Thinking vs Feeling (A Complete Guide)

In this article, we will compare Thinking Types with Feeling Types and their main features. This article also looks at how to figure out whether you are a Thinker or a Feeler, and how to deal with each type.

Thinking vs. Feeling (Head vs. Heart)

Thinking vs. Feeling is the third preference pair among the eight MBTI cognitive functions that embody the decision-making process. You either place greater focus on facts and information (Thinking) or on intimate issues, personal values and the individuals affected by your decisions (Feeling).

Every person is more likely to use either the Thinking (T) personality trait, that is based on logic, or the Feeling (F) personality trait, which is based on emotion. It’s a choice between the head and the heart.

For certain choices, some people utilise the Thinking function, and for others, they utilize the Feeling function.

Emotion should not be mistaken for feeling. All personality types are impacted emotionally by their choices. Also, don’t associate intellect with thinking.

When weighing decisions or choices, our third preference, the Nature scale, shows whether we favor feelings or thinking more. 

Thinking Types

Thinking types believe in objectivity. They focus their judgments on reality. Their heads, rather than their hearts, govern them. Thinking types use reasoning to analyse circumstances.

They prioritize facts over tact and are able to find defects. They are problem solvers with analytical thinking skills. Being a Thinking type however doesn’t indicate that they are emotionless.

Thinkers make sound choices backed by evidence and reasonable principles, and they approach problems using analytical reasoning. 

74% of people with the Thinking trait say it’s easy for them to make important decisions without consulting with someone else first, compared to 42% of those with the Feeling trait.

“RELYING ON OTHERS” SURVEY

They want simple laws that describe what is good and bad, and they hate uncertainty. Above all, they respect honesty, equality, and equity. Workplaces that don’t value merit above all, can be especially tough for them.

Thinkers reach judgments mainly on the basis of logic. They hate uncertainties and rather have the world in black and white.They put an emphasis on tangible elements, facts, and the enforcement of simple laws.

83% of people with the Thinking trait say it’s best to take a scientific approach to the problems in their own lives, compared to 43% of those with the Feeling trait.

“SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION” SURVEY

They are focused on tasks at work and strive to add reliable utility. Communicating with them is usually short and formal. Feelers may view them as cold fish.

Feeling Types

Feeling types believe in subjectivity. They make choices based on personal beliefs and ideals. They lead from their hearts rather than their heads.

Feeling types make decisions for themselves and others based on their emotions and keeping mitigating factors in mind. They deserve to be valued and really deeply care for people. Harmony and compassion are important to them.

Feelers make choices influenced by social factors, listening to their feelings, and taking into account the emotions of everyone else.

88% of those with the Feeling trait said they value and cherish their emotions, compared to 47% of those with the Thinking trait.

“EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE” SURVEY

They regard life as the human experience, with material objects serving as mere commodities.

They are approachable and friendly at work, and they make a lot of choices based on principles.

Thinkers may view them as unprincipled and driven by emotions.

Feeling types make choices depending on personal beliefs as well as social influences.  They depend on their own moral code and the emotions of everyone to know what is good and bad, rather than dwelling on the cold, grim reality. 

65% of those with the Feeling trait say they mostly listen to their hearts when they make important choices, compared to 7% of those with the Thinking trait.

“Head vs. Heart” SURVEY

They put a high emphasis on bonds and partnerships. People who have this preference are inspired by an urge to care about and support others.

Are You a Thinking or Feeling Type 

The Thinking (T) and Feeling (F) preference pairs describe how you make choices, whether by logical reasoning or intrinsic emotion. The preferences of thought and feeling are diametrically opposed. 

The innate inclination of a human might be greater toward one than the other.

Thinkers and Feelers are equally represented in the overall population. Women were more likely to be Feelers, while men are more likely to be Thinkers.

If you want to know, whether you are a Feeler or Thinker, keep reading.

Thinking Types

If the following statements, seem relatable to you, then you might be a Thinker:

  • I like working in technological and science fields where logic is essential
  • Incongruities provoke my concern
  • I search for rational descriptions or resolutions to most things
  • I make choices based on logic and strive to be equitable
  • Being polite isn’t as important to me as saying the facts
  • I may come off as task-oriented, heartless, or uninterested

Feeling Types

If the following statements, seem relatable to you, then you might be a Feeling Type or a Feeler:

  • I’m more of a people person
  • When there is a lack of harmony, it makes me anxious
  • I make choices based on my feelings and aspire to be humane
  • Being polite is, in my opinion, more crucial than speaking the harsh truth
  • I don’t always see or convey the “harsh facts” of a scenario
  • Others can perceive me as an idealist, soft, or subtle person at times

How to Deal With Each Type

Dealing With Thinkers

When dealing with Thinkers keep the following things in mind:

  • Keep it short and brief.
  • Be rational and avoid rambling for no explicable cause.
  • Be logical and analytical in your thought.
  • Maintain a sense of composure and purpose.
  • Don’t ignore feelings as insignificant; they might have a more unique perception than you think.
  • Emotions and feelings should be considered as secondary factors in making that decision.

Dealing with Feelers

When dealing with Feelers keep the following things in mind:

  • Make an effort to be courteous and polite.
  • Display compassion by first demonstrating some cooperation.
  • Explain to them how your concept can affect people and how it will be received.
  • Bear in mind that the way you talk (your tone) is just as important as what you say.
  • Introduce yourself and then get to know them and remember that it will take some time for them to embrace you fully.
  • Allow them to discuss repercussions and their personal fears, embrace judgments that may or may not be based on evidence.

Personality Types 

Thinking Personality Types

  • ESTJ – Overseer
  • ESTP – Persuader
  • ENTJ – Chief
  • ENTP – Originator
  • ISTJ – Examiner
  • ISTP – Craftsman
  • INTJ – Strategist
  • INTP – Engineer

Feeling Personality Types

  • ESFJ – Supporter
  • ESFP – Entertainer
  • ENFJ – Mentor
  • ENFP – Advocate
  • ISFJ – Defender
  • ISFP – Artist
  • INFJ – Confidant
  • INFP – Dreamer

Conclusion

In this article, we compared Thinking Types with Feeling Types and their main features. This article also looked at how to figure out whether you are a Thinker or a Feeler, and how to deal with each type.

Frequently Asked Questions: Thinking vs Feeling

What is the difference between thinking and feeling?

When we use our ideas to solve a dilemma, we are, in a way, navigating through a fictional version of reality, moving through representations of reality. In this way, the role of thought reflects truth. In a nutshell, thoughts occur between emotions and acts.

What is thinking and feeling personality?

The Thought (T) and Feeling (F) preference pairs explain how you make choices, whether by logical reasoning or intrinsic feeling. The preferences for thought and sensing are diametrically opposed. The natural inclination of an individual will be greater toward one than the other.

What is the difference between thinking and feeling in Myers Briggs?

Thinking and feeling are also methods of judging, according to Carl Jung. As we’ll see, thinkers prefer to make decisions based on impersonal, logic-based criteria, while feelers make decisions based on their own and others’ interests and emotions. The fields of concern and skills of thinkers and feelers are often distinct.

How do I know if I am a feeler or a thinker?

To avoid hurting someone’s emotions, the tactful Thinker can control their impulses. Feelers, on the other hand, have a strong tendency to value other people’s emotions. Most Feelers are so preoccupied by their emotions that they fail to realise whether someone is acting irrationally.

What is Type F personality?

People who have the Feeling (F) personality trait always lead with their hearts and feelings without even knowing it. Feeling personality types tend to be loving, supportive, and pleasant, to differing degrees and in various ways.

Do thoughts cause feelings?

Emotions and thoughts have a major impact on each other. Worrying about an upcoming work interview can lead to anxiety, and thinking can also act as an evaluation of that emotion (“this isn’t a rational fear”). Furthermore, how we pay attention to and evaluate our lives has an impact on how we feel.

What is an emotional thinker?

Emotional thinkers have a propensity to form fast conclusions based on their emotions. Emotional thinkers sometimes misinterpret reality in order to get others to comply with their viewpoints (emotions), and they may become angry if someone opposes. This can come off as really irrational or unfair.

Are thinkers or feelers more common?

According to personality type figures, 75.5 percent of females and 56.5 percent of men are Feelers and Thinkers, respectively. So, right away, we see that a significant number of men—roughly 43%—have Feeling preferences. The first issue is that possessing a Feeling preference doesn’t really stop you from thinking carefully and consistently.

References

Thinking vs. Feeling

Thinking or Feeling

Thinking vs. Feeling

Surveys from Nature: Thinking vs. Feeling

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