ISFJ vs ISFP (Top 3 differences)
By
PsychReel
This blog will tackle the differences between the ISFP and ISFJ personalities. It will define both personalities and also outline their characteristics.
The differences between the ISFJ and ISFP personalities
The key areas of difference between the ISFP and ISFJ are as follows:
- Decisive vs. indecisive
- Attitude towards change
- Values and belief systems
- Getting things done
- Judge vs. Perceiver
Decisive vs. indecisive
The ISFJ has the Judging function which drives them to be very decisive. They can make decisions very quickly with few or no regrets. This is especially advantageous in crises requiring quick action.
The ISFJ will quickly pull their resources together and make a decision on what needs to be done. The downside of this decisiveness is that there is an inadequate exploration of options due to being in a hurry to make things happen quickly.
On the other hand, the ISFP is a perceiver and as such, they like to take their time reviewing their options before deciding. This exploration will often result in an inability to decide altogether.
The ISFP likes to consider all outcomes and the possible consequences of each option before deciding. In emergencies, they tend to panic and cannot decide quickly about what needs to be done.
Attitude towards change
Change is an inevitable part of everyday life and every person must deal with it in one way or another. The ISFJ is the type of individual that does not like change.
They are not easily adaptable and resist any form of change to any aspect of their life. This is because is they are very routine-oriented.
Their lives are made up of a collection of well thought up and meticulously organized routines.
Any changes to the way they think, do things or, how they live whether beneficial or offers improvements are seen as disruptions. They may feel inconvenienced and annoyed by change.
In contrast, the ISFP is a very open-minded individual who is adaptable and accommodating of change. They are not routine-oriented and prefer to take each day as it comes.
When presented with a potential change, the ISFP will take time to consider if it is worth trying and if they find that it is beneficial they will adapt with little or resistance.
Values and belief system
When it comes to values and beliefs, the ISFJ happens to be a very value-centered individual. They are people who stand steadfastly on their beliefs regardless of the trends and things happening around them.
They are not easy to influence and when influenced they are not easy to convince otherwise.
The ISFP is also an individual that sticks to their values very closely. They are people whose values center around harmony and love for other people. They do not want to do anything that could hurt or harm others or make them seem selfish.
However, they are open to change and are easier to influence than the ISFJ. They are progressive and keep up with changing trends and topics, unlike the ISFJ.
Getting things done
When it comes to completing everyday tasks and carrying out projects these two personalities have different approaches.
To begin with, the ISFJ is very systematic in the undertaking of tasks. They create an order of work and try to form routines for things they need to do every day like chores or work. Everything is done in a particular order and system.
They are dutiful people who can only relax once they have completed their tasks. They maintain an orderly environment and they never tire of doing the same thing repetitively.
The ISFP on the other hand is a more relaxed go-with-the-flow type of person. They are not very systematic and rarely develop an order of work when approaching daily tasks.
They throw themselves into a task and figure out what to do whilst in the process.
They prefer to get work done when they want and may prioritize rest over working. They do not follow any routines and may find them to be boring and uptight.
The ISFJ is more reliable in this regard and is better at executing plans than the ISFP.
Judge vs. Perceiver
The ISFJ has the Judging function while the ISFP has the Perceiving function. This brings about very fundamental differences.
For starters, Perceivers prefer to be open and perceptive rather than deciding. This is usually in the form of openness to ideas or being more in tune with their senses.
This makes the ISFP accommodating of the views of others and more accepting of others. They are explorative people always searching for excitement and fun.
In contrast, Judges emphasize processing the information they receive and reaching decisions and judgments on that information quickly.
The Judging function makes the ISFJ opinionated and closed to the ideas and views of other people. They seek comfort in stability and consistency.
The ISFP and ISFJ personalities
ISFP:
ISFP stands for Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, and Perceiving. This is one of the 16 personalities on the Myers-Briggs indicator (MBTI).
The ISFP is also known as the ‘adventurer’ is a person who lives up to that name with an open mind always looking for new places and things to explore.
ISFJ:
ISFJ stands for Introversion, Sensing, Feeling, and Judging. It is one of the 16 personality types on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).
ISFJs usually come across as shy, quiet, and reserved. They however open up to their trusted close friends and friends.
Their Feeling function makes them very sensitive and emotional, they are however capable of remaining calm during difficult situations.
Characteristics of ISFP and ISFJ personalities
The characteristics of an ISFP:
- They are tolerant.
- They are accommodating
- They are nonjudgmental
- They are loyal
- They have a habit of underestimating themselves
- They do not like to be the center of attention
- They are impulsive and spontaneous
- They never plan or organize their activities
- They are sensitive and responsive to emotions
- They are super helpful
- They are introverts
- They are gentle
The characteristics of an ISFJ:
- ISFJs are people-orientated
- They direct their attention to the needs of others
- They generally look for the best in people
- The ISFJs place high importance on harmony and cooperation
- They are conflict avoidant
- The ISFJ wants to meet the needs of others.
- An ISFJ is duty focused
- They adhere to traditions
- They enjoy routines
- They desire clear instructions
- The ISFJ will naturally focus on the present and not be interested in future possibilities
- They are hesitant to accept or implement changes
Conclusion
This blog tackled the differences between the ISFP and ISFJ personalities. It defined both personalities and also outlined their characteristics.
The key areas of difference between the ISFP and ISFJ are as follows:
- Decisive vs. indecisive
- Attitude towards change
- Values and belief systems
- Getting things done
- Judge vs. Perceiver
If you’ve enjoyed ”ISFJ vs ISFP”, you should take a look at ”ISFJ vs ISTJ” too.
Thank you for reading this blog. Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
Frequently Asked Questions: ISFJ vs. ISFP
Do ISFPs and ISFJs get along?
Yes, ISFPs and ISFJs can get along as they both value people and help them progress. They are both very empathetic and are in touch with their emotions. They have many similarities and can get along swimmingly.
Why are ISFJs dangerous?
ISFJs are dangerous because anything you say and do against them will probably never be forgotten. This can turn into bitterness and resentment for all time. ISFJs can be long-suffering and forgiving but they have their limits and once reached they can shift from nurturing caregivers to bitter termagants.
Who should ISFJ marry?
The ISFJ’s natural partner is the ESTP or the ESFP. ISFJ’s dominant function of Introverted Sensing is best matched with a partner whose dominant function is Extraverted Sensing.
Are ISFP jealous?
Yes, ISFPs are more likely to get jealous in romantic relationships and may internalize these emotions, or express them through artistic and creative outlets.
Does ISFP cheat?
Yes, ISFPs are likely to cheat in relationships because they like to live in the moment but they value their freedom and independence a lot. This combination of traits can make them slightly more likely to stray.
References
Fuchs A.H and Milar K.S, (2003), ‘Psychology as a Science’, Handbook of Psychology, Vol 1, New York, NY, USA. PDF
Hatfield G, (1995), ‘Remaking the Science of Mind: Psychology as Natural Science’, Inventing Human Science. University of California Press; Berkeley, CA, USA. PDF
Mueller Steve, (2020), ‘The ISFP personality type analyzed’, Retrieved from http://www.planetofsuccess.com/blog/2017/isfp-personality-type/
