Are INFPs Open-Minded? (A Complete guide)

In this guide, we will answer the question: “Are INFPs are open-minded?”, discuss the personality strengths and weaknesses and other questions frequently aimed at the INFP personality.

If you are a psychology geek, chances are that you must have been intrigued by Myers-Briggs personality types at some point. From analyzing your own personality type, to being curious about a potential romantic partner’s Myers-Briggs result. In fact, the millennial swiping through dating applications these days may often stumble across the Myers-Briggs personality type mentioned in the bio. Those four alphabets stated in the bio could mean a big deciding factor while swiping for some!

Are INFPs Open-Minded?

Yes, INFPs are open minded people and tend to carry themselves in this way in social circumstances.

What is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator?

For the uninitiated, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a self-report personality inventory. It is based on the theory of personality developed by psychiatrist and psychoanalyst Carl Gustav Jung. According to this theory, there are four psychological components of personality. Thinking, feeling, sensation and intuition. Each of these cognitive functions can be directed either inwardly(introverted) or outwardly (extraverted). The MBTI gives a practical form to the theory given by Jung. It was developed by Isabel Briggs Myers and her mother Katharine Briggs. You can find your Myers-Briggs Type Personality.

The open-minded INFP

INFP is one of the 16 personality types according to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). INFP essentially stands for Introversion (I), Intuition (N), Feeling (F), Perception (P). The INFP person is complex, reserved yet open-minded. The irony of the statement commonly stirs up a question – Are INFPs open-minded? Their frequently reserved self has enough scope for open-mindedness. In fact, people with an INFP personality are considered to be one of the most open-minded. A judgemental stance is the last piece on their plate of thoughts. Their quest to seek meaning in their experiences makes them open to new ideas. In fact, the open-minded INFP finds happiness in entertaining new avenues.

They readily explore the many possibilities the world offers them. While they adhere to their personal values, they do not dump their opinions on others. They swing by the adage of “To live and let live”. The open-minded INFP flexibly accommodates the opinions of others. However, this is until someone violates their values. They do not step back from calling such a person out. They will not let others push them into compromising on their personal values. They avoid engaging with people who insist on a single and correct world-view. An INFP person will thrive on a healthy and supportive exchange of ideas with those around.

Their open-mindedness adds a tinge of experimentation to their personality. INFP personalities are experimental in their approach to situations.The INFP person will be ready to explore and experiment with new ideas. There is a high chance that your INFP Tinder match would be open to the idea of bungee-jumping on your first date!

The open-mindedness marking the INFP personality type seeps into the process of decision-making. Popularly known for their inclination towards the “what-if” of situations. They push their thinking into diverse possibilities and outcomes, before settling on a course of action. Imagination ramps up as a beautiful tool to help them chalk out an array of results and possible outcomes.The auxilliary function of extraverted intuition allows the INFP personality to adopt lenses of possibilities while viewing a situation. This is another element that caters to their open-minded INFP personality.

“INFPs deal in fields with possibilities for people” – Isabel Briggs Myers

Open-Minded INFP – Where?

“Hey, my friend is an INFP personality type. An open-minded INFP is the last word I would use to describe him”.

Do you identify as an INFP or know someone who is an INFP but does not fit the open-minded characteristic of the INFP? Or are you constantly wondering “Are INFPs open-minded?”, despite the world claiming so?

Here’s why you might find yourself confused at the open-minded label attached to your INFP friend with a rigid thinking.

It is important to understand this open-mindedness can be difficult to find in an unhealthy INFP. This unhealthy manifestation of the basic personality type can occur under different circumstances. Such an INFP is likely to be overly-sensitive to the opinions of others. They swiftly take offense to others and constantly promote the righteousness of their own views and beliefs. This my-way-or-the-highway thinking, often leads to isolating themselves from people who do not adhere to their ideals and values.

They label themselves as misunderstood misfits in society, believing in the correctness of only their beliefs. Such an INFP person is likely to have grown up in an environment that did not allow them to develop and effectively express their functions Usually, having employed a defensive stance in situations for a long time may have resulted in an unhealthy manifestation of the function.

 Gripped By Stress

In a fast-paced world like ours, evading the mountain of stress can be difficult. The constantly stressed out human, walking through life. Stress can lead to psychological and physiological effects. The ability to manage stress also varies from person-to-person.

Did you know stress could significantly affect an INFP’s thinking? It can be the reason your supposedly open-minded INFP friend is behaving otherwise.

When an INFP is experiencing stressful situations or grappling with chronic stress, they are likely to fall into Extraverted Thinking (Te). This is an inferior function for the INFP personality type. In such a state, the INFP person is likely to behave in a way that is not attuned with the conventional characteristics of the INFP. Their other dominant functions become less conscious. The open-minded, non-judgemental and empathetic INFP takes a somersault. They appear to be harsh and critical to the views and beliefs of others. A rigid thinking structure replaces the flexible and open-minded INFP.

The INFP Personality Explained

According to psychology geeks, the 8 cognitive functions of an INFP are :

Dominant Function: Introverted Feeling (Fi)

Auxiliary Function: Extraverted Intuition (Ne)

Tertiary Function: Introverted Sensing (Si)

Inferior Function: Extraverted Thinking (Te)

5th/Opposing Role: Extraverted Feeling (Fe)

6th/Critical Parent: Introverted Intuition (Ni)

7th/Trickster: Extraverted Sensing (Se)

8th/Demon: Introverted Thinking (Ti)

The Mediator and Idealist

Individuals with this personality make up for 4 % of the population. They are frequently touted as the mediator personality. They carry a deep sense of understanding for feelings of others. An INFP is likely to alter their actions if they feel it might hurt someone. Their world is guided by a search for meaning in their experiences and connections. They are fueled by the need to feel inspired. A longing for emotional intensity drives their daily pursuits. INFP are in touch with their values. They often seek work that aligns with these personal values and inspires change in the world.

A deeply-reflective nature, finds them often self-absorbed. Consequently, people may perceive this as being mean and rude. The INFP person is private, but kind. Their deeply empathetic nature, finds them highly sensitive to the emotions of others. Carl Rogers, the psychologist who introduced the person-centred approach to therapy was an INFP. This further explains the suitability of the INFP person in professions that command sensitivity, empathy and understanding, like health care and counselling.

The intelligence of the INFP personality ranks high on the emotional quotient. They are able to comprehend their own emotions and feelings. This allows them to be more in touch with themselves. Further, this emotional intelligence allows a greater understanding of the emotions and feelings of others.

These individuals may not constitute the conventionally book-smart. However, their creative intelligence allows them to excel in fields that nurture their creative pursuits. From William Shakespeare’ writings that enamoured the world, to Audrey Hepburn’s stellar performance in Breakfast At Tiffany’s ; the INFP creativity has spun magic over the years. It is interesting to know that this natural sense of creativity, also allows them to resolve problems. They are able to view a problem from multiple perspectives.

Famous INFP personalities down the years:

Isabel Briggs Myers – The creator of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator

John Lennon – His music serenaded the world, as much as his quest for peace.

Kurt Cobain – The American singer-song writer, created waves in the music industry with his rock band Nirvana.

Princess Diana – Even years after her death she is fondly remembered for her connection with people. She was sensitive, warm, thoughtful, kind and carried an instinctive sense of sympathy

Helen Keller – She inspired millions across the globe, paving a way of possibilities for people with disabilities.

Tori Amos – She is a famous American singer, songwriter and pianist.

Fred Rogers – Mister Rogers was a television sensation and a favorite among children. His extraordinary understanding of children and their minds stood out. He epitomized compassion, kindness and empathy.

It is evident how strongly creative pursuits and the inspiration to make a difference in the world, guides the INFP personality type.

INFP Weaknesses:

Like every personality type, the INFP type also has certain weaknesses.

Dislike conflict

Reserved about expressing emotions

They tend to be critical about themselves due to their perfectionist tendencies

May find it difficult to leave a bad relationship

Do not like to have their space invaded

Why is this blog about INFP open minded important?

INFP are one of the rarest personality types. Although INFP open-minded is a known fact, sometimes, the INFP person may act otherwise. They maybe rigid and harshly critical about the opinion of others. This unhealthy INFP manifestation can be a result of problems while growing up or experiencing extreme stress in the present. This allows for an understanding stance, while dealing with a rigidly thinking INFP individual. Or if you are an INFP, finding it hard to accommodate the viewpoints of others, it’s probably time to take stock of your feelings and level of stress?

If you’re facing this, it may be a good idea to seek the help of a therapist or other mental health professional. You can find a therapist at BetterHelp who can help you learn how to cope and address it.

Conclusion

In this guide, we answered the question: if “INFPs are open-minded?”, discussed the personality strengths and weaknesses and other questions frequently aimed at the INFP personality.

FAQs: Are INFPs Open-Minded

References

INFP The Healer https://www.truity.com/personality-type/INFP

How Open Minded Each Personality Type Actually Is https://personalitygrowth.com/heres-how-open-minded-each-personality-type-actually-is/

INFP Relationships https://www.personalitypage.com/html/INFP_rel.html