In this article, we will look at what it means to be an INFP-T and the strengths and weaknesses of this INFP subtype. This article also explores how the INFP-T personality type compares to INFP-A type, and some famous INFP-T people.
INFP-T Meaning
INFP-T stands for Turbulent Mediator. So what does the ‘Turbulent’ in INFP-T mean? These INFP subtypes are more prone to be troubled by their idealistic nature and are much more critical of themselves than their counterpart INFP-A or the Assertive Mediators. They have boundless ambition and on top of that ambition lies their perfectionist tendencies which seems like the perfect recipe for a stresshold. Bring in the bubble wrap my friend because it’s about to get real stressful over here!
5 INFP-T Traits
Here are a few INFP-T traits that you might associate with if you are one:
- You’re a tad bit pessimistic
- You are a big baby at times
- You have no qualms apologizing
- People’s opinions matter to you
- You see failures much more plainly
You’re a tad bit pessimistic
Don’t get me wrong because having negative feelings isn’t something abnormal or ‘wrong’ as we are taught to believe. Contrarily, it is totally normal to have negative feelings or thoughts as humans, and we need to normalize this, instead of pushing the narrative of toxic positivity.
So the INFP-T personality tends to be a tad bit pessimistic but not in an evil way like thinking negatively about people or anything. Your pessimism has to do more with you not being content with your life since you have a restless temperament. Of course, you utilise your dissatisfaction to strive to improve your life in a unique way.
Sadly, some of the standards you impose on yourself in your pursuit for perfectionism might be crushing. As a result, you may have a pessimistic attitude toward your life sometimes, as well as your own lofty goals.
You are a big baby at times
Even though the INFP personality type is a feely type, INFP-T is a step ahead when it comes to ‘feeling feelings’. INFP-T’s are just big babies at times and we secretly find it adorable, don’t we?
The INFP-T personality has deep emotional sensitivity. When they’re happy, they’re extremely cheerful, and when they’re sad, they’re incredibly depressed. When it comes to sadness, they cry readily, which may appear to be a weakness, but it is not.
Crying shows how strong a person’s awareness of feelings is. It temporarily relieves stressful feelings and calms a tumultuous mind. Expressing emotions instantly may appear to be a flaw, but it’s really a virtue. Hey, and no one should ever tell you that you are oversensitive!
You have no qualms apologizing
What’s more endearing about INFP-T’s is their soft nature and how they have no qualms apologizing and making amends if things get sour with someone.
A turbulent personality is no stranger to remorse. In contrast, they have no qualms about apologising and have no hesitation about being apologetic when anything goes wrong.
They aren’t wallowing in regret; rather, they are just aware of the feeling as they are aware of other’s feelings, and they focus on what has to be done to rectify a portion of their guilty actions. Sure, they may apologise when something isn’t their fault, but they’d prefer to maintain the peace than continue to have unfinished business.
People’s opinions matter to you
INFP-T’s being the considerate personalities that they are, always take into account the opinions of people who matter to them.
While the assertive personality might well be able to make most decisions on their own, the INFP-T type likes to seek advice before making a decision. Whenever making decisions, particularly major ones, they value the advice of loved ones. These are the decisions that may have a significant influence on your entire way of life.
This isn’t to say they don’t make the final decision; they generally do; they simply want to hear what others have to say. It’s a reflection of their modest nature and willingness to make good decisions.
You see failures much more plainly
As an INFP-T you need to not see everything which doesn’t go as per expectation as a failure. With your perfectionist tendencies and ambitious nature you might have done well enough but one small mistake and boom the self criticism rolls in. You know what? Don’t do it to yourself! You might as well show yourself some mercy.
Whenever it comes to working or finishing projects, if you don’t do it well, your restless nature will view failure as an outcome. Take a moment to consider the real definition of failure before passing a harsh judgement on yourself INFP-T.
If you attempt anything and fail, you are considered a failure. So you’re going to try again, right? The good part is that INFP-T readily notices flaws in their work and works to correct them till they succeed. You don’t try to hide or lie about your errors. You simply deal with your shortcomings and face them.
INFP-T Strengths
- Although idealism is a fundamental trait of INFPs, turbulent personalities are more likely than assertives to have stronger beliefs and convictions. INFP-Ts are self-aware and goal-oriented.
- Because of their empathy and ability to connect emotionally with others, INFPs are regarded as “mediators.” INFP-Ts, on the other extreme, use this characteristic more effectively than INFP-As.
- INFP-Ts are also known to cry more than their Assertive counterparts. While it may seem to be a sign of weakness, it might just be the result of being hyper-aware of their complicated emotional world.
- While being sensitive has its pitfalls, an INFP-T might benefit from their sesnitivity. They use their principles as a lens to help them better their own flaws. They do the same thing when they are unhappy with themselves, their jobs, or their situations. Their dissatisfaction drives them to take action.
INFP-T Weaknesses
- This inclination to be too critical of oneself and timid is a crucial consideration when it comes to INFP-T’s.
- INFP-Ts are more likely to listen to others than INFP-As. While this is good, their drive to please others may cause them to overvalue other people’s opinions. This might lead to an increase in pessimism and self-doubt, both of which INFP-Ts are prone to.
- Increased sensitivity to one’s own and others’ feelings can lead to extreme self-criticism in the INFP. INFP-Ts are more cautious and careful about their actions and undertakings because of their desire to help and fulfil others, especially if they have high standards and perfectionist inclinations.
- INFP-Ts have a proclivity for overthinking and ruminating on past errors, behaviours, and even criticism and remarks from others. INFPs’ strong emotions might worsen this, leading to burnout. Rather than being overwhelmed by external events, they are more likely to be impacted by their very own nervous thoughts.
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.
INFP-T Emotions
63% of Turbulent Mediators describe themselves as prone to crying “often to very often,” compared to 28% of Assertive Mediators.
“CRYING” SURVEY
90% of Turbulent Mediators say they often feel regret, compared to 56% of Assertive Mediators.
“REGRET: GENERAL ATTITUDES” SURVEY
INFP-T Managing Stress
87% of Assertive Mediators say they feel confident to face day-to-day difficulties, compared to 48% of Turbulent Mediators.
“HANDLING STRESS” SURVEY
INFP-T Quotes
Vincent Van Gogh
“The sadness will last forever.”
“Art is to console those who are broken by life.”
Virginia Woolf
“All extremes of feeling are allied with madness.”
“Nothing thicker than a knife’s blade separates happiness from melancholy.”
Søren Kierkegaard
“People understand me so poorly that they don’t even understand my complaint about them not understanding me.”
“The most painful state of being is remembering the future, particularly the one you’ll never have.”
“In addition to my other numerous acquaintances, I have one more intimate confidant… My depression is the most faithful mistress I have known — no wonder, then, that I return the love.”
Heath Ledger
“Does it depress you? To know just how alone you really are?”
“My nervous energy is usually the easiest form of energy to tap into.”
Conclusion
In this article, we looked at what it means to be an INFP-T and the strengths and weaknesses of this INFP subtype. This article also explored how the INFP-T personality type compares to INFP-A type, and some famous INFP-T people.
Frequently Asked Questions: INFP-T Meaning
What does INFP-T mean?
INFP-T stands for Turbulent Mediator.
Mediators are peaceful, intimate, free spirits who see life as a never-ending set of idealistic possibilities that must be realised. Wherever they go, they normally strive to get along with others and foster peace.
Who are some famous INFP-T personalities?
Here is a list of some widely known INFP-T personality types:
- Søren Kierkegaard
- Vincent van Gogh
- Virginia Woolf
- Lady Diana
- Heath Ledger
What’s the difference between INFP and INFP-T?
INFPs work hard, particularly when the mission of their professions aligns with their beliefs and ideals. INFP-Ts, on the other hand, are more prone to be troubled by their idealistic nature. They are far more self-critical concerning their job and performance than their assertive counterparts, so they’re more prone to set extremely high objectives for themselves.
What does the T at the end of INFP-T mean?
Turbulent
On a spectrum from Turbulent to Assertive, the T in INFP-T stands for Turbulent. Stressed, ambitious, and perfectionist traits are more common in turbulent personalities. Assertive personalities are more self-assured and resilient to stress.
What is a turbulent personality type?
Individuals that are turbulent types are goal-oriented, perfectionistic, and willing to learn. They are always attempting to smooth out their self-doubts by attaining more. They’re just as inclined to push their initiatives or efforts in the same way as they push themselves to improve.
Is it better to be assertive or turbulent?
Turbulent types are more prone to be self-conscious perfectionists, anxious about their talents or how others see them, on the other hand, Assertive types (their counterpart) are calm, easygoing, and worry-free.
References
Assertive Mediator (INFP-A) vs. Turbulent Mediator (INFP-T)
What Is the INFP-T Personality and 6 Signs You Could Have It
