ISTP vs ISTJ personalities? (9 key differences)
By
PsychReel
This blog will answer the question “Are there any differences between the ISTP and ISTJ personalities?”. Outline the differences between ISTP and ISTJ. It will define both the ISTP and ISTJ personality, it will describe the typical ISTP and ISTJ.
Are there any differences between the ISTP and ISTJ personalities?
The major differences between ISTJs and ISTPs are:
● ISTPs hate routines while ISTJs thrive in them.
● ISTPs do not like rules and regulations while the ISTJ is a devoted follower of them.
● ISTPs cannot stay in one role for a long time while ISTJs can remain in the same role for years.
● The ISTP considers all his/her options before deciding while ISTJs only use the knowledge they already possess.
● ISTPs love to try new and exciting things while ISTJs hate new things.
● ISTPs are very accommodating of other peoples’ views while ISTJs are judgmental and cannot accommodate beliefs outside theirs.
● ISTPs are progressive while ISTJs are very traditional.
● ISTPs are very laid back while ISTJs are very uptight.
● ISTPs are big risk-takers while ISTJs would never risk anything.
The following table illustrates the major differences between the ISTP and ISTJ personality:
ISTJ VS ISTP
| ISTP | ISTJ |
| Hates routines and mundane activities. Prefers unstructured and unplanned work. | Thrives in routine-oriented activities. Spends time planning and structuring work |
| ISTPs perceive rules and regulations as limitations and an inconvenience. Therefore they are reluctantly compliant. | The ISTJ is a big advocate and follower of rules and regulations. They are keen on learning the rules and upholding them. |
| ISTPs are very impulsive and cannot stick to one thing for a long time because they get bored. They constantly crave change and excitement. | The ISTJ is very dutiful and devoted and can remain in the same role for years on end doing the same thing over and over without relenting. |
| The ISTP is an explorative thinker who considers all his/her options before making a decision. | ISTJs are one-track-minded people who only use the knowledge they already possess. They do not want to look elsewhere for other options. |
| ISTPs love to try new and exciting ways of doing things. They want to venture into different areas and fields of work and life discovering new knowledge. | ISTJs hate new things because they demand change to be implemented. They are highly resistant to new ideas and ways of doing things as they prefer doing things their way. |
| ISTPs are very accommodating of all types of people regardless of their race, sex, or religious affiliations. They tend to accept and understand other peoples’ views. | ISTJs are judgmental which makes it difficult for them to accommodate and understand others. They will write off anyone who has opposing views or interests from theirs. |
| ISTPs are progressive and stay updated on trends and changing patterns in society as they like to stay well informed. | ISTJs are very conservative and traditional. They prefer to maintain already established norms from those who came before them. They do not pay attention to trends and new age thinking patterns. |
| ISTPs are very relaxed and laid-back individuals. | ISTPs are big risk-takers willing to put almost anything at stake. |
| ISTJs are very intense and uptight individuals. | ISTJs would never take a risk no matter the odds. |
What are the ISTJ and ISTP personalities?
ISTP
ISTP stands for Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, Perceiving and it is a personality type on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator.
Such an individual gets energized by spending time alone (Introverted), is mainly drawn to facts, evidence, and details over theories and beliefs (Sensing).
The ISTP makes decisions by methods of critical analysis and logical reasoning (Thinking) and is impulsive.
Additionally, the ISTP is adaptable rather than planned and routine-oriented (Perceiving).
ISTJ
The ISTJ (Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, and Judging) is one of the 16 personality types on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).
The ISTJ spends a lot of time alone (Introverted), is mainly drawn to facts, evidence, and details over theories and beliefs (Sensing), make decisions by methods of critical analysis and logical reasoning (Thinking), and like to weigh things against each other (Judging).
What is the ISTJ like?
The ISTJ is characterized by the following things:
● They are earnest
● They are very thorough
● They are very routine-oriented
● Have a no-nonsense attitude
● They do their tasks coherently by scheduling all activities carefully
● They are very loyal and devoted
● They are introverts and so they enjoy being alone
What is the ISTP like?
The ISTP is typically characterized by the following:
● ISTPs like to take things apart and see the way they work
● They’re good at logical analysis, solving practical problems and concerns
● They are graced with a strong ability of reasoning
● ISTPs have a daring spirit and embrace challenges and are attracted to adrenaline spiking activities
● ISTPs are prone to becoming bored and uninterested very quickly if they keep doing the same thing.
● ISTPs are introverts so they spend a lot of time alone and don’t enjoy social activities and being in crowds.
Conclusion
This blog answered the question “Are there any differences between the ISTP and ISTJ personalities?”. It defined both the ISTP and ISTJ personality, described the typical ISTP and ISTJ, and outlined the differences between ISTP and ISTJ.
The major differences between ISTJs and ISTPs are:
● ISTPs hate routines while ISTJs thrive in them.
● ISTPs do not like rules and regulations while the ISTJ is a devoted follower of them.
● ISTPs cannot stay in one role for a long time while ISTJs can remain in the same role for years.
● The ISTP considers all his/her options before deciding while ISTJs only use the knowledge they already possess.
● ISTPs love to try new and exciting things while ISTJs hate new things.
● ISTPs are very accommodating of other peoples’ views while ISTJs are judgmental and cannot accommodate beliefs outside theirs.
● ISTPs are progressive while ISTJs are very traditional.
● ISTPs are very laid back while ISTJs are very uptight.
● ISTPs are big risk-takers while ISTJs would never risk anything.
Frequently Asked Questions: Are there any differences between the ISTP and ISTJ personalities?
Are ISTP and ISTJ similar?
Yes, ISTPs and ISTJs are similar because they are both possess the Sensing and Thinking function making them logical and fact-focused individuals.
Who Should an ISTP marry?
The ISTP’s natural partner is the ESTJ. ISTP’s dominant function of introverted thinking is best matched with a partner whose personality is dominated by extraverted thinking.
Are ISTPs cool?
Yes, ISTPs are considered to be the coolest. They have a calm and collected disposition, but they also have a spontaneous side which people like and makes them cool and fun.
Are ISTPs dominant?
No, ISTPs usually mind their own business and have no interest in controlling others as they are usually preoccupied with their business.
Who Should an ISTJ marry?
The ISTJ’s natural partner is the ESFP or the ESTP. ISTJ’s dominant function of Introverted Sensing is best matched with a partner whose personality is dominated by Extraverted Sensing.
Are ISTJ manipulative?
No, ISTJs are not manipulative. However, they have a strong desire for things to be done in their way they issue orders instead, and a person is free to accept or decline.
References.
‘Comparison of Insights Discovery System to Myers-Briggs Type Indicator report’, retrieved from https://www.insights.com/
Isabel Briggs Myers, (2015), Introduction to Type, CPP. PDF
Rajagopalan & Guruswami, (2015), “Relationship between Personality Traits and the Psychological Biases of Retail Investors – An Empirical Study”, Vidyasagar University Journal of Commerce, Vol. 20. PDF
Richard Bentall, (2003), Madness Explained: psychosis and human nature, Penguin, London. PDF
