Glossary: Projection

An automatic, psychological process where one’s own rejected, or simply invisible, personal qualities are unconsciously ejected out of one’s self onto others. These individuals can have traits that acts as a “hook” to catch our projection but this is not always the case, sometimes it’s just prejudice. Projections are always accompanied to strong emotions. The process of projection is behind all of the –isms (racism, sexism, etc.)

Projection means the expulsion of a subjective content into an object; it is the opposite of introjection. Accordingly, it is a process of dissimilation, by which a subjective content becomes alienated from the subject and is, so to speak, embodied in the object. The subject gets rid of painful, incompatible contents by projecting them.

- Jung

In spite of being disturbing and socially dangerous, projections also have meaning; for it is apparently only through projections that we can make ourselves conscious of certain unconscious processes. Through projections there arise, first of all, those fascinations, affects, entanglements which then force us to reflect on ourselves. There is no becoming conscious without the fires of emotion and suffering. The disturbance of adaptation which is closely linked with every projection leads, if all goes well, to reflection (if it goes badly it leads to homicide and murder.) Re-flexio, however, means that the image which has been “radiated” outward onto another object is “bent back” and returns to oneself.

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People in one’s immediate neighborhood experience our projections as emotional exaggerations. Personally, I listen almost unconsciously to the tone in which analysands speak about their marital partner, their friends and enemies, and I have discovered that I simply “switch over” whenever a certain undertone of hysterical exaggeration is heard together with the rest of the patient’s statement. Then one can no longer quite believe what is being said, but instead listens to an interesting (unconscious) self-presentation of the analysand. If one succeeds in that moment in relating such an outburst to a dream motif which pictures the statements figuratively, then there is often a good chance that the other will see that all that he has described so enthusiastically or so angrily is really in himself. The withdrawal of a projection, however, is almost always a moral shock. People with weak egos are often unable to tolerate this and resist violently. Jung once compared the ego with a person who navigates his sturdy or flimsy boat on the sea of the unconscious. He hauls fish (the contents of the unconscious) into his boat, but he cannot fill the boat (i.e., integrate unconscious contents) with more fish than the size of the boat allows; if he takes in too many the boat sinks. That is why the elucidation and withdrawal of projections is a critical matter. Schizoid and hysterical personalities can usually take only a little. With primitive people who have a weak ego, it is also advisable to leave projections unexplained. It has been my experience that then the older, more historical ways of dealing with autonomous complexes work better, namely that one refers to them as “spirits” which do not belong to the individual and thus one helps the analysand to resist such a “spirit” through some ritual or magic practice. This means that one takes literally what has been preserved as a figure of speech: “The devil has gotten into him” or that being in love is a “bewitchment.” However, any decisions about these inner moral insights will be made not by the ego and not by the analyst but by the Self. So we are in fact just as the Self sees us with its inner eyes which are always open, and all our own efforts toward self-knowledge must get to this point before any inner peace is possible.

- Marie-Louise von Franz, Dreams, “The Hidden Source of Self”

Link

“The Hidden Source of Self”

Glossary: Differentiation

Individuation is a process of differentiation, having for its goal the development of the individual personality.

– Carl Jung


Separating the parts from the whole. The psyche begins as an undifferentiated mass, with everything mixed up together. Our task throughout our lives – and our task collectively, as a society – is to separate this archaic (ancient, primitive) mass into its constituent parts, and then to hold all the opposites together at the same time. This is essentially what individuation, or becoming one’s whole self, is all about.

Differentiation means the development of differences, the separation of parts from a whole. In this work I employ the concept chiefly in respect to psychological functions. So long as one function is still so merged with one or more of the other functions – as for example thinking with feeling, or feeling with sensation, etc. – as to be quite unable to appear alone, it is in an archaic state, and therefore undifferentiated, i.e. it is not separated out as a special part from the whole having its own independent existence. An undifferentiated thinking is incapable of thinking apart from other functions, i.e. it is constantly mixed up with sensations, feelings, or intuitions; such thinking may, for instance, become blended with sensations and phantasies, as exemplified in the sexualization (Freud) of feeling and thinking in neurosis. The undifferentiated function is also commonly characterized by the qualities of ambivalency and ambitendency, i.e. every positive brings with it an equally strong negative, whereby characteristic inhibitions spring up in the application of the undifferentiated function. Such a function suffers also from a fusing together of its individual parts; thus an undifferentiated faculty of sensation, for instance, is impaired through an amalgamation of the separate spheres of sensation (“audition coloriee”), and undifferentiated feeling through confounding hatred with love. Just so far as a function is wholly or mainly unconscious is it also undifferentiated, i.e. it is not only fused together in its parts but also merged with other functions.

Differentiation consists in the separation of the selected function from other functions, and in the separation of its individual parts from each other. Without differentiation direction [introversion and extroversion] is impossible, since the direction of a function is dependent upon the isolation and exclusion of the irrelevant. Through fusion with what is irrelevant, direction becomes impossible; only a differentiated function proves itself capable of direction.

- Carl Jung (taken from PaladinX's post on Personality Cafe)

Introduction to Jung

Looking over the glossary it occurred to me that if someone mastered every entry on that page, they would have a solid grasp of analytical psychology. This lead me to put together a basic introduction to Jung based on those posts. This page is a work in progress and will be updated as new posts are written.

I started with easier and more basic aspects of his theory and from there move to more difficult and esoteric subjects. Posts on typology can be found on the page "Jungian Typology".


Structure of the Psyche

Analytical Psychology
Psyche
Personality
Consciousness
Unconscious
Personal Unconscious
Collective Unconscious
Complex
Ego
Persona
Shadow
Animus
Anima
Wise Old Woman/Man
Self



Archetypes

Archetypes
Archetypal Image
Imago
Psychoid
Personification
Contamination
Projection
Symbiosis
Identification
Inflation
Negative Inflation
Mana Personality
Introjection
Objectivation
Depotentiation
Assimilation



The Self Regulating Psyche

Self-Regulation of the Psyche
Libido
Will
Instinct
Reductive
Constructive
Concretrism
Abstraction
Complex
Autonomous
Affect
Mother Complex
Father Complex
Power Complex



Breakdown of the Psyche

Collective
Participation Mystique
Archaic
Abaissement du Niveau Mental
Depression
Dissociation
Neurosis
Repression
Regression
Regressive Restoration of the Persona
Schizophrenia
Hysteria
Psychosis
Enantiodromia



Individuation

Adaptation
Compensation
Individual
Reflection
Differentiation
Progression
Opposites
Integration
Transcendent Function
Tertium Non Datur
Individuation
Wholeness
Constellation
Synchronicity



Jungian Therapy

Dream
Lysis
Dream Series
Dream Interpretation
Objective Level
Subjective Level
Dream Analysis
Circumambulation
Association
Amplification
Active imagination
Transference
Countertransference



Symbolism
(A more extensive list can be found on the page "Symbols")

Symbols
Myths
Participation Mystique
Mother
Eros
Soul
Father
Logos
Spirit
Child
Trickster
Puella/Puer Aeternus
Kore (see also "Puella Aeternus")
Crone
Senex
Hostile Brothers
Hero's Journey
Heroine's Journey (see also "Night Sea Journey")
Night Sea Journey
Rebirth
Wounded Healer
Numinous
Supraordinate Personality
Anthropos
Mandala



Alchemy

Alchemy
Artifex
Magnum Opus
Prima Materia
Nigredo
Albedo
Citrinitas
Rubedo
Calcinatio
Solutio
Mortificatio
Coagulatio
Sublimatio
Separatio
Coniunctio
King & Queen
Incest
Syzygy
Philosopher's Stone
Axiom of Maria
Quaternity
Unus Mundus



Links:

Jungian Terms (Jung Platform)
Glossary of Jungian Terms (Carl-Jung.net)
Glossary of Jungian Terms (Tallahassee Center for Jungian Studies)
A Glossary of Jungian Terms (Terrapsychology Page)
Jung Lexicon: A Primer of Terms & Concepts (Abed Continuing Ed.)
Jungian Psychology: Glossary of Key Concepts (End of the Game)
Analytical Psychology (Wikipedia)
Jungian Techniques: Individuation, Active Imagination and Dream Interpretation
MBTI Basics (The Myers-Briggs Foundation)



Further Reading

The following books are a good introduction to Jung, for those wishing to explore these topics in more depth:

Memories, Dreams, Reflections, by CG Jung
Man and His Symbols, edited by CG Jung
Jung: A Very Short Introduction, by Anthony Stevens
Jung's Map of the Soul, by Murray Stein
Ego and Archetype, by Edward F. Edinger
A Guided Tour of The Collected Works of C.G. Jung, by Robert H. Hopcke
Understanding Dreams, by Mary Ann Mattoon
Dreams, A Portal to the Source, by Edward C. Whitmont and Sylvia Brinton Perera
A Critical Dictionary of Jungian Analysis, by Andrew Samuels and Bani Shorter
The Handbook of Jungian Psychology: Theory, Practice and Applications, by Renos K. Papadopoulos
Personality Types, by Daryl Sharp

Deirdre Bair's top 10 Jungian books (by the author of the excellent biography, Jung: A Biography)
C.G. Jung’s Collected Works: Abstracts, IAAP (full abstracts of every volume of the Collected Works)


Also, if you're interested in an excellent introduction to Jung you should definitely check out analyst John Betts' podcast Jungian's Podcast. It's available on iTunes.

Glossary: Libido

Psychological energy; from the Latin meaning “desire,” or “love.” Unlike Freud, for Jung libido was not limited to sexual energy but was all mental and emotional energy. Where the libido goes, there goes one’s fascination and attention. This psychic energy manifests as drives, aspirations, compulsions, etc.

As Jung believed that the psyche is a self regulating system, he felt that a person’s libido “knew” where it needed to go for one’s growth. Our job is to figure out where that is. You can’t control or decide this because one’s libido is governed by something larger than the ego, namely, the Self. When there is intense activity in the unconscious the Self pulls libido out of consciousness resulting in the feeling of depression, or a general lack of energy.

Libido can be blocked, in which case it will find another channel, or change direction. Because of psyche’s tendency to balance itself out, it will often do this naturally when the conscious self has gone too far in one direction, often changing into its complete opposite (compensation, enantiodromia).

[Libido] denotes a desire or impulse which is unchecked by any kind of authority, moral or otherwise. Libido is appetite in its natural state. From the genetic point of view it is bodily needs like hunger, thirst, sleep, and sex, and emotional states or affects, which constitute the essence of libido.

- Jung "The Concept of Libido," CW 5, par. 194

For Jung, the hero is a symbol of the developing ego's libido. By libido, Jung means not simply desire or psychological energy but psychological purpose as well. For him, the hero myth expresses the ego's desire to replace dependency upon the unconscious with self-direction - a purpose that necessitates an ambivalent struggle with the mother, who symbolizes the unconscious

- Beebe, Aspects of the Masculine (p. 9)

Libido can never be apprehended except in a definite form; that is to say, it is identical with fantasy-images. And we can only release it from the grip of the unconscious by bringing up the corresponding fantasy-images.

- Jung, "The Technique of Differentiation," CW 7, par. 345

Always in advance of consciousness, calling us into new activity. Libido in turn is a part of the life energy that drives all organisms to grow and develop. Its first expression is in the energy of growth that causes cell division, budding, etc. (so it IS sexual at first). As you climb the phylogenetic ladder, libido used for sexuality loses its sexual character and flows into other forms.

Libido contains two opposite urges or instincts (see ambivalence/ambitendency): to live and to die, to go forwards and backwards (death drive) into instinctuality/womb/uncon. The libido contains both or no movement could happen.

- Craig Chalquist, PhD, A Glossary of Jungian Terms

It does not lie in our power to transfer "disposable" energy at will to a rationally chosen object. The same is true in general of the apparently disposable energy which is disengaged when we have destroyed its unserviceable forms through the corrosive of reductive analysis. [It] can at best be applied voluntarily for only a short time. But in most cases it refuses to seize hold, for any length of time, of the possibilities rationally presented to it. Psychic energy is a very fastidious thing which insists on fulfilment of its own conditions. However much energy may be present, we cannot make it serviceable until we have succeeded in finding the right gradient.

- Jung, "The Problem of the Attitude-Type," CW 7, par. 76

What is it, at this moment and in this individual, that represents the natural urge of life? That is the question.

- Jung, "The Structure of the Unconscious," CW 7, par. 488


Jung quotes from: Daryl Sharp's "Jung Lexicon"



See also:
Compensation
Enantiodromia
Hero

Glossary: Tertiary function

Our third strongest function (if the primary is the 1st function and the auxiliary the second). The tertiary function will always be the opposite of the auxiliary ("Co-Pilot") function. This third function is also somewhat accessible to the ego, although generally to a far lesser extent. Just as the second function supports the primary function, the third function is closely associated with the inferior function.

One important thing to note about the tertiary function is that it's always the same attitude as our primary or Driver function (extroverted if the Driver function is extroverted, and vice versa). The third function feels safer than the Co-pilot (which always has the opposite attitude). This is because the auxiliary function is a far more challenging a place to be; extroverts don't want to slow down enough to explore their Co-Pilot, and the need to go out into the world can be nerve-wracking for introverts. This often leads us to go to our tertiary function in a defensive manner when what we really need to do is turn to our Co-Pilot.


The tertiary function as the "defensive position"(1)



(from Personality Hacker)

Personality Hacker calls the tertiary function the "10 Year Old" because it has the maturity level of about a 10 year old child. In other words, it has a certain level of development, and can listen to and assist the Driver but, just as you would never force your 10 year old child to bear your adult burdens, the 10 year old part of you simply cannot handle the complex, sophisticated issues of adult life. The problem is, it's far easier for us to run to our 10 Year Old function when we're hiding from something unpleasant. That's because it's the same attitude as our driver and feels far more comfortable to us than the Co-Pilot, which forces us to go out of our comfort zone.

 

The 10 Year Old often shows up when we're relaxing in a comfortable way; we all naturally turn to it. For example, my 10 Year Old is Memory (introverted sensation). When I relax I love just chilling at home, reading or playing video games. Other examples are watching sports or playing strategy games for Effectiveness (extroverted thinking), or hanging out in a Bed Bath and Beyond for Harmony (extroverted feeling). Think of the kinds of things that 10 year olds with that particular Driver enjoy doing, that's our inner 10 Year Old at play.

 

The problem is that we don't just turn to it to relax and play; we often run to it when there's something we need to pay attention to, or do, that we want to avoid. This is why it's called the defensive position; extroverts go to their 10 Year Old when they're trying to drown out the quiet voice inside of them that's telling them that they're doing something wrong, introverts close their ears when the world is trying to tell them something. Because it's similar to the Driver the 10 Year Old usually agrees with it, fatuously validating the Driver's ideas rather than providing a fresh angle that may point to an actual solution. When the Driver has an agenda - when it's trying to avoid seeing or doing something, especially if that something is in the field of the Co-Pilot - that's when we tend go to the 10 Year Old in a negative way.

 

When this happens, we act out the very worst aspects of our 10 Year Old function. In my case (that of an INTP), I hide out in my home and refuse to go out, fearful and cynical, bitter at the world, losing the thing I value most, my ability to think clearly and understand what is true. A similar thing happens to each type as they hunker down in their 10 Year Old function and refuse to do the things they should do; they end up so warped that even their Driver is affected.

 

The thing to do when we use the 10 Year Old defensively, after first becoming aware of what we're doing, is to calm it down. Just as we'd have to stop what we were doing and care for our 10 year old child if they were distraught, when our inner 10 year old is acting out we need to do the same thing. We need to stop what we're doing, and do something that puts it at ease and makes it feel comfortable. Whatever it is that we do when we're chilling out, do that. Let the 10 Year Old calm down and relax. And when it's finally calmed down, it's time to go to the other adult in the car, the Co-Pilot, and let the grown ups handle the problem... which is as it should be.

 

Once we're no longer using the 10 Year Old function in an inappropriate way it can actually become of great help to us. It brings a third function into the mix, adding it's strengths to the abilities of the Driver and Co-Pilot. In my case, my Memory function brings a desire for structure and order. It's often a bit of a struggle - our inner 10 year old will never have the skill or facility that our adult functions do - but it encourages me to stop for a moment and organize all the amazing and important ideas I discover in a form that others can benefit from. This blog, and this series in particular, are expressions of my 10 Year Old function of Memory. By going to our Co-Pilot first, we create the conditions that allow our 10 Year Old to contribute it's special talents to the entire "family's" well being. 

Links:
"Developing Your 10 Year Old Tertiary Cognitive Function" (Personality Hacker)
"Ways Unhealthy Personality Types Show Up" (Personality Hacker)
"How To Engage 10-Year Old Cognitive Function in Play" (Personality Hacker)
"Personality Development Tools: The Car Model" (Personality Hacker)
"When You ALMOST Know Your Personality Type" (Personality Hacker)


See also:
Primary function
Auxiliary function
Inferior function
Rational function
Irrational function
Psychological functions
Integrating the functions
Meyers–Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)
The 16 “Types” (MBTI)


(1) Antonia Dodge, The Car Model (Personality Hacker)

Glossary: The 16 “Types” (MBTI)

The post on the MBTI went on too long so I decided to split it into two parts. The first part of this post is a series of short descriptions of the various types, organized by the primary function. The second half are various methods of finding your type: a table and an alphabetical list.

Check the links below to find tests; each of the sites should have their own personality test. Just be sure to answer what you would typically do in a situation, not what you did that one time that you happen to remember. If you find yourself struggling, take the test with someone who knows you well, and remember to take the results with a grain of salt. The best way to really figure out your type is to understand the various functions and attitudes. There's a link at the end of the post for a very helpful podcast from the ever insightful Personality Hackers to help you figure it out.



The 16 Personalities

The first part of this post is a series of descriptions. Here's the format:

[Attitude] [Primary Function]/[Auxiliary Function] (i.e. an ENFP would be "Extroverted Intuitive/Feeling").


Primary function: Sensation

Introverted sensation/thinking: ISTJ (“The Reliable”)

ISTJ’s primary mode of living is focused internally, where they take things in via their five senses in a literal, concrete fashion ("memory;" taking in sensory information and integrating that which is meaningful). Their secondary mode is external, where they deal with things rationally and logically (“effectiveness;” wants to get things done, asks “Does this work?” without regard to personal feelings, concerned with practical application). They're comfortable with solitude and reflection; pay attention to facts and details; and have an awareness of their internal experience. Quiet, serious, earn success by thoroughness and dependability. Practical, matter-of-fact, realistic, and responsible. Decide logically what should be done and work toward it steadily, regardless of distractions. Take pleasure in making everything orderly and organized - their work, their home, their life. Value traditions and loyalty.

One of the most disciplined of the types; long term oriented marathoners; careful, thoughtful, and detail oriented. They tend to look to the past, to see how things were done. This gives them a starting place, a way to “prime the pump” to get started. BUT it takes them a very long time, and a lot of energy, to get started. Need to ration their energy, and to make sure of a thing before they say “yes” to it… they often never feel ready to say “yes”, though. Their main problem is fear of the unknown; they can’t predict what’s going to happen, or be certain that they’re going to be ready for it. They need to remember that trying and failing is better than never doing anything, and done is better than perfect; no one can ever be 100% ready. However, taking some action, even if it means failing, is how you become more ready the next time you try. Becoming acclimated to the kinds of surprises the world can throw at you is the only real way to be truly prepared. To get motivated, they need to tap into their vision of how things should be in the world; they need to get into their Effectiveness driver; things just need to get done so you just have to get into action. Quietly systematic, factual, organized, logical, detailed, conscientious, analytical, responsible, pragmatic, critical, conservative, decisive, stable, concrete, efficient.


Introverted sensation/feeling: ISFJ (“The Preserver”)

ISFJ’s primary mode of living is focused internally, where they takes things in via their five senses in a literal, concrete fashion  ("memory;" taking in sensory information and integrating that which is meaningful). Their secondary mode is external, where they deal with things according to how they feel about them, or how they fit into their personal value system (“harmony;” concerned with meeting the needs of others, connecting with others, asks “What gets everyone’s needs met?”). They're comfortable with solitude and reflection; pay attention to facts and details; and have an awareness of their internal experience. Quiet, friendly, responsible, and conscientious. Committed and steady in meeting their obligations. Thorough, painstaking, and accurate. Loyal, considerate, notice and remember specifics about people who are important to them, concerned with how others feel. Strive to create an orderly and harmonious environment at work and at home.

One of the most disciplined of the types; long term oriented marathoners; careful, thoughtful, and detail oriented. They tend to look to the past, to see how things were done. This gives them a starting place, a way to “prime the pump” to get started. BUT it takes them a very long time, and a lot of energy, to get started. Need to ration their energy, and to make sure of a thing before they say “yes” to it… they often never feel ready to say “yes”, though. Their main problem is fear of the unknown; they can’t predict what’s going to happen, or be certain that they’re going to be ready for it. They need to remember that trying and failing is better than never doing anything, and done is better than perfect; no one can ever be 100% ready. However, taking some action, even if it means failing, is how you become more ready the next time you try. Becoming acclimated to the kinds of surprises the world can throw at you is the only real way to be truly prepared. To get motivated, they need to tap into their vision of how things should be in the world; they need to get into their Harmony driver. Extroverted feeling is responsive to people's needs; sometimes you just have to get into action to meet those needs. Quietly warm, factual, sympathetic, detailed, dependable, organized, thorough, conscientious, systematic, conservative, realistic, caring, practical, stable, helpful.


Extroverted sensation/thinking: ESTP (“The Dynamo”)

ESTP’s primary mode of living is focused externally, where they take things in via their five senses in a literal, concrete fashion (“sensation;” uses sense perceptions to learn what can be proven, then immediately acts). Their secondary mode is internal, where they deal with things rationally and logically (“accuracy;” scans for incongruities, seeks truth without judgment). They focus on the external world; pleasure seeking; take great delight in the outer world. Flexible and tolerant, they take a pragmatic approach focused on immediate results. Theories and conceptual explanations bore them - they want to act energetically to solve the problem. Focus on the here-and-now, spontaneous, enjoy each moment that they can be active with others. Enjoy material comforts and style. Learn best through doing.

One of the most energizing of all the types; can generate vast amounts of energy, and are very motivating to others as well as themselves. Excel at starting great projects, not so great at seeing them through to completion; they’re sprinters, not marathoners. Want to stay physical, stay moving; to get the next sensation “hit”.  This means they often don’t reap the benefits of their great ideas. Need to go to their introverted thinking to stay focused; need to ask “What has meaning to me? What is really, actually important to me?” Once they have the answer, then they can find the project that is in line with their deepest values. But this needs to be done before starting the project. Once they get going, they need to do as much as they can, as fast as they can, to get the project completed before running out of steam. Excitement seeking, active, pragmatic, direct, easygoing, observant, concrete, realistic, adaptable, efficient, analytical, troubleshooter, spontaneous, adventurous, experiential.


Extroverted sensation/feeling: ESFP (“The Performer”)

ESFP’s primary mode of living is focused externally, where they take things in via their five senses in a literal, concrete fashion (“sensation;” uses sense perceptions to learn what can be proven, then immediately acts). Their secondary mode is internal, where they deal with things according to how they feel about them, or how they fit with their personal value system (“authenticity;” concerned with core values and convictions, how events impact them, asks “Does this feel right to me?”). They focus on the external world; pleasure seeking; take great delight in the outer world. Outgoing, friendly, and accepting. Exuberant lovers of life, people, and material comforts. Enjoy working with others to make things happen. Bring common sense and a realistic approach to their work, and make work fun. Flexible and spontaneous, adapt readily to new people and environments. Learn best by trying a new skill with other people.

One of the most energizing of all the types; can generate vast amounts of energy, and are very motivating to others as well as themselves. Excel at starting great projects, not so great at seeing them through to completion; they’re sprinters, not marathoners. Want to stay physical, stay moving; to get the next sensation “hit”.  This means they often don’t reap the benefits of their great ideas. Need to go to their introverted feeling to stay focused; need to ask “What has meaning to me? What is really, actually important to me?” Once they have the answer, then they can find the project that is in line with their deepest values. But this needs to be done before starting the project. Once they get going, they need to do as much as they can, as fast as they can, to get the project completed before running out of steam. Energetic, sociable, practical, friendly, caring, expressive, open, enthusiastic, excitement seeking, spontaneous, resourceful, adaptable, observant, hand-on, generous, fun-loving.


Primary function: Intuition

Introverted intuition/thinking: INTJ (“The Mastermind”)

INTJ’s primary mode of living is focused internally, where they take things in primarily via intuition (“perspectives;” watches their mind form patterns, gets inside the minds of others, and sees implications far into the future). Their secondary mode is external, where they deal with things rationally and logically (“effectiveness;” wants to get things done, asks “Does this work?” without regard to personal feelings, concerned with practical application). Have mental clarity, accurate interpretations of perceptions, and visionary insight. Have original minds and great drive for implementing their ideas and achieving their goals. Quickly see patterns in external events and develop long-range explanatory perspectives. When committed, organize a job and carry it through. Skeptical and independent, have high standards of competence and performance - for themselves and others.

One of the most disciplined of the types; long term oriented marathoners; careful, thoughtful, and detail oriented. They’re able to “look into the future” and project where things are going, enabling them to make wise choices about where to direct their energy. BUT it takes them a very long time, and a lot of energy, to get started. Need to ration their energy, and to make sure of a thing before they say “yes” to it… they often never feel ready to say “yes”, though. They need to remember that trying and failing is better than never doing anything, and done is better than perfect; no one can ever be 100% ready. However, taking some action, even if it means failing, is how you become more ready the next time you try. Becoming acclimated to the kinds of surprises the world can throw at you is the only real way to be truly prepared. To get motivated, they need to tap into their vision of how things should be in the world; they need to get into their Effectiveness driver; things just need to get done so you just have to get into action. Vision oriented, quietly innovative, insightful, conceptual, logical, seeks understanding, critical, decisive, independent, determined, pursues competence and improvement.


Introverted intuition/feeling: INFJ (“The Counselor”)

INFJ’s primary mode of living is focused internally, where they take things in primarily via intuition (“perspectives;” watches their mind form patterns, gets inside the minds of others, and sees implications far into the future). Their secondary mode is external, where they deal with things according to how they feel about them, or how they fit with their personal value system (“harmony;” concerned with meeting the needs of others, connecting with others, asks “What gets everyone’s needs met?”). Have mental clarity, accurate interpretations of perceptions, and visionary insight. Seek meaning and connection in ideas, relationships, and material possessions. Want to understand what motivates people and are insightful about others. Conscientious and committed to their firm values. Develop a clear vision about how best to serve the common good. Organized and decisive in implementing their vision.

One of the most disciplined of the types; long term oriented marathoners; careful, thoughtful, and detail oriented. They’re able to “look into the future” and project where things are going, enabling them to make wise choices about where to direct their energy. BUT it takes them a very long time, and a lot of energy, to get started. Need to ration their energy, and to make sure of a thing before they say “yes” to it… they often never feel ready to say “yes”, though. They need to remember that trying and failing is better than never doing anything, and done is better than perfect; no one can ever be 100% ready. However, taking some action, even if it means failing, is how you become more ready the next time you try. Becoming acclimated to the kinds of surprises the world can throw at you is the only real way to be truly prepared. To get motivated, they need to tap into their vision of how things should be in the world; they need to get into their Harmony driver. Extroverted feeling is responsive to people's needs; sometimes you just have to get into action to meet those needs. Vision and meaning oriented, quietly intense, insightful, creative, sensitive, seeks harmony and growth, serious, loves language and symbols, persevering, inspiring.


Extroverted intuition/thinking: ENTP (“The Visionary”)

ENTP’s primary mode of living is focused externally, where they take things in primarily via their intuition (“exploration;” figures things out and tests in the moment, asks “What If?”, seeks to understand the patterns). Their secondary mode is internal, where they deal with things rationally and logically (“accuracy;” scans for incongruities, seeks truth without judgment). Comfortably inattentive to sensory data; flexible, adaptable, risk-taking; optimistic about the future. Quick, ingenious, stimulating, alert, and outspoken. Resourceful in solving new and challenging problems. Adept at generating conceptual possibilities and then analyzing them strategically. Good at reading other people. Bored by routine, will seldom do the same thing the same way, apt to turn to one new interest after another. One of the most energizing of all the types; can generate vast amounts of energy, and are very motivating to others as well as themselves.

Excel at starting great projects, not so great at seeing them through to completion; they’re sprinters, not marathoners. Lose motivation because they want to move on the next new, fresh, fun thing. This means they often don’t reap the benefits of their great ideas. Need to go to their secondary function, Accuracy, to stay focused; need to ask “What has meaning to me? What is really, actually important to me?” Once they have the answer, then they can find the project that is in line with their deepest values. But this needs to be done before starting the project. Once they get going, they need to do as much as they can, as fast as they can, to get the project completed before running out of steam. Energetic, inventive, enthusiastic, abstract, logical, theoretical, analytical, complex, ingenious, verbal, novelty seeking, change oriented, global, independent, adaptable.


Extroverted intuition/feeling: ENFP (“The Inspirer”)

ENFP’s primary mode of living is focused externally, where they take things in primarily via their intuition (“exploration;” figures things out and tests in the moment, asks “What If?”, seeks to understand the patterns). Their secondary mode is internal, where they deal with things according to how they feel about them, or how they fit in with your personal value system (“authenticity;” concerned with core values and convictions, how events impact them, asks “Does this feel right to me?”). Comfortably inattentive to sensory data; flexible, adaptable, risk-taking; optimistic about the future. Warmly enthusiastic and imaginative. See life as full of possibilities. Make connections between events and information very quickly, and confidently proceed based on the patterns they see. Want a lot of affirmation from others, and readily give appreciation and support. Spontaneous and flexible, often rely on their ability to improvise and their verbal fluency.  One of the most energizing of all the types; can generate vast amounts of energy, and are very motivating to others as well as themselves.

Excel at starting great projects, not so great at seeing them through to completion; they’re sprinters, not marathoners. Lose motivation because they want to move on the next new, fresh, fun thing. This means they often don’t reap the benefits of their great ideas. Need to go to their secondary function, Authenticity, to stay focused; need to ask “What has meaning to me? What is really, actually important to me?” Once they have the answer, then they can find the project that is in line with their deepest values. But this needs to be done before starting the project. Once they get going, they need to do as much as they can, as fast as they can, to get the project completed before running out of steam. Enthusiastic, imaginative, energetic, creative, warm, future-oriented, individualistic, insightful, caring, optimistic, possibility focused, open, novelty seeking, spontaneous, playful.


Primary function: Thinking

Introverted thinking/sensation: ISTP (“The Engineer”)

ISTP’s primary mode of living is focused internally, where they deal with things rationally and logically (“accuracy;” scans for incongruities, seeks truth without judgment). Their secondary mode is external, where they take things in via their five senses in a literal, concrete fashion (“sensation;” uses sense perceptions to learn what can be proven, then immediately acts). Able to dispassionately criticize and logically analyze; concerned with the search for truth and accuracy. Tolerant and flexible, quiet observers until a problem appears, then act quickly to find workable solutions. Analyze what makes things work and readily get through large amounts of data to isolate the core of practical problems. Interested in cause and effect, organize facts using logical principles, value efficiency.

One of the most relentless, motivated, and convicted of all the types; unstoppable when they make up their minds to do something. BUT they need the motivation. It’s like they only have two states; On, and Off. When they’re “on” they’re unstoppable. When they’re “off”, they can’t get anything done. They have a tendency to vegetate in their comfort zone; nothing robs them of motivation faster than that. They need to get out of their comfort zone and into the world; inspiration can only “strike” when you’re out in the world. It may feel good to stay in your comfort zone, but the only way to get into a space where you can make things happen is to force yourself out of there and get into action, get physical. They need to remember how exciting the world is; to get that adrenaline rush, get out there and get in their body. It makes them want to do stuff; makes them say “Look at all the cool things we could do!” Motivation comes from action; never the other way around. Logical, quietly analytical, practical, adaptable, curious, cool, observer, problem-solver, exact, realistic, troubleshooter, hands-on, enjoys variety, adventurous, independent.


Introverted thinking/intuition: INTP (“The Thinker”)

INTP’s primary mode of living is focused internally, where they deal with things rationally and logically (“accuracy;” scans for incongruities, seeks truth without judgment). Their secondary mode is external, where they take things in primarily via their intuition (“exploration;” figures things out and tests in the moment, asks “What If?”, seeks to understand the patterns). Able to dispassionately criticize and logically analyze; concerned with the search for truth and accuracy. Seek to develop logical explanations for everything that interests them. Theoretical and abstract, interested more in ideas than in social interaction. Quiet, contained, flexible, and adaptable. Have unusual ability to focus in depth to solve problems in their area of interest. Skeptical, sometimes critical, always analytical.

One of the most relentless, motivated, and convicted of all the types; unstoppable when they make up their minds to do something. BUT they need the motivation. It’s like they only have two states; On, and Off. When they’re “on” they’re unstoppable. When they’re “off”, they can’t get anything done. They have a tendency to vegetate in their comfort zone; nothing robs them of motivation faster than that. They need to get out of their comfort zone and into the world; inspiration can only “strike” when you’re out in the world. It may feel good to stay in your comfort zone, but the only way to get into a space where you can make things happen is to force yourself out of there and get into the space of experiencing new and exciting things, having great “what if” conversations. It makes them want to do stuff; makes them say “Look at all the cool things we could do!” Motivation comes from action; never the other way around.  Logical, conceptual, analytical, objective, detached, ingenious, complex, intellectually curious, loves ideas, pursues understanding, questioning, adaptable, independent, egalitarian.


Extroverted thinking/sensation: ESTJ (“The Supervisor”)

ESTJ’s primary mode of living is focused externally, where they deal with things rationally and logically (“effectiveness;” wants to get things done, asks “Does this work?” without regard to personal feelings, concerned with practical application). Their secondary mode is internal, where they take things in via their five senses in a literal, concrete fashion  ("memory;" taking in sensory information and integrating that which is meaningful). Competent; decisive; active; focused on truth and accuracy. Practical, realistic, matter-of-fact. Decisive, quickly move to implement decisions. Organize projects and people to get things done, focus on getting results in the most efficient way possible. Take care of routine details. Have a clear set of logical standards, systematically follow them and want others to also. Forceful in implementing their plans.

One of the most naturally industrious types; very motivated to get things done, but needs to make sure that the things getting done are working towards their larger goals. Excel at knowing what needs to be done, how to do it, and how to bring (or drag) others along with them, but need to slow down and check in with others and with their deeper selves; otherwise, their “solutions” often end up creating more problems. They need to be sure they are checking in with their team, and they understand why they’re doing what they’re doing to get full buy-in. Active organizer, logical, assertive, fact minded, decisive, practical, results oriented, analytical, systematic, concrete, critical, responsible, take charge, common sense.


Extroverted thinking/intuition: ENTJ (“The Executive”)

ENTJ’s primary mode of living is focused externally, where they deal with things rationally and logically (“effectiveness;” wants to get things done, asks “Does this work?” without regard to personal feelings, concerned with practical application). Their secondary mode is internal, where they take things in primarily via their intuition  (“perspectives;” watches their mind form patterns, gets inside the minds of others, and sees implications far into the future). Competent; decisive; active; focused on truth and accuracy. Frank, decisive, assume leadership readily. Quickly see illogical and inefficient procedures and policies, develop and implement comprehensive systems to solve organizational problems. Enjoy long-term planning and goal setting. Usually well informed, well read, enjoy expanding their knowledge and passing it on to others. Forceful in presenting their ideas.

One of the most naturally industrious types; very motivated to get things done, but needs to make sure that the things getting done are working towards their larger goals. Excel at knowing what needs to be done, how to do it, and how to bring (or drag) others along with them, but need to slow down and check in with others and with their deeper selves; otherwise, their “solutions” often end up creating more problems. They need to be sure they are checking in with their team, and they understand why they’re doing what they’re doing to get full buy-in. Driven, organizer, planner, vision focused, decisive, initiating, conceptual, strategic, systematic, assertive, critical, logical, organized, pursues improvement and achievement.


Primary function: Feeling

Introverted feeling/sensation: ISFP (“The Artist”)

ISFP’s primary mode of living is focused internally, where they deal with things according to how they feel about them, or how they fit into their value system (“authenticity;” concerned with core values and convictions, how events impact them, asks “Does this feel right to me?”). Their secondary mode is external, where they take things in via their five sense in a literal, concrete fashion (“sensation;” uses sense perceptions to learn what can be proven, then immediately acts). Have inner balance and harmony; nonjudgmental, understanding, and forgiving; affirming of authenticity and individuality, both in themselves and others. Quiet, friendly, sensitive, and kind. Enjoy the present moment, what's going on around them. Like to have their own space and to work within their own time frame. Loyal and committed to their values and to people who are important to them. Dislike disagreements and conflicts, do not force their opinions or values on others.

One of the most relentless, motivated, and convicted of all the types; unstoppable when they make up their minds to do something. BUT they need the motivation. It’s like they only have two states; On, and Off. When they’re “on” they’re unstoppable. When they’re “off”, they can’t get anything done. They have a tendency to vegetate in their comfort zone; nothing robs them of motivation faster than that. They need to get out of their comfort zone and into the world; inspiration can only “strike” when you’re out in the world. It may feel good to stay in your comfort zone, but the only way to get into a space where you can make things happen is to force yourself out of there and get into action, get physical. They need to remember how exciting the world is; to get that adrenaline rush, get out there and get in their body. It makes them want to do stuff; makes them say “Look at all the cool things we could do!” Motivation comes from action; never the other way around. Gentle, quietly caring, compassionate, adaptable, modest, aesthetic, idealistic, observant, loyal, helpful, realistic, patient with details, spontaneous, joy in action.


Introverted feeling/intuition: INFP (“The Healer”)

INFP’s primary mode of living is focused internally, where they deal with things according to how they feel about them, or how they fit into their personal value system (“authenticity;” concerned with core values and convictions, how events impact them, asks “Does this feel right to me?”). Their secondary mode is external, where they take things in primarily via their intuition (“exploration;” figures things out and tests in the moment, asks “What If?”, seeks to understand the patterns). Have inner balance and harmony; nonjudgmental, understanding, and forgiving; affirming of authenticity and individuality, both in themselves and others. Idealistic, loyal to their values and to people who are important to them. Want an external life that is congruent with their values. Curious, quick to see possibilities, can be catalysts for implementing ideas. Seek to understand people and to help them fulfill their potential. Adaptable, flexible, and accepting unless a value is threatened.

One of the most relentless, motivated, and convicted of all the types; unstoppable when they make up their minds to do something. BUT they need the motivation. It’s like they only have two states; On, and Off. When they’re “on” they’re unstoppable. When they’re “off”, they can’t get anything done. They have a tendency to vegetate in their comfort zone; nothing robs them of motivation faster than that. They need to get out of their comfort zone and into the world; inspiration can only “strike” when you’re out in the world. It may feel good to stay in your comfort zone, but the only way to get into a space where you can make things happen is to force yourself out of there and get into the space of experiencing new and exciting things, having great “what if” conversations. It makes them want to do stuff; makes them say “Look at all the cool things we could do!” Motivation comes from action; never the other way around. Deep-felt valuing, quietly caring, compassionate, pursues meaning, harmony, creative, idealistic, empathic helpers, inquisitive, enjoys ideas, language, writing, independent, adaptable.


Extroverted feeling/sensation: ESFJ (“The Caregiver”)

ESFJ’s primary mode of living is focused externally, where they deal with things according to how they feel about them, or how they fit in with their personal value system (“harmony;” concerned with meeting the needs of others, connecting with others, asks “What gets everyone’s needs met?”). Their secondary mode is internal, where they take things in via their five senses in a literal, concrete fashion ("memory;" taking in sensory information and integrating that which is meaningful). Comfortable inattention to logic; sensitive to others' happiness; positive in general, but in particular about human beings. Warmhearted, conscientious, and cooperative. Want harmony in their environment, work with determination to establish it. Like to work with others to complete tasks accurately and on time. Loyal, follow through even in small matters. Notice what others need in their day-by-day lives and try to provide it. Want to be appreciated for who they are and for what they contribute.

One of the most naturally industrious types; very motivated to get things done, but needs to make sure that the things getting done are working towards their larger goals. Excel at knowing what needs to be done, how to do it, and how to bring (or drag) others along with them, but need to slow down and check in with others and with their deeper selves; otherwise, their “solutions” often end up creating more problems. They need to make sure they’re not getting sucked into meeting everyone’s needs; need to slow down and see the larger picture. Actively sociable, warm, harmonizer, caring, enthusiastic, empathic, people-oriented, practical, responsible, concrete, orderly, conscientious, cooperative, appreciative, loyal.


Extroverted feeling/intuition: ENFJ (“The Giver”)

ENFJ’s primary mode of living is focused externally, where they deal with things according to how they feel about them, or how they fit into their personal value system (“harmony;” concerned with meeting the needs of others, connecting with others, asks “What gets everyone’s needs met?”). Their secondary mode is internal, where they take things in primarily via their intuition (“perspectives;” watches their mind form patterns, gets inside the minds of others, and sees implications far into the future). Comfortable inattention to logic; sensitive to others' happiness; positive in general, but in particular about human beings. Warm, empathetic, responsive, and responsible. Highly attuned to the emotions, needs, and motivations of others. Find potential in everyone, want to help others fulfill their potential. May act as catalysts for individual and group growth. Loyal, responsive to praise and criticism. Sociable, facilitate others in a group, and provide inspiring leadership.

One of the most naturally industrious types; very motivated to get things done, but needs to make sure that the things getting done are working towards their larger goals. Excel at knowing what needs to be done, how to do it, and how to bring (or drag) others along with them, but need to slow down and check in with others and with their deeper selves; otherwise, their “solutions” often end up creating more problems. They need to make sure they’re not getting sucked into meeting everyone’s needs; need to slow down and see the larger picture. Actively sociable, enthusiastic, harmonizer, expressive, warm, idealistic, empathic, possibility-oriented, insightful, cooperative, imaginative, conscientious, appreciative, tactful.




Table

 

Note: remember that the MBTI organizes the types by the main extroverted function. For extroverts this is easy; just look for the category of your primary function (feeling and thinking are rational/judging functions; sensation and intuition are irrational/perceiving functions). Introverts are trickier because the main function they extrovert with is their second function; if you’re an introvert, look for the category of your secondary function.

Alphabetical list:

ENFJ: Extroverted feeling/intuition (2% of the population)
ENFP: Extroverted intuition/feeling (7% of the population)
ENTJ: Extroverted thinking/intuition (3% of the population)
ENTP: Extroverted intuition/thinking (4% of the population)
ESFJ: Extroverted feeling/sensation (12% of the population)
ESFP: Extroverted sensation/feeling (6% of the population)
ESTJ: Extroverted thinking/sensation (11% of the population)
ESTP: Extroverted sensation/thinking (6% of the population)
INFJ: Introverted intuition/feeling (1% of the population)
INFP: Introverted feeling/intuition (4% of the population)
INTJ: Introverted intuition/thinking (2% of the population)
INTP: Introverted thinking/intuition (3% of the population)
ISFJ: Introverted sensation/feeling (13% of the population)
ISFP: Introverted feeling/sensation (8% of the population)
ISTJ: Introverted sensation/thinking (13% of the population)
ISTP: Introverted thinking/sensation (5% of the population)



Links:
Podcast: How To Figure Out Your Personality (Personality Hacker)
Article: "How Each Meyers-Briggs Type Reacts to Stress (and How to Help!)" (Personality Junkie)


Resources to further explore your “type”:
Personality Junkie
Personality Hacker
16 Personalities
Truity
Human Metrics
Personality Page


See also:
Myers–Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)
Nutshell descriptions of the 16 types

Glossary: Meyers–Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)

A personality typing system by Katharine Cook Briggs and Isabel Briggs Myers based on Jung’s theory of the four functions of the psyche. There are 16 different MBTI types in total based on the following dichotomies: introversion/extroversion, sensation/intuition, thinking/feeling, and judging/perceiving (rational/irrational). From the beginning the MBTI has been especially popular in the world of business; Meyers herself worked with the personnel manager of a major bank who went on to found one of the first consulting firms in the US.

It’s important to remember that one’s “type” is simply one’s preferred method of dealing with the world; this is a type indicator, not some destiny determined by the stars. It only suggests a type. We should be careful to avoid labeling ourselves or others. Jung developed his typology as a way to organize our thinking while exploring the infinite complexity of human psychology; labeling people, even with Jungian concepts, makes that impossible as it reduces that complexity to a single four letter caricature. Even if we get our “type” right, we need to remember that it’s a preference, not a result. And it’s a preference which should, ideally, change throughout one’s life as one proceeds along the path of individuation.


What’s my MBTI type?

The easiest way to find out your type  is by taking one of the many free personality tests online (I've listed several sites that offer these at the end of the post). Beware when taking the tests that you don’t base your answers simply on the last incident that happened. You need to think about what you would typically do in such a situation, not what you happened to do in one particular instance. When in doubt, ask someone who you feel knows you well what they think you would do. It's probably going to take some time to work out; I’ve been working on this subject for years and I’m still learning new things about myself and about Jung’s typology.

Personally, I feel that the best way to figure out one’s “type” is to get a firm grasp of the various dimensions of the personality (intuition, sensation, introvert, extrovert, etc.) One helpful thing to do is to figure out which are your weakest functions, and which, in particular, is your inferior function. Just as it’s fairly clear what your two strongest functions are, it’s also generally pretty clear what your two weakest functions are; they’re the two areas of your life that always trip you up. To figure out which one is your inferior function ask yourself where you feel the most shame.

As an INTP, both my thinking and my intuition are fairly strong, so much so that at first I wasn’t sure which one was my primary function and which the auxiliary function. This was especially true because I was trying to figure this out later in life, and as you grow psychologically you often move more strongly into your second function as the first one gets worn out and boring. I’ve always suffered failure in the areas of sensation and feeling; I always struggle to take care of my most basic needs, and I’m constantly embarrassed by my social faux pas. However, while I’m embarrassed by my dirty apartment and inability to keep my finances in order, I’m terrified of and humiliated by my social difficulties, to the extent that I’ve literally wanted to die after having embarrassed myself. That simply doesn’t happen when my sloppy housekeeping or lack of financial acumen come up. This kind of over the top affect is an excellent indicator that the inferior function was touched, as our inferior function is the wound that never heals. And once you know what your inferior function is you can figure out the rest.


Understanding the MBTI Code

The MBTI code notes an individual’s attitude and their two strongest functions; the first letter, the “I” or the “E”, denote whether the person is introverted or extroverted. The two letters following the I or the E denote the two main functions, without indicating which is the primary and which the auxiliary function. Determining one’s attitude and main functions in the MBTI is fairly straightforward. Determining which function is one’s primary function is a little more complicated, especially if one is an introvert, due to the MBTI’s somewhat convoluted method of notation.

In the MBTI the last letter that shows which of the two functions is extroverted; the J or the P (for “judging” or “perceiving,” or the rational and irrational functions). The important thing to remember is that this last letter shows which of the two functions is extroverted. In an extrovert it’s easy; the extroverted function is the extrovert’s primary function. An introvert, however, by definition introverts their primary function. This is what makes them an introvert. Therefore, the J or the P indicates which of the two functions is the auxiliary function.

… Extroverts turn their primary function towards the external world; when you meet an extrovert you can quickly make out their primary function because that is the one with which they will greet you. Introverts turn their primary function inwards; the function they turn to the world is actually their auxiliary function. For example, if you meet an extroverted feeling type who secondarily relies on their sensation, you will see a feeling type. But if you meet an introverted feeling/sensation type, you will initially perceive their auxiliary function, sensation. This is because introverts rely on their auxiliary function to get through life. Introverts hide their primary function (in this case, feeling), unless they get to know you well. This makes introverts seem a bit awkward because they're generally using their second best function when dealing with the world.

- Glossary: Auxiliary Functions


As the MBTI code tells you which of the two functions is extroverted, and introverts extrovert their auxiliary function, the last letter for an introverted MBTI type indicates the introverts auxiliary function, NOT their primary function. Below are some examples

ESTP = Extroverted Sensation Thinking, primary function sensation (“P” means perceiving, which is MBTI for irrational, which are the sensation and intuition functions, hence the primary function is sensation, the perceiving function).

ESTJ = Extroverted Sensation Thinking, primary function thinking (“J” means judging, which is MBTI for rational, which are the thinking and feeling functions, hence the primary function is thinking, the judging function).

ISTP = Introverted Sensation Thinking, primary function thinking (“P” means perceiving, but since this person is an introvert the function indicated by the P – sensation – is the auxiliary function, so thinking is the primary function here).

ISTJ = Introverted Sensation Thinking, primary function sensation (“J” means judging, but since this person is an introvert the function indicated by the J – thinking – is the auxiliary function, so sensation is the primary function here).

If this seems completely counterintuitive and ridiculously complicated you are not the only one. This is literally the thing that took me years to get. The thing to remember is 1) if you’re an extrovert, the last letter indicates your primary function but 2) if you’re an introvert, the last letter indicates your auxiliary function.


Once you’ve figured out your MBTI type have fun exploring the internet for information on your type, and that of others as well. While it’s not good to pigeonhole people (yourself included), you can discover valuable insights into your and your loved ones’ personalities. The MBTI is a tool and as such should be your helper, not your master. But if you know how to use it it’s a very useful tool, and one that should be explored by anyone who’s interested in people and why they do the things they do. If Jung’s theory of typology is the only thing, out of all of Jung’s concepts, that you ever master it will still help you enormously in understanding yourself and others.

Typological analysis determined by written tests can be helpful, but it can also be misleading. Such tests are collectively based and static; that is, their validity is statistical and time-specific. They may give reasonable picture of one’s conscious predilections at the time of the test, but in ignoring the dynamic nature of the psyche they say nothing about the possibility of change.

Daryl Sharp, Personality Types: Jung's Model of Typology, p. 92



For further reading (including self-tests):
Personality Hacker
Personality Junkie
16 Personalities
Truity
Personality Page
Human Metrics


Podcasts:
Jung Podcast #11 - 13 (Jungian’s Podcast)
How To Figure Out Your Personality (Personality Hacker)


See also:
Primary function
Auxiliary function
Tertiary function
Inferior function
Introversion
Extroversion
Thinking
Feeling
Intuition
Sensation
Rational functions
Irrational functions
The 16 “Types” (MBTI)
Integrating the Four Functions

Glossary: Inferior Function

The inferior function is practically identical with the dark side of the human personality.
- Jung, “Concerning Rebirth,” CW 9i, par. 222


A person’s weakest function. The inferior function is always the opposite of the primary function (intuition if your primary function is sensation, thinking if it’s feeling, or vice versa). Not only is it the opposite function, it will also have the opposite attitude (introverted/extroverted). For example, if your primary function is extroverted intuition your inferior function will be introverted sensation. In other words, you will be good at sniffing out the “next big thing” but have a hard time dealing with practical concerns such as responsibility or one’s physical well-being.

As the primary function is the one that is the most conscious, the inferior function is the one that’s the most unconscious. The very state of differentiation of one function automatically pushes it’s opposite down into the unconscious. Imagine the four functions as a plate resting on the surface of the ocean; if you lift up one side, the other side automatically goes down into the water. Developing one function lifts it up into consciousness; this automatically pushes the opposite function down into the unconscious. For this reason, the inferior function is always the function that causes the most problems in one’s life. It expresses itself in the most primitive, archaic, and affect laden ways. And the more energy you pour into your superior function, the more starved for energy your inferior function becomes and the more unconscious it will become. This one-sidedness leads to ever more infantile and primitive expressions of the inferior function until you end up in neurosis.

The inferior function will always be an area of pain and shame in a person’s life, but we can learn to adapt to social expectations enough to muddle through our lives. For example, the extroverted intuitive can learn to get their act together and keep their bills paid and their home (relatively) clean… but it will never be as effortless as it is for other types. We can learn what Marie Louise von Franz calls “pseudo adaptations” – feeling types can memorize knowledge from books (but it will generally be the most conventional kind of thinking), and thinking types can learn what to do in different social situations (again, purely conventional manners) – but dealing with the fourth function will always be a challenge.

Pseudo-adaptations allow us to get through life but no matter how hard we try the inferior function always finds ways to trip us up, usually when we least expect it. It has an autonomous quality to it, as if we were stuck with a child, a wild animal, or a stupid and malicious prankster. It’s the part of us which is the closest to the unconscious and the least under ego’s control. As such, it's the “doorway” through which unconscious contents, including the Self, can come into our lives. The superior function may be our best way to survive in the world, but the inferior function is the doorway to meaning.

The inferior function is always of the same nature, rational or irrational, as the primary function: when thinking is most developed, the other rational function, feeling, is inferior; if sensation is dominant, then intuition, the other irrational function, is the fourth function, and so on. This accords with general experience: the thinker is tripped up by feeling values; the practical sensation type gets into a rut, blind to the possibilities seen by intuition; the feeling type is deaf to logical thinking; and the intuitive, at home in the inner world, runs afoul of concrete reality.

One may be aware of the perceptions or judgments associated with the inferior function, but these are generally over-ridden by the superior function. Thinking types, for example, do not give their feelings much weight. Sensation types have intuitions, but they are not motivated by them. Similarly, feeling types brush away disturbing thoughts and intuitives ignore what is right in front of them.

- Daryl Sharp, “Jung Lexicon”

To the extent that a person functions too one-sidedly, the inferior function becomes correspondingly primitive and troublesome. The overly dominant primary function takes energy away from the inferior function, which falls into the unconscious. There it is prone to be activated in an unnatural way, giving rise to infantile desires and other symptoms of imbalance. This is the situation in neurosis.

- Daryl Sharp, “Jung Lexicon”

Positive as well as negative occurrences can constellate the inferior counter-function. When this happens, sensitiveness appears. Sensitiveness is a sure sign of the presence of inferiority. This provides the psychological basis for discord and misunderstanding, not only as between two people, but also in ourselves. The essence of the inferior function is autonomy: it is independent, it attacks, it fascinates and so spins us about that we are no longer masters of ourselves and can no longer rightly distinguish between ourselves and others

- Jung, “The Problem of the Attitude-Type,” CW 7, par. 85

In order to extricate the inferior function from the unconscious by analysis, the unconscious fantasy formations that have now been activated must be brought to the surface. The conscious realization of these fantasies brings the inferior function to consciousness and makes further development possible.

- Jung, “The Problem of the Attitude-Type,” CW 7,  par. 764

Our conscious realm is like a room with four doors, and it will be the fourth door by which the shadow, the animus, and the anima and the personification of the Self will come in. They will not enter as often through the other doors, which in a way is self-evident, because the inferior function is so close to the unconscious and remains so barbaric and inferior and undeveloped that it is naturally the weak spot in consciousness through which the figures of the unconscious can break in. In consciousness it is experienced as a weak spot, as that disagreeable thing which will never leave you in peace but always causes trouble, for every time you feel you have acquired a certain inner balance or inner standpoint, something happens from within or without to throw you off again, and it is always through that fourth door, which you cannot shut. You can keep the three doors of your inner room closed, but on the fourth door the lock does not work, and there, when you do not expect it, the unexpected will come in again. Thank God, you can say, for otherwise the whole life process would petrify and stagnate in a wrong kind of consciousness. It is the ever-bleeding wound of the conscious personality, but through it the unconscious can always come in and so enlarge the consciousness and bring forth new experience.

As long as you have not developed your other functions, your auxiliary functions, they too will be open doors, so in a person who has only developed one superior function, the two auxiliary functions will operate in the same way and will appear in personifications of the shadow, animus, and anima. It is only when you have succeeded in developing three functions, in locking three of your inner doors, that the problem of the fourth door still remains, for that is the one which is apparently not meant to be locked. There one has to succumb, one has to suffer defeat, in order to develop further.

- Marie Louise von Franz, Psychotherapy


See also:
Symbolism: The Snake Pt. 2 (The Child)
Symbolism: The Trickster
Glossary: The Shadow
The Narrow Door of Shadow
The golden shadow
The plumb line of personality


Link:
Jungian’s Podcast: Type 2 (Episode 12), John Betts

Glossary: Sensation Function

One of the personality’s four functions. The sensation function is one of the two perceiving functions. People with strong sensation functions get their information about the world from the physical world and their physical bodies. They’re down-to-earth people who are concerned with what is actual, present, and real; they operate in the present. The sensation function can be introverted (detailed and conscientious but subjective) or extroverted (concrete and realistic but kinetic). If sensation is your primary function then intuition will, by necessity, be your inferior function.

Someone primarily identified with the sensation function excels at manipulating objects. Engineers are often sensation types; they're the hard-nosed realists who believe only in what they can see and feel with their five senses. Some may even take it to such an extreme that they even deny the reality of ideas. Introverted sensation types are also primarily concerned with the physical world but where extroverted sensation types focus on the things themselves, introverted sensation types are more concerned with the impact the world makes on them; on their memories of the world.


Things to ask yourself to determine if sensation is your primary function(1):

I pay attention to physical reality; what I see, hear, touch, taste, and smell. I’m concerned with what is actual, present, current, and real. I notice facts and I remember details that are important to me. I like to see the practical use of things and learn best when I see how to use what I’m learning. Experience speaks to me louder than words.

The following statements generally apply to me:
• I remember events as snapshots of what actually happened.
• I solve problems by working through facts until I understand the problem.
• I am pragmatic and look to the “bottom line.”
• I start with facts and then form a big picture.
• I trust experience first and trust words and symbols less.
• Sometimes I pay so much attention to facts, either present or past, that I miss new possibilities.


Introverted Sensation: Memory (seeks reliable information)

Takes in sensory information. Integrates that which is meaningful

Both introverted (Memory) and extroverted sensation (Sensation) use their senses to gather information; with Memory, that information is inwardly directed and highly personal. As with other introverted types they take in experiences and ruminate over them; experience is reviewed later as a memory, and these memories are how they learn things about the world. Memory types use past experience to guide them in the present. For this reason they seek reliable information, which leads them to give more weight to experts and personal experience. Unlike extroverted sensation, Memory does not seek new experiences and materials things; they prefer the predictable and the routine. Where Sensation seeks out the latest trends, Memory looks to the past. They’re very attached to traditional ways of doing things, impelling them to seek to preserve those traditions.

Types that use introverted sensation as their main function: ISTJs and ISFJs (Introverted Sensation/Thinking and Introverted Sensation/Feeling).

Types that use introverted sensation as their auxiliary function: ESTJs and ESFJs (Extroverted Thinking/Sensation and Extroverted Feeling/Sensation).


Extroverted Sensation: Sensation (seeks verifiable information)

Uses sense perceptions to learn what can be proven, then immediately acts.

As with Memory, Sensation relies upon the sense perceptions to learn things about the world. However, rather than holding onto experiences and ruminating over them they immediately act on them in real time, as Exploration (extroverted intuition) does. Sensation lives in a state of permanent, kinetic readiness; like a boxer or a tennis player, they "stay on their toes," always ready to react to events with speed and power. Their senses are always in a heightened state; they’re always ready for something exciting to happen, and when it does, it's immensely satisfying to them. Sensation types are instinctive and sensual; they’re novelty seeking and love pleasure. New sights, sounds, tastes, smells, sensation; they’re “sensation seekers” in the truest sense of the word. They also have a tendency to chase what’s popular or trendy.

Types that use extroverted sensation as their main function: ESTPs and ESFPs (Extroverted Sensation/Thinking and Extroverted Sensation/Feeling).

Types that use extroverted sensation as their auxiliary function: ISTPs and ISFPs (Introverted Thinking/Sensation and Introverted Feeling/Sensation).

An attitude that seeks to do justice to the unconscious as well as to one's fellow human beings cannot possibly rest on knowledge alone, in so far as this consists merely of thinking and intuition. It would lack the function that perceives values, i.e., feeling, as well as the fonction du réel, i.e., sensation, the sensible perception of reality.

- “The Psychology of the Transference,” CW 16, par.486

[I]ndividuals with the Observant trait focus on the actual world and things happening around them. They enjoy seeing, touching, feeling and experiencing – and leave theories and possibilities to others. They want to keep their feet on the ground and focus on the present, instead of wondering why or when something might happen. Consequently, people with this trait tend to be better at dealing with facts, tools and concrete objects as opposed to brainstorming about possibilities or future events, or handling abstract theories. Observant types are also significantly better at focusing on just one thing at a time instead of bursting with energy and juggling multiple activities.

- "The 5 Aspects" (16 Personalities)

Sensation must be strictly differentiated from feeling, since the latter is an entirely different process, although it may associate itself with sensation as "feeling-tone." Sensation is related not only to external stimuli but to inner ones, i.e., to changes in the internal organic processes.

- “Definitions,” CW 6, par. 792

Concrete sensation never appears in "pure" form, but is always mixed up with ideas, feelings, thoughts… The concrete sensation of a flower… conveys a perception not only of the flower as such, but also of the stem, leaves, habitat, and so on. It is also instantly mingled with feeling of pleasure or dislike which the sight of the flower evokes, or with simultaneous olfactory perceptions, or with thoughts about its botanical classification, etc. But abstract sensation immediately picks out the most salient sensuous attribute of the flower, its brilliant redness, for instance, and makes this the sole or at least the principle content of consciousness, entirely detached from all other admixtures. Abstract sensation is found chiefly among artists. Like every abstraction, it is a product of functional differentiation.

- “Definitions,” par. 794



(1) "Sensing or Intuition," The Meyers & Briggs Foundation


Link:
"The Eight Functions (Typology 201)," Dr. A.J. Drenth (Personality Junkie)
"Why Personality Hackers Uses Nicknames for the 8 Cognitive Functions," Antonia Dodge (Personality Hacker)


See also:
Introversion
Extroversion
Thinking
Feeling
Intuition
Rational functions
Irrational functions
The 16 “Types” (MBTI)