their introverted nature instead of acknowledging how they themselves are perpetuating the disconnect in the first place.</p>
1260 <p><strong>The Extraverted Loop:</strong> Extraverts are often very active in the world and when they become too active and never pause to reflect properly on their actions, they are more likely to make mistakes that lead to feelings of failure, incompetence, or regret. The auxiliary function will then warn them to slow down but they instead utilize the tertiary function to resist and continue on with the unreflective behaviors. As life becomes more and more chaotic or unmanageable because they are completely out of touch with themselves and what is truly important, threats from the inferior function become more and more pronounced, forcing them to <em>resist reflection</em> ever harder in a vicious cycle. As a result, their hasty actions or faulty judgments will lead to increasingly negative consequences, but they (unconsciously) blame the world for not “cooperating” with them instead of reflecting on how they are directly responsible for the bad results they get.</p>
1261 <p>When a person first enters a loop, they will feel somewhat more stable and confident because they are using the tertiary function to <em>what they perceive as</em> good effect, feeling “freed” from the burden of auxiliary development. However, the reality is that they are <strong>turning a blind eye to their problems, making excuses for weaknesses and mistakes, and rationalizing away negative feedback and criticism</strong>. Engaging in this self-deception for a long period of time inevitably produces more and more problems in life. It becomes harder and harder to confront those harsh realities and, at some point, life’s problems intrude more forcefully, which can easily push a person over the edge into nasty inferior grip episodes.</p>
1262 <p>The tertiary function usually becomes more active as a person enters young adulthood, therefore, it is generally not possible to have a well-developed tertiary function until mid-adulthood, and actively developing the function often produces some good and much needed personality adjustments (this is why people generally start to really “come into their own” around 30+ as the middle functions settle). The average person uses the tertiary function in a hit or miss manner depending on the circumstances, very likely to misuse it when under stress or feeling threatened/insecure.</p>
1263 <p>While there are positive aspects to using the tertiary function, for typing purposes, it is easier to spot negative looping patterns. The defensive loop tendencies described below list some common characteristics but not all of them will apply to an individual depending on the severity of the loop and their state of auxiliary function development. <em>Looping tendencies can crop up occasionally under stress or they can turn into chronic dysfunction (long term).</em></p>
1264 <p>
1265 <a name="tersini"></a><strong>A. Introverted Perceiving Defense: “It won’t work so why try?”<br></strong></p>
1266 <p><strong>Tertiary Si (INxP): </strong>As these two types overindulge Ne, they become increasingly unfocused, impractical, and idealistic to a fault. Therefore, the tertiary Si function should be used to bring them back down to earth. When a person listens to the need for tertiary Si development, they will suddenly start to value being more: focused, practical, organized, physically healthy, attentive to the impact of sensory details, responsible in following through with tasks. If one resists Si development, overindulgence of Ne is likely to lead to increasingly negative consequences, perhaps repeatedly shooting oneself in the foot by indulging fantasies that never produce any real progress or improvement. However, if Ne has remained chronically underdeveloped for whatever reason, a person is likely to develop serious Si looping tendencies in adulthood as a lame attempt to cope with development failure. With Si looping, they can continually excuse the lack of Ne development and justify remaining in old comfort zones. Unfortunately, over time, this produces a creeping sense of stagnation that can lead to inferior Te/Fe grip.</p>
1267 <ul>
1268 <li>defensive loop tendencies: unimaginative (despite believing oneself imaginative), mentally inflexible, unable to visualize positive potential even when wanting to; stubborn and fussy about doing things a particular (known) way; unnecessarily confines oneself to routines or comfort zones and then feels stuck; cannot see that one’s bad state of life is due to excessively narrow judgment; trusts in preexisting knowledge even when it leads to negative results; cannot help but define oneself by past behavior/events even when trying to break free from old patterns; uncompromising about cherished beliefs/values, suspicious of advice, resistant to new ideas, shoots down good ideas from others; abnormal relationship to physical health; feels misunderstood and isolated from the world; dislikes status quo but resigned to it; only notices details that confirm negative worldview; obsesses about past events or missteps; broods about insignificant details or overindulges fantasy with the unconscious intent to repress the need for growth and improvement</li>
1269 <li>Ti-Si loop dynamics: dwells in past knowledge and experiences in order to obtain intellectual security and/or justification of bad judgments -> but fails to make any progress because of mistakenly assuming that the past has already written the future, resulting in paralysis that stokes inferior Fe fears about being completely inept and/or incapable of feeling strongly about anything -></li>
1270 <li>Fi-Si loop dynamics: dwells in past feelings and experiences in order to obtain emotional security and/or justification of bad judgments -> but fails to make any progress because of mistakenly assuming that the past has already written the future, resulting in paralysis that stokes inferior Te fears about being completely worthless and inconsequential -></li>
1271 </ul>
1272 <p><strong>Tertiary Ni (ISxP): </strong>As these two types overindulge Se, they become increasingly impulsive, irresponsible, and aimless. Therefore, the tertiary Ni function should be used to reflect on finding better meaning/purpose in life. When a person listens to the need for tertiary Ni development, they will suddenly start to value being more: focused, disciplined, reflective, patient, creative, insightful about implications, attentive to personal potential, responsible about setting good practical life goals. If one resists Ni development, overindulgence of Se is likely to lead to increasingly negative consequences, perhaps repeatedly shooting oneself in the foot by indulging fleeting and hollow whims that eventually make one numb to genuine enjoyment. However, if Se has remained chronically underdeveloped for whatever reason, a person is likely to develop serious Ni looping tendencies in adulthood as a lame attempt to cope with development failure. With Ni looping, they can continually excuse the lack of Se development and justify laziness or inaction. Unfortunately, over time, this produces a creeping sense of restlessness that can lead to inferior Te/Fe grip.</p>
1273 <ul>
1274 <li>defensive loop tendencies: irrationally distrustful mindset, cannot bring oneself to have faith in anything or anyone even when wanting to; unconsciously paranoid about being restricted/confined; prone to being passive, negative, pessimistic, cynical, self-defeating, fatalistic; unable to emotionally invest in new/interesting experiences even when wanting to; unwilling to take responsibility for consequences; unwilling to confront the poor state of one’s life, never does anything to improve upon the current situation; prone to shallow thinking and oversimplified judgments; feels like a lone wolf, unwilling to fit in, perceives oneself as destined to drift through life meaninglessly, feels as though nothing will really change no matter what one does; doesn’t answer to anyone, randomly disappears from social life; pursues “alternative” lifestyle choices, engages in antisocial or unproductive behaviors as an immature means to express “independence” or “individuality”; believes in random “mystical signs” that don’t really mean anything; ignores the plain facts and sticks with oversimplified judgments with the unconscious intent to repress the dire need for better life direction</li>
1275 <li>Ti-Ni loop dynamics: only sees the superficial aspects of a situation and uses that to justify problematic beliefs or bad choices -> but ultimately cannot find any point in any experience because of having no way to properly verify the veracity of one’s worldview, resulting in a nihilistic point-of-view that stokes inferior Fe fatalism about being perpetually alone in an unforgiving world -></li>
1276 <li>Fi-Ni loop dynamics: only sees the superficial aspects of a situation and uses that to justify problematic values or bad choices -> but can never find any meaningful direction in life because of having no way to verify the worthiness of one’s value system, resulting in self-defeating thinking patterns that stoke inferior Te fatalism about being a hopelessly lost cause who never contributes anything of value to the world -></li>
1277 </ul>
1278 <p>[<em>Jump to <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/theory#dynamics">Function Dynamics</a></em>]</p>
1279 <p>
1280 <a name="tersene"></a><strong>B. Extraverted Perceiving Defense: “I can’t stop when it’s so urgent”<br></strong></p>
1281 <p><strong>Tertiary Se (ENxJ): </strong>As these two types overindulge Ni, they become increasingly inflexible, extreme, and out of touch with reality. Therefore, the tertiary Se function should be used to bring them back to what really matters in life. When a person listens to the need for tertiary Se development, they will suddenly start to value being more: amenable, adaptable, grounded, present, adventurous, fun (in enjoying simple pleasures), honest and accepting (about human weaknesses and limitations), attuned to beauty and the sublime. If one resists Se development, overindulgence of Ni is likely to lead to increasingly negative consequences, perhaps repeatedly shooting oneself in the foot by indulging unreasonable ideals/demands that create the perfect conditions for eventual defeat/disappointment. However, if Ni has remained chronically underdeveloped for whatever reason, a person is likely to develop serious Se looping tendencies in adulthood as a lame attempt to cope with development failure. With Se looping, they can continually excuse the lack of Ni development and justify never slowing down to properly introspect. Unfortunately, over time, this produces a creeping sense of losing control that can lead to inferior Ti/Fi grip.</p>
1282 <ul>
1283 <li>defensive loop tendencies: selectively gathers superficial details as evidence to justify problematic beliefs or hasty action; believes oneself “deep” or “special” but actually cannot see past superficial appearances; impulsive or error-prone because of overlooking/ignoring important facts and details; rationalizes taking the path of least resistance instead of the morally correct path as long as desirable result is obtained (end justifies the means); does whatever feels good in the moment when feeling aimless/restless; indulges in sensory pleasures to escape from (self-imposed) stress or negative emotions; emotionally volatile, highly reactive to setbacks, problems, challenges, negative feedback; covers up flaws or mistakes instead of addressing them transparently, unable to admit to wrongdoing, unable to apologize for mistakes; prone to being over-competitive, incorrectly uses social comparison to define personal success/worth, tends to be jealous/envious of material gains or possessions that signal high/respected social standing; prone to adopting extreme and superficial societal standards to define “intelligence” or “achievement”; externalizes personal issues/insecurities by controlling the environment; compartmentalizes private life from public persona, able to rationalize doing bad/questionable things as long as public appearances/reputation remain intact; stubborn or combative mindset, defends beliefs and values with the unconscious intent to repress feelings of uncertainty or ambiguity</li>
1284 <li>Te-Se loop dynamics: selectively seeks out evidence in support of pursuing goals/objectives or to justify one’s ideas and methods as being (intellectually) superior -> but cannot understand the deeper meaning and moral implications of one’s actions, resulting in critical failures that stoke underlying inferior Fi anxieties about being morally weak or spiritually bankrupt -></li>
1285 <li>Fe-Se loop dynamics: selectively seeks out evidence in support of one’s judgments (about people/relationships) or to justify one’s ideas and methods as being (morally) superior -> but cannot understand the deeper meaning and implications of one’s actions, resulting in (recurring) life/relationship problems that stoke underlying inferior Ti anxieties about being intellectually unworthy or socially inferior -></li>
1286 </ul>
1287 <p><strong>Tertiary Ne (ESxJ): </strong>As these two types overindulge Si, they become increasingly overbearing, risk-averse, and overly conventional. Therefore, the tertiary Ne function should be used to open them up to new ideas and possibilities. When a person listens to the need for tertiary Ne development, they will suddenly start to value being more: flexible, open-minded, creative, forward-looking, forgiving (of self and others), attuned to achieving good personal growth and incremental progress in life. If one resists Ne development, overindulgence of Si is likely to lead to increasingly negative consequences, perhaps repeatedly shooting oneself in the foot by indulging mental rigidity that creates the exact conditions to be easily disturbed/disrupted. However, if Si has remained chronically underdeveloped for whatever reason, a person is likely to develop serious Ne looping tendencies in adulthood as a lame attempt to cope with development failure. With Ne looping, they can continually excuse the lack of Si development and justify their hasty or sloppy decision making. Unfortunately, over time, this produces a creeping sense of life being chaotic/misguided that can lead to inferior Ti/Fi grip.</p>
1288 <ul>
1289 <li>defensive loop tendencies: prone to unconscious negative visualizations about making mistakes, overlooking details, or impending disaster; impulsive, unfocused, ineffectual, unable to prioritize well and reach goals even after effortful planning; makes harsh but often contradictory/hypocritical judgments, able to justify taking hasty or preemptive action that overrides the will of others; unable to feel genuinely content with any result when it does not fit with rigid preconceived expectations; tends to be irrationally suspicious about people’s intentions, prone to imagining or expecting the worst; chases risky endeavors or dangerous possibilities to escape from feelings of unhappiness/discontent; often feels one’s efforts are unappreciated or undervalued; cannot admit to mistakes, disowns responsibility, makes excuses, deflects criticism, blames circumstances, pretends to not care about failure, lowers expectations to avoid disappointment; tries to maintain a sense of control over relationships/situations with the unconscious intent to repress feelings of instability or discontent</li>
1290 <li>Te-Ne loop dynamics: easily led astray by subconscious and irrational intuitive beliefs into micromanaging perceived problems -> but lacks proper focus and methodical attention to detail, resulting in unforced errors that stoke underlying inferior Fi fears about being exposed as weak, incompetent, or undeserving of respect -></li>
1291 <li>Fe-Ne loop dynamics: easily led astray by subconscious and irrational intuitive beliefs into micromanaging perceived interpersonal issues -> but lacks proper focus and detailed attention to everyone’s needs (including one’s own), resulting in unintended consequences or conflicts that stoke underlying inferior Ti fears about being judged as unworthy of love and acceptance -></li>
1292 </ul>
1293 <p>[<em>Jump to <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/theory#dynamics">Function Dynamics</a></em>]</p>
1294 <p>
1295 <a name="tertifi"></a><strong>C. Introverted Judging Defense: “I’m on the moral high ground”<br></strong></p>
1296 <p><strong>Tertiary Ti (IxFJ):</strong> As these two types overindulge Fe, they become increasingly oversensitive, unstable, and insecure. Therefore, the tertiary Ti function should be used to set more appropriate interpersonal boundaries, which allows for greater impartiality of analysis. When a person listens to the need for tertiary Ti development, they will suddenly start to value being more: capable, self-sufficient, consistent and coherent (in beliefs), assertive, confident, analytical, self-critical (in addressing personal flaws and taking responsibility for mistakes). If one resists Ti development, overindulgence of Fe is likely to lead to increasingly negative consequences, perhaps repeatedly shooting oneself in the foot by indulging emotionally unstable behavior that ultimately sabotages relationship development. However, if Fe has remained chronically underdeveloped for whatever reason, a person is likely to develop serious Ti looping tendencies in adulthood as a lame attempt to cope with development failure. With Ti looping, they can continually excuse the lack of Fe development and justify their desire to avoid emotional or social discomfort. Unfortunately, over time, this produces creeping feelings of loneliness or unhappiness that can lead to inferior Se/Ne grip.</p>
1297 <ul>
1298 <li>defensive loop tendencies: cannot see the logical inconsistencies in one’s thinking or belief system yet quick to point out others’; overthinks but cannot draw correct conclusions yet only trusts own judgment; believes oneself self-aware despite low awareness of emotional motivations and the inability to explain oneself clearly; unhealthy relationship to emotional life, unhealthy aversion to negative feelings and vulnerability, distrustful and doubting in relationships; stubborn, cannot admit to being wrong and cannot change faulty ideas; rationalizes away poor judgment/mistakes through blaming external factors, victim mentality, or misattributing cause and effect; rationalizes away criticism, redirects underlying feelings of shame/guilt by criticizing or blaming others; perceives oneself as an exception, convinces oneself that good advice “does not apply to me”; self-centered, lacks true empathy yet believes oneself morally good, claims to be tolerant but actually quite judgmental, perceives others inaccurately through the lens of own unconscious fears and insecurities, projects personal issues onto others to avoid confronting them in oneself; whenever necessary, isolates/disengages/runs from relationships/society in order to avoid discomfort or negative feedback, only accepts people when they agree; when feeling threatened, prone to being arrogant, condescending, argumentative, shutting down communication; prone to blunt retorts or showing off knowledge/skill to subtly establish a false sense of superiority/dominance; attempts to rationalize problematic beliefs/choices with the unconscious intent to deny deep-seated emotional insecurities</li>
1299 <li>Si-Ti loop dynamics: concocts convoluted “logical” rationales to avoid confronting insecurities and to justify staying within excessively narrow comfort zones -> but suffers chronic loneliness/unhappiness because of social incompetence or trying to deny the need for social acceptance, resulting in feelings of alienation or inadequacy that stoke inferior Ne fears about missing out on the most interesting/important things in life -></li>
1300 <li>Ni-Ti loop dynamics: concocts convoluted “logical” rationales to avoid confronting insecurities and to justify problematic assumptions about people/society/life -> but suffers chronic loneliness/unhappiness because of social incompetence or trying to deny the need for social acceptance, resulting in feelings of alienation or inadequacy that stoke inferior Se fears about being unable to actualize/contribute one’s talents in the world -></li>
1301 </ul>
1302 <p><strong>Tertiary Fi (IxTJ): </strong>As these two types overindulge Te, they become increasingly controlling, stringent, and insensitive. Therefore, the tertiary Fi function should be used to soften their approach and attitude towards life. When a person listens to the need for tertiary Fi development, they will suddenly start to value being more: moral, loyal, caring, empathetic, passionate, open-hearted, accepting (of imperfections and weaknesses), nuanced and tactful (in understanding people and solving human problems sensitively). If one resists Fi development, overindulgence of Te is likely to lead to increasingly negative consequences, perhaps repeatedly shooting oneself in the foot by indulging harsh black-and-white thinking that ultimately creates more problems than it solves. However, if Te has remained chronically underdeveloped for whatever reason, a person is likely to develop serious Fi looping tendencies in adulthood as a lame attempt to cope with development failure. With Fi looping, they can continually excuse the lack of Te development and justify not caring about success/achievement. Unfortunately, over time, this produces creeping feelings of powerlessness/helplessness that can lead to inferior Se/Ne grip.</p>
1303 <ul>
1304 <li>defensive loop tendencies: trusts strong intuitions/instincts as being absolute truth despite lack of evidence or getting poor results; vacillates between determination and helplessness, unable to find the best path forward, easily frustrated by challenges, easily gives up when meeting setbacks; perceives oneself as being morally justified in refusing responsibility or engaging in irresponsible behavior; unwittingly behaves like a helpless victim, prone to self-pity and whining despite disliking such behavior; unable to admit that own poor judgment is the cause of failures, unable to take full responsibility for failures, unable to correct mistakes or improve on them, makes excuses instead of taking charge of situations; gladly isolates from the world due to irrational fears about compromising oneself or “selling out”, tries to morally justify only living for oneself despite caring about problems and issues; suffers confusion but unwilling to let go of incorrect beliefs or problematic moral judgments (about how the world works) that hold one back from success; lacks the motivation to take responsibility for life despite knowing what needs to be done; shoots down good advice as being too hard or too complicated; whenever necessary treats subjective feelings as “moral fact” with the unconscious intent to distance from personal failures in the world</li>
1305 <li>Si-Fi loop dynamics: transmogrifies negative feelings into comfortable moral justifications for irresponsible/ineffectual behavior -> but is nevertheless haunted by uncertainty/ambiguity when moral beliefs/judgments about “just how things are” produce frequent failure, resulting in anxious rumination that stokes inferior Ne fears about not being able to live life with the utmost confidence -></li>
1306 <li>Ni-Fi loop dynamics: transmogrifies negative feelings into unquestioned moral “truths” that excuse irresponsible/ineffectual behavior -> but is nevertheless haunted by uncertainty/ambiguity when moral beliefs/judgments about “how the world works” produce frequent failure, resulting in confusion/guilt that stokes inferior Se fears about being insignificant and unable to successfully actualize the true self in the world -></li>
1307 </ul>
1308 <p>[<em>Jump to <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/theory#dynamics">Function Dynamics</a></em>]</p>
1309 <p>
1310 <a name="tertefe"></a><strong>D. Extraverted Judging Defense: “These rewards mean I’m great”<br></strong></p>
1311 <p><strong>Tertiary Te (ExFP): </strong>As these two types overindulge Fi, they become increasingly dogmatic, self-absorbed, and emotionally unstable/unpredictable. Therefore, the tertiary Te function should be used to rescue life from plunging into chaos. When a person listens to the need for tertiary Te development, they will suddenly start to value being more: confident, decisive, responsible, motivated, ambitious, hard working, efficient, organized, problem-focused, goal-oriented. If one resists Te development, overindulgence of Fi is likely to lead to increasingly negative consequences, perhaps repeatedly shooting oneself in the foot by indulging random desires that end up eroding rather than nurturing good emotional health and well-being. However, if Fi has remained chronically underdeveloped for whatever reason, a person is likely to develop serious Te looping tendencies in adulthood as a lame attempt to cope with development failure. With Te looping, they can continually excuse the lack of Fi development and justify their unhealthy/unreflective behavior. Unfortunately, over time, this produces a creeping sense of being lost in life that can lead to inferior Si/Ni grip.<strong><br></strong></p>
1312 <ul>
1313 <li>defensive loop tendencies: tries to bury negative feelings under cold competent action; relies too much on old areas of competence or achievement to boost self-esteem during low points in life (instead of developing new areas); believes oneself rational but actually acts according to unstable feelings or problematic values; brushes away internal warnings of danger or dissatisfaction to continue with problematic or unhealthy situations; stubborn, resistant to outside advice/influence; projects personal inadequacies onto others when unhappy, unfairly judges people as unsupportive, weak, incompetent, oversensitive, or inferior; poor understanding of other people’s suffering/difficulties, often critical or unforgiving; lacks moral consistency and sacrifices moral integrity for immediate superficial gains, takes the easier path instead of the right path; when threatened, becomes argumentative, domineering, arrogant, vindictive, jealous, envious, or territorial; demands agreement and ignores/streamrolls those who disagree; acts aggressively with the unconscious intent to overcome feelings of unhappiness or low self-esteem</li>
1314 <li>Se-Te loop dynamics: very impatient to maintain continuous positive environmental feedback, often through chasing some form of worldly/material recognition or success -> but fails to understand what one really needs from life or contributes to the world, resulting in self-doubt that stokes inferior Ni insecurities about being shallow, boring, inauthentic, purposeless, or insignificant -></li>
1315 <li>Ne-Te loop dynamics: very impatient to use any means available to feel good about oneself, often through pursuing ideas that one perceives will lead to immediate feelings of “success” or “progress” -> but fails to understand the true nature of one’s developmental needs and the proper methods of meeting them, resulting in self-doubt that stokes inferior Si insecurities about being shallow, conventional, inauthentic, or stuck in an endless rut -></li>
1316 </ul>
1317 <p><strong>Tertiary Fe (ExTP): </strong>As these two types overindulge Ti, they become increasingly judgmental, arrogant, and egotistical. Therefore, the tertiary Fe function should be used to soften and humble their mindset. When a person listens to the need for tertiary Fe development, they will suddenly start to value being more: warm, thoughtful, generous, helpful, considerate, cooperative, accommodating, receptive, appreciative of intimacy and affection, attuned to people’s needs and feelings. If one resists Fe development, overindulgence of Ti is likely to lead to increasingly negative consequences, perhaps repeatedly shooting oneself in the foot by indulging hubris that prevents proper learning and eventually even exposes one’s incompetence to the world. However, if Ti has remained chronically underdeveloped for whatever reason, a person is likely to develop serious Fe looping tendencies in adulthood as a lame attempt to cope with development failure. With Fe looping, they can continually excuse the lack of Ti development and justify their poor judgments and bad decision making. Unfortunately, over time, this produces a creeping sense of having no real intrinsic value/substance that can lead to inferior Si/Ni grip.</p>
1318 <ul>
1319 <li>defensive loop tendencies: tends to produce socially problematic beliefs; fishes for affirmation/agreement from others in lieu of changing bad ideas/beliefs; cannot respond to criticism without a litany of excuses, unable to apologize for mistakes; uses humor to dismiss negative feedback or the need for self-reflection; likely to repeat mistakes because of not learning from them; difficulty making firm judgments/decisions without some kind of outside confirmation/validation; ego easily over-inflated by praise or flattery; manipulates people to receive validation while unconsciously looking down on those who give it; condescending and judgmental of others, makes unfair social comparisons to boost own ego; does not take people seriously but bristles if not taken seriously; prods or provokes people out of boredom or social insecurity; projects negative emotions onto others as a means to deflect negative self-appraisals; unwilling to carefully examine how behavior impacts others negatively as long as one is able to extract what one wants from them; defines self-worth through having the power to dominate/manipulate social perception with the unconscious intent to avoid looking at what is lacking/problematic within</li>
1320 <li>Se-Fe loop dynamics: manipulates people or social situations to obtain self-centered social rewards, often through pandering, showing off strengths/advantages, or toying with emotions -> but never achieves true self-confidence because of lacking the ability to understand the deeper implications and consequences of one’s actions, resulting in incompetence/failure that stokes inferior Ni fears about being shallow/insignificant -></li>
1321 <li>Ne-Fe loop dynamics: manipulates people or social situations to obtain self-centered social rewards, often through absurd ideas, nonconformist behavior, or emotional provocation -> but never achieves true self-confidence because of lacking the ability to evaluate which path will produce real progress and personal growth, resulting in incompetence/failure that stokes inferior Si fears about being boring/unremarkable -></li>
1322 </ul>
1323 <p>[<em>Jump to <a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/theory#dynamics">Function Dynamics</a></em>]</p>
1324 <p>
1325 <a name="tatert"></a>
1326 </p>
1327 <p><strong>E. Typing Accurately</strong></p>
1328 <p>When a person gets into the habit of unconsciously using the tertiary function as a tool to compensate for poor auxiliary development, they might feel as though the tertiary function is “stronger” than it really is because they fool themselves into believing that they use it just as well as someone for whom the function is dominant. Looping individuals tend to be overconfident about how well they use the tertiary function because the loop makes them feel “empowered” rather than unhealthy, and they are not really aware of the long term cost. This temporary fix is ultimately <strong>self-sabotaging</strong> and they will eventually feel stuck in life yet cannot understand why. This means that a loop becomes increasingly difficult to sustain because of gradually building up psychological stress and cognitive dissonance. If a person is in a loop for a long period of time (months or years), their real type preferences can become obscured and produce typing problems, e.g., they could run into difficulty determining the proper order of the auxiliary and tertiary functions, the unhealthy loop behaviors might superficially mimic the behaviors of other types, they might believe that the tertiary function is dominant.</p>
1329 <p>It can be difficult for loop prone individuals to separate out the roles and responsibilities of their dominant and tertiary functions. However, it is ultimately the goals and desires of the <em>dominant</em> function that drive thinking, emotion, and behavior. Theoretically, you can distinguish the dominant and tertiary functions by observing that a looping individual mostly uses the tertiary function <strong>defensively</strong> to ward off stress/threats - <strong>it is not the true core of their personality</strong>. Since their use of the dominant function is immature, they need an artificial boost of self-esteem and try to achieve it by hiding behind the tertiary function, which essentially means that their behavior is actually driven by unconscious emotional reactivity that tries to protect a fragile ego (i.e. they are not acting from a place of psychological maturity). In such cases, the tertiary function is often used as part of the <strong>social mask</strong> and onlookers might notice the function as the “first foot forward”, which can cause mistyping (e.g. at first glance, looping INTPs can resemble Si doms or looping ESFJs can resemble Ne doms). Since tertiary looping is actually driven by unconscious forces, the behavior <strong>does not tend to get good results</strong>, which is usually a strong indication of its <em>lower</em> position in the stack, e.g.:</p>
1330 <ul>
1331 <li>IxTJ: uses subjective Fi “moral reasoning” to justify avoidance of Te work/responsibility -> cannot achieve goals, feels powerless</li>
1332 <li>IxFJ: uses convoluted Ti “logical rationales” to suppress fear of Fe judgment from others -> closed/untrusting, suffers chronic loneliness</li>
1333 <li>ISxP: uses oversimplified Ni “truthful insights” to cover Se superficiality and laziness -> apathetic, cannot feel useful/engaged</li>
1334 <li>INxP: uses comfortable Si “past precedent” to avoid actualizing new Ne possibilities -> stuck in fantasy, dreams unfulfilled</li>
1335 <li>ExTP: uses social Fe “feelings of validation” to sidestep difficult Ti self-analysis and self-criticism -> completely unrealistic view of personal strengths/weaknesses</li>
1336 <li>ExFP: uses aggressive Te “will and toughness” to avoid inconvenient Fi feelings and values -> bad choices that degrade emotional well-being</li>
1337 <li>ESxJ: uses absurd Ne “flexible thinking” to deflect Si discomfort and warning signs -> creates chaos that keeps compounding discomfort</li>
1338 <li>ENxJ: uses constant Se “movement and activity” to paper over existential emptiness -> keeps striving for goals that leave life feeling meaningless</li>
1339 </ul>
1340 <p>To misuse the tertiary function is to tell oneself that change is unnecessary, that the criticism one gets is wrong, that the poor results one gets are “not my fault” - this mindset allows one to be complacent and avoid the hard work of growth. Therefore, learning to use the auxiliary and tertiary functions appropriately is about owning up to your inner conflicts and taking responsibility for your choices. If you suffer from looping, work on developing the auxiliary function, otherwise you may never learn to use the tertiary function maturely.</p>
1341 <p>If you cannot tell the difference between a loop or the grip, you are likely too focused on the superficial behavioral similarities and not understanding the underlying cognitive principles and the reasons why people loop or grip. Read the explanations more carefully. A loop doubles down on self-defensive behaviors and entrenches oneself within a narrow conception of the self-image, i.e., you unconsciously and stubbornly resist changing and improving yourself (dominant-tertiary interaction). Being in a loop means that you are in denial about something and you keep repeating the same problematic strategy. By contrast, the grip negates the dominant function due to a mental breakdown of sorts, inverting the personality to an unnatural state that begs to be rectified, where you are not at all being your true self but you may not recognize it until you return to more normal functioning (dominant-inferior interaction). Being in the grip means that you are prone to unconsciously manifesting the negative behaviors of all four functions because of ignoring your dominant goals and desires. In short, a loop means that you are stuck in a very limited and defensive view of yourself and the grip means that the real you is lost.</p>
1342 <p>
1343 <a name="dynamics"></a>____________________</p>
1344 <p><strong>PART IV: FUNCTION DYNAMICS</strong></p>
1345 <p>If it is not already obvious, cognitive functions look and behave differently in different positions of the stack, so it is hard to type accurately by only reading a functions chart. If you want deeper insight into your mind, the concept of <strong>type dynamics</strong> takes you beyond cognitive functions as mere isolated mental processes and explains the relationships between the functions and how they work together to produce your underlying needs, desires, and motivations.</p>
1346 <p>When a function is in the first or second position of the stack, it attempts to overpower its oppositional counterpart in the lower third or fourth position: the dominant function tries to overpower the inferior function, and the auxiliary function tries to overpower the tertiary function. These imbalances in distribution of mental energy produce psychological tensions that influence you to think or behave in certain ways. On the positive side, functional conflicts offer clues about what is most important to you in life and where your potential lies.</p>
1347 <p><strong>The conflict between the oppositional dominant and inferior functions will tend to feel much more severe than the one between the auxiliary and tertiary functions. </strong>The dominant-inferior axis is more closely tied to your sense of personal identity, so the tension is often worse and more threatening (whereas the auxiliary-tertiary axis functions will seem easier to reconcile by comparison).</p>
1348 <p>
1349 <a name="perceiving"></a><strong>1. Perceiving Conflicts</strong></p>
1350 <p><strong>Si and Ne Dynamics (SJ & NP)<br></strong></p>
1351 <p>The conflict between Si and Ne is essentially the feeling of being torn between the old and the new. When Si is the higher function, a person tends to value what is known, stable, and reliable. This is because the lower (less conscious) Ne function makes a person less able to visualize the positive side of new ideas and possibilities, which means that the notion of “new possibility” tends to take on a more negative or frightening tone. What is new can easily destabilize the stable foundation provided by what is already known, so SJs are often motivated to preserve what is known as a defense against (what they perceive as) the potentially existentially threatening unknown. SJs compare incoming details against old sensory impressions because 1) getting in touch with the known is an existentially comforting exercise, and 2) carefully ferreting out the new allows them to identify “potential problems” and prepare accordingly. The act of carefully sorting through details grants them a sense of getting ahead of the unknown when they do not feel adequately prepared for what might/could come.</p>
1352 <p>Developmentally, if SJs frequently find themselves being bombarded with too much new information and are unable to cope, they are liable to take Si defensiveness against Ne to extremes and become too closed-off to new ideas or experiences, perhaps locking themselves into repetitive rituals or routines in order to maintain a sense of security and avoid existential discomfort. Their adaptive Si behavior - which normally produces admirable focus and conscientiousness - takes a negative turn when it becomes infected by unconscious fear of dark Ne possibilities. Until SJs understand that there are positive possibilities in addition to the negative ones that they unwittingly imagine, they cannot help but live in fear of Ne. This is why SJs tend to: be overcautious, overprepare for things, stay in comfort zones, depend on rituals/routine, assume/expect the worst, shoot down good ideas and even the people who produce them, resist change, or dislike improvising. However, if SJs learn to embrace Ne through mature function development, they become more open to exploring new paths and developing their creative talents.</p>
1353 <p>When Ne is the higher function, a person tends to value what is possible, hopeful, and inspiring. This is because the lower (less conscious) Si function makes a person less able to appreciate the comfort and importance of a secure/stable material existence, which means that the notion of “comfort in sameness” tends to take on a more negative or frightening tone. Being defined by the past holds you back from becoming something better, so NPs are often motivated to pursue new possibilities as a defense against (what they perceive as) the unnecessary constraints of concrete reality. NPs fixate on certain details and imagine what they could potentially become because 1) fantasizing about the new helps them maintain a sense of optimism and momentum, and 2) discarding conventional interpretations of details opens up a path for transcending the mundane. The possibility of leaving the old behind for something new and exciting grants them a renewable source of inspiration whenever the reality of logistical/practical limitations starts to feel suffocating or monotonous.</p>
1354 <p>Developmentally, if NPs frequently find themselves confronted with harsh practical realities that only serve to dash their hopes and dreams, they are liable to take Ne defensiveness against Si to extremes and become gradually untethered from reality, perhaps getting lost in fantasy that is driven by subconscious rumblings of discontent. Their adaptive Ne behavior - which normally produces admirable hopefulness and positivity - takes a negative turn when it becomes infected by unconscious fear of being confined by Si precedent. Until NPs understand that hopes and dreams can only be achieved with the right focus on details and incremental implementation of plans, they cannot help but keep running from Si. This is why NPs tend to: be careless (skipping steps, glossing over important details, repeating mistakes), appear chronically under-prepared, buck tradition/convention, hate routine/repetition, dislike negativity or pessimism, get easily bored by monotony or conventional people, resist being told “no”, or dislike procedural work (that requires them to carefully build on past knowledge). However, if NPs learn to embrace Si through mature function development, they become more realistic about maintaining physical/material well-being and ensuring incremental progress.</p>
1355 <p><strong>Ni and Se Dynamics (NJ & SP)</strong></p>
1356 <p>The conflict between Ni and Se is essentially the feeling of being torn between the timeless and the changing. When Ni is the higher function, a person tends to value discovering ultimate meaning, the underlying truth, the essence of being. This is because the lower (less conscious) Se function makes a person less able to appreciate and adapt to the constant flux of life, which means that the notion of “constant change” tends to take on a more negative or frightening tone. Ubiquitous impermanence threatens to obscure whatever permanence might exist in the world, so NJs are often motivated to extract some unassailable meaning/purpose from life as a defense against (what they perceive as) an unsatisfying existence of merely reacting to daily sensory/corporeal demands. NJs seek spiritual fulfillment beyond mere physical survival because 1) envisioning a meaningful life provides the long term direction needed to ward off the shortsightedness of living only for today, and 2) having a mission in life gives them the focus needed to tune out distractions and define what is worthy of their sustained effort. The act of carefully crafting an ideal life grants them a sense of purpose when they feel haunted by the reality of being empty, nothing, or insignificant in the world.</p>
1357 <p>Developmentally, if NJs frequently find themselves unable to keep up with the many wrenches that life throws into the best laid plans, they are liable to take Ni defensiveness against Se to extremes and become increasingly disconnected from life, perhaps held back by their own unimaginative and distorted beliefs about the “reality” of the world and how it inevitably falls short of their ideals. Their adaptive Ni behavior - which normally produces admirable depth and insight - takes a negative turn when it becomes infected by unconscious fear of facing Se reality checks. Until NJs understand that there is no such thing as perfection and finally learn to accept that what often makes life interesting is actually its “messiness” and unpredictability, they cannot help but live in fear of Se. This is why NJs tend to: get stuck in their heads and feel removed from reality, feel at a loss when lacking direction/purpose in life, make sweeping assumptions, develop unrealistic expectations, cannot easily let go of their ideas or ideals, become controlling or obsessive, distrust the environment and lack confidence in their adaptability, display a paranoid or nihilistic attitude, dislike people who seem superficial or lack similar seriousness, or dislike being thrown into completely new and fast-changing environments. However, if NJs learn to embrace Se through mature function development, they become more easygoing and gradually understand that feelings of emptiness can only be alleviated through the messy task of actualizing one’s potential in the real world.</p>
1358 <p>When Se is the higher function, a person tends to value immediate engagement, firsthand experiences, and interesting opportunities for pleasure. This is because the lower (less conscious) Ni function makes a person less able to appreciate the pursuit of meaning and its value for living a fulfilling life, which means that the notion of “abstract implications” tends to take on a more negative or frightening tone. Useless and overserious speculation about imaginary implications detracts from the enjoyment of life, so SPs are often motivated to seize the day as a defense against (what they perceive as) the ultimately unknowable truths of human existence. SPs seek a fun and carefree way of life because 1) it is easy to conclude that the point of living is to enjoy life given the primacy of their sensory/visceral experiences, and 2) enjoyment is something tangible when intangible “ideals” can easily lead you astray into pointless conjecture/darkness. The pursuit of happiness grants them something tangibly real to hold on to when there are so many mysteries in life that may never be solved because “meaning” is a matter of interpretation rather than fact.</p>
1359 <p>Developmentally, if SPs frequently find themselves feeling a creeping numbness that threatens to mar their enjoyment of life’s pleasures (as their growing tolerance for excitement demands more and more intense stimulation), they are liable to take Se defensiveness against Ni to extremes and become increasingly reckless or indolent, perhaps unwilling to confront the negative consequences of their haphazard decision making. Their adaptive Se behavior - which normally produces admirable presence and resilience - takes a negative turn when it becomes infected by unconscious fear of Ni barrenness. Until SPs understand that there is more to life than fleeting pleasures and that enjoyment of life can be enhanced by reflecting on the deeper meaning of it, they cannot help but keep running from Ni. This is why SPs tend to: appear superficial in their interests, have a poor sense of direction in life, avoid reflecting on the deeper implications of their lifestyle choices, self-sabotage with low expectations or suffer fear of disappointment, have trouble committing themselves, dismiss good ideas for improvement whenever it requires sustained effort, lack confidence in their intellectual ability, have a poor/naive understanding of spiritual needs, dislike people who harp on consequences or seem too serious, or have trouble delaying gratification for a bigger picture goal. However, if SPs learn to embrace Ni through mature function development, they become more introspective and gradually understand that reflecting on life’s direction helps them realize their higher potential and finally achieve substantive goals that they can be proud of.</p>
1360 <p>
1361 <a name="judging"></a><strong>2. Judging Conflicts</strong></p>
1362 <p><strong>Ti and Fe Dynamics (TP & FJ)</strong></p>
1363 <p>The conflict between Ti and Fe is essentially the feeling of being torn between independence and belonging. When Ti is the higher function, a person tends to value self-sufficiency, self-determination, and personal responsibility. This is because the lower (less conscious) Fe function makes a person less able to grasp the benefits of collective intelligence, which means that the notion of “interdependence” tends to take on a more negative or frightening tone. Social influence seems to threaten or erode individual freedom, so TPs are often motivated to preserve their sense of autonomy as a defense against (what they perceive as) the restrictive pressures of social life. TPs prefer to analyze situations from an emotionally detached mindset because 1) an impartial attitude is essential for proper critical analysis and good decision making, and 2) exercising free will about when to get emotionally invested allows them to maintain autonomy in the face of constant social pressure. The act of choosing to be a whole person unto oneself grants them a sense of control over their own destiny when they fear being defined or boxed in by the social environment around them.</p>
1364 <p>Developmentally, if TPs frequently find themselves being bombarded with social demands and unable to navigate them competently, they are liable to take Ti defensiveness against Fe to extremes and become emotionally disconnected from the world, perhaps unable to develop a strong sense of morality or responsibility to others/society. Their adaptive Ti behavior - which normally produces admirable clarity of judgment - takes a negative turn when it becomes infected by unconscious fear of Fe intrusions. Until TPs understand that their knowledge and capabilities alone will not get them far in life without being able to work well with others (since being challenged by others allows them to work to their potential in a way that is not possible on their own), they cannot help but live in fear of Fe. This is why TPs tend to: appear emotionally distant or withdrawn, easily stray into overconfidence or arrogance in their beliefs, unwittingly become complicit in immoral behavior or do indirect harm through acts of omission, lack awareness of social cues/norms, keep hitting the same wall that blocks further relationship development, find it difficult to get in touch with their feelings and emotions, or dislike people who fail to respect personal boundaries and idiosyncrasies. However, if TPs learn to embrace Fe through mature function development, they become more generous, socially responsible, and look for opportunities to use their knowledge and capabilities for making a positive contribution.</p>
1365 <p>When Fe is the higher function, a person tends to value feelings of social connection, belonging, and harmony. This is because the lower (less conscious) Ti function makes them less adept at establishing genuine self-confidence and clear judgment on their own, which means that the notion of “living for oneself” takes on a more negative or frightening tone. Pursuing self-determination seems to interfere with the desire to establish connection with others, so FJs are often motivated to be compromising and compassionate as a defense against (what they perceive as) the cold isolation and amorality of only being responsible to oneself. FJs attend carefully to social dynamics and get heavily invested in relationships because 1) love is a worthy and moral goal that makes society a better place for everyone, and 2) obtaining social acceptance is for them an easier path to feelings of positive self-worth. The act of devoting oneself to people/society grants them a sense of importance when they cannot find a means of establishing good self-esteem by themselves.</p>
1366 <p>Developmentally, if FJs frequently find themselves having their personal worth or social desirability questioned, they are liable to take Fe defensiveness against Ti to extremes and become prone to defining the self only through the eyes of others, perhaps internalizing harmful social judgments and punishing oneself accordingly. Their adaptive Fe behavior - which normally produces admirable warmth and generosity - takes a negative turn when it becomes infected by unconscious fear of negative Ti criticism. Until FJs understand that they have genuine worth and value apart from how they are regarded by others, they cannot help but live in fear of Ti. This is why FJs tend to: feel easily shamed by criticism or guilty about being “selfish”, lack the confidence to speak up for themselves without enough social support, become meddlesome in correcting the behavior of others, spend too much time focused on others at the expense of themselves, become clingy or overdependent, find it difficult to keep their emotions in check during disagreements, or dislike people who seem too aloof or uncooperative. However, if FJs learn to embrace Ti through mature function development, they become more self-assured and willing to stand up for what they believe is right despite social pressures.</p>
1367 <p><strong>Fi and Te Dynamics (FP & TJ)</strong></p>
1368 <p>The conflict between Fi and Te is essentially the feeling of being torn between integrity and expedience. When Fi is the higher function, a person tends to value self-acceptance, free self-expression, and moral integrity. This is because the lower (less conscious) Te function makes a person wary of how the system rewards compliant behavior that ends up eradicating authentic individuality, which means that the notion of “going by the book” takes on a more negative or frightening tone. Coldly calculating how to extract advantages for oneself puts one at risk of losing what makes us most human, so FPs are often motivated to honor their moral instincts and preserve moral boundaries as a defense against (what they perceive as) a system that is amoral, indifferent, and easily corrupted by the people who try to game the rules. FPs seek to preserve their integrity and the integrity of those they care about because 1) it keeps them in touch with what is genuinely good, noble, and precious about being human, and 2) it gives them a reason to buck a system they do not wish to participate in. The act of standing up for individuality gives them a sense of power when they lack the competence to join the system and change it for the better.</p>
1369 <p>Developmentally, if FPs frequently find themselves under pressure to perform well and meet the rigid standards set by others, they are liable to take Fi defensiveness against Te to extremes and become psychologically segregated from the world, perhaps unable to achieve goals or connect with others and then developing low self-esteem that keeps them trapped in misery. Their adaptive Fi behavior - which normally produces admirable empathy and virtue - takes a negative turn when it becomes infected by unconscious fear of cold Te measurements of their worth. Until FPs understand that facing objective facts is necessary for remedying the distortions of subjective feeling judgments, they cannot help but live in fear of Te. This is why FPs tend to: make issues unrelated to them to be about themselves, be oversensitive to moral transgressions, struggle with low self-esteem or unreliable moods, have difficulty finding ambition or direction in life, eschew “mainstream” interests to favor more personalized passions that reflect their uniqueness, become dogmatic or <span class="st" data-hveid="84" data-ved="0ahUKEwi3nf6R2bfZAhVB52MKHUjqAk8Q4EUIVDAB">proselytize </span>as they aim for “moral purity”, or dislike people who seem insincere or inauthentic. However, if FPs learn to embrace Te through mature function development, they develop the fortitude to change the system without succumbing to it, thus doing their part to ensure that individual rights and freedoms are protected because they understand through personal experience how harsh life can be when everyone is left to fend for themselves.</p>
1370 <p>When Te is the higher function, a person tends to value toughness, competence, and efficiency. This is because the lower (less conscious) Fi function makes a person wary of succumbing to personal flaws and weaknesses, which means that the notion of “listening to your feelings” takes on a more negative or frightening tone. Going wherever your feelings take you is a recipe for failure and irrational decision making, so TJs are often motivated to display strength of will as a defense against (what they perceive as) the weakness and wastefulness of self-indulgence. TJs analyze structural deficiencies and solve problems because 1) it helps them build a sense of competence in knowing how to work the system, and 2) it is for them the easiest way to feel a sense of pride that serves to sustain their strength of will. The act of effecting tangible change or fixing what is wrong gives them a sense of usefulness in accomplishment when they cannot allow themselves enough vulnerability to get in touch with what they really desire to do in life.</p>
1371 <p>Developmentally, if TJs frequently feel frustrated by obstacles or setbacks that erode their sense of power, they are liable to take Te defensiveness against Fi to extremes and become too critical or aggressive in proving themselves in the right, perhaps too willing to sacrifice integrity for the sake of getting efficient results. Their adaptive Te behavior - which normally produces admirable proficiency and grit - takes a negative turn when it becomes infected by unconscious fear of Fi self-reproach. Until TJs understand that there is more to life than being competent and more than one way of living life successfully, they cannot help but live in fear of Fi. This is why TJs tend to: hurt more than help when giving advice, suffer from black and white moral reasoning, display lack of self-awareness when boasting or taking credit for successes, claim that those who are called “special” are just incompetent or making excuses, have difficulty enjoying leisure time and guard their private life when they fear being perceived as soft, have difficulty understanding why people would follow their feelings when it seems certain to lead to failure, or dislike people who seem oversensitive or indecisive. However, if TJs learn to embrace Fi through mature function development, they become more in touch with what is important in life and solve problems more patiently and effectively because of being sensitive to a wider range of concerns.</p>
1372 <p><strong>3. Typing Accurately</strong></p>
1373 <p>Many people have trouble typing because they treat cognitive functions as “behaviors” rather than understanding them as<strong> motivational forces that produce cognitive-behavioral patterns.</strong> Type theory goes beyond surface behavioral traits to postulate the root causes of psychological patterns, which means that <strong>individuals of the same type can behave very differently</strong> depending on how each person is responding to their functional issues (which discourages broad generalizations about any type).</p>
1374 <p>When your functions lack mature development, they frequently fight with each other, creating unconscious strife and emotional reactivity that compels you to think/act irrationally in accordance with your deepest fears, insecurities, weaknesses, and blind spots. Good type development requires you to gradually increase your awareness of these functional conflicts so that you have the space to “respond” to them maturely rather than just “reacting” to them in unhealthy ways. The darker, less conscious aspects of your personality, where the deep fears and insecurities reside, actually show you where your type’s potential for growth lies. Ignoring these aspects of your personality means wasting time running from yourself and also dealing with the consequences of bad decision making.</p>
1375 <p>If your personality has not developed in a positive way for whatever reason, you might find it difficult to accurately identify what your psychological conflicts are because much of your cognition operates below consciousness and your emotional motivations remain rather hidden. If you are prone to tertiary looping, you might also resonate with the reverse auxiliary-tertiary conflict, e.g., a looping ISTJ might identify with the Te-Fi as well as some of the unhealthy elements of the Fi-Te conflict. If you are prone to inferior grip tendencies you might also resonate with the reverse dominant-inferior conflict, e.g., an ENFP in Si grip might identify with the Ne-Si as well as some of the unhealthy elements of the Si-Ne conflict. When your personality is unhealthy because your functions are undeveloped, it is more difficult to determine the order of the functions because you cannot use any of them well and much of what drives your behavior is unknown to you. Function dynamics provides a framework for analyzing what might be going wrong with your cognitive processes.</p>
1376 <p>
1377 <a name="summary"></a>____________________</p>
1378 <p><strong>PART V: BRING IT ALL TOGETHER</strong></p>
1379 <p>As I have emphasized many times, typing accurately hinges on understanding the reasons WHY you think or behave the way you do. Simply describing your behaviors/traits is not enough for understanding yourself well. Describing <strong>patterns</strong> in your thinking and how they motivate your behavior is better. Being able to link your cognitive-behavioral patterns to a functional stack is what you need to type accurately. Being able to exercise mature control over how you use your functions is the level that is necessary for self-actualization or realizing the true strengths of your personality.</p>
1380 <p>Good psychological balance requires understanding the proper role of the functions and putting in the effort to make adjustments when necessary:</p>
1381 <ul>
1382 <li>The dominant function is the leader of the pack, it helps to define most of your important goals, needs, and desires. It holds the carrot in front of your nose and guides your behaviors.</li>
1383 <li>The auxiliary function is the assistant that helps you process information more thoroughly in order to make better judgments or decisions that can successfully meet the goals, needs, and desires of the dominant function, and it can take many years to achieve a good balance between the dominant and auxiliary.</li>
1384 <li>The tertiary function is more difficult to regulate but must be developed to the extent that it can respond appropriately to the auxiliary function when necessary, as opposed to using it to enable or justify negative behaviors.</li>
1385 <li>And you must build up enough awareness of the inferior function so that you can see when it is acting up, using it as a reliable signal that tells you when you are psychologically out of balance and require personal development, instead of ignoring it to the point of unleashing the darker aspects of your personality.</li>
1386 </ul>
1387 <p><a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/development" target="_blank">Part 3</a> of the study guides provides more detail about type development and how to improve upon the negative aspects of your personality.</p>
1388 <p>____________________</p>
1389 <p>related onsite resources:</p>
1390 <ul>
1391 <li><a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/glossary">Glossary</a> for definitions of important terms/concepts</li>
1392 <li><a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/masterposts#how">#How functions work</a> series for detailed function descriptions</li>
1393 <li><a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/development">Type Development Guide</a> for self-improvement tips</li>
1394 <li><a href="http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/variations">Type Variations</a> chart overview of un/healthy function use</li>
1395 </ul>
1396 <p>sources for further reading:</p>
1397 <ul>
1398 <li><em><em>Building Blocks of Personality Type: A Guide to Using the Eight-Process Model of Personality Type.</em> </em>Haas, L. & Hunziker, M. 2006.</li>
1399 <li><em>Gifts Differing: Understanding Personality Type.</em> Myers, I. 1995.</li>
1400 <li><em>Personality Type: An Owner’s Manual.</em> Thomson, L. 1998.</li>
1401 <li><em>Personality Types: Jung’s Model of Typology. </em>Sharp, D. 1987.</li>
1402 <li><em>Psychological Types.</em> Jung, C. 1976.</li>
1403 <li><em>Was that Really Me? How Everyday Stress Brings Out Our Hidden Personality.</em> Quenk, N. 2002.</li>
1404 </ul>
1405 <p>____________________</p>
1406 <p><em>last modified:</em> July 18th, 2018</p>
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