INFJ vs INFP: 10 Differences

INFJ vs INFP is a typing dilemma that I see everywhere. We had an older article on INFJ vs INFP differences, but I thought it was time for a revamp. (We’ve been slowly working to publish type comparisons for every possible dilemma out there.) With this particular dilemma, I sometimes struggle on a practical level to understand why it prompts so much confusion. (Same with INTJ and INTP.) As someone who’s interacted with both personality types, they each feel completely different to me (for better or for worse). However, on a theoretical level, I understand how hard it can be to gain a practical understanding of cognitive functions and how they manifest. So in this article, I aim to compare and contrast these two personality types in a realistic and understandable way.

Beware of Bias

Certain personality types are often described more favorably than others, for various reasons. Of course, in truth, no personality is better than the other. They each just have their own unique set of imbalances. In the case of the INFP and INFJ, both are favored as INXX types. However, the INFJ is often touted as the rarest type, with super special psychic and empathic abilities. As a result, people of all types have been seen reframing themselves to fit the INFJ mold. Please forget those stereotypes, since they unrealistic and misleading. Try to approach this subject objectively and honestly, with the goal of identifying your true type, rather than rationalizing how you might be the one you prefer.

INFJ vs INFP: Cognitive Functions

INFJs and INFPs actually have no cognitive functions in common, which means the way they think is actually quite different. The Judging vs. Perceiving dichotomy completely changes a type’s cognitive function stack, in spite of it only being a single letter difference in the Myers-Briggs code. The INFJ has dominant Introverted Intuition (Ni), auxiliary Extraverted Feeling (Fe), tertiary Introverted Thinking (Ti), and inferior Extraverted Sensing (Se). The INFP has dominant Introverted Feeling (Fi), auxiliary Extraverted Intuition (Ne), tertiary Introverted Sensing (Si), and inferior Extraverted Thinking (Te).

In summary, their cognitive function stacks are as follows:
INFJ = Ni-Fe-Ti-Se
INTP = Fi-Ne-Si-Te

Why Does This Mistype Happen?

The most basic reason any mistype happens is due to a failure to understand the cognitive functions. INFPs can feel like Judgers, while INFJs can feel like Perceivers. And then there are the stereotypes. An INFP may read (or hear) content that describes them selfish, self-referencing, overly emotional, and etcetera, while simultaneously noticing that INFJs are described as rational thinkers who are highly empathetic and deeply insightful. In this article, I’m going to strive to focus on differences in cognition, and the way these differences might manifest in the external world, so that you can see past the misleading stereotypes. After you’ve read this article, if you feel like neither type is quite right or you relate to parts of both, I recommend considering ISFP or maybe even ISFJ, since both are halfway points between INFJ and INFP.

INFJ vs INFP: Similarities

When healthy, both types are empathetic and sympathetic. Neither type can lay sole claim to either, and both are capable of being cold and apathetic towards others given the correct circumstances. In addition, I often notice INFJ get described as having a higher level of intelligence or logical capability than the INFP. (Although, this isn’t stated directly.) That’s also not a fair statement, since intelligence is separate from personality type. Lastly, as intuitives, both of these types are drawn to the abstract, whether that be possibilities or theorizing without a concrete reference point.

INFJ vs INFP: 10 Differences

1. INFJs rely on objective sources of feeling, while INFPs rely on subjective sources of feeling

It’s important to understand this key difference between Extraverted Feeling (Fe) and Introverted Feeling (Fi). INFJs often feel like thinkers, because they utilize their thinking function, Ti, to introspect, rather than their feeling function. This can make them feel cold or analytical, even if they are not. INFJs, as Fe users, have a greater need for external emotional stimulation in order to feel. This can come in many forms (virtual, artificial, face-to-face). The trade-off is that they can lose touch with their feelings, or their feelings get overridden by the emotions of those around them.

INFPs are the opposite. Their emotional world is generated from within. They have great depth of feeling, with or without external input. As a result, they have a much closer connection to their personal feelings in any given situation, and are often better at drawing personal boundaries. Of course, the downside is that it can cause them to be disconnected from the feelings of those around them.

2. INFJs frame their judgements in a detached way, while INFPs frame their judgements in a personal way

Many like to equate Fe to selflessness, and Fi to selfishness. This is incorrect, but I’m going to explain why people think that. Anyone with Fe, like the INFJ, prefers to use reasoning that sounds selfless (or detached from self) when supporting their judgements. They’ll frame their conclusion as something that is beneficial for all, or beneficial for the person they’re trying to convince. They’ll avoid making it personal, because (1) they’re either in denial of (or blind to) their own personal motivations, (2) they don’t see that as an effective approach, or (3) they don’t want to be seen as selfish or needy. As a result, their reasoning often sounds selfless, even when it’s not.

For better or for worse, INFPs tend to be more honest or authentic, when it comes to this. They may have excellent reasoning to support what they’re doing based on personal values. However, they may also have selfish reasons. Either way, their framing will come from a place of personal feelings and values, which may fly in the face of the group harmony or cohesion. As a result, anyone who disagrees may accuse them of being selfish, even if they are not.

3. INFJs value merging with the group, while INFPs value being unique

More often than not, INFJs aren’t interested in standing out in their social group. In simple terms, they want to blend in, so they can better get along. They’re comfortable wearing social masks, for this purpose. INFPs, on the other hand, value individuality. Bear in mind, I’m not saying all INFPs will be socially bold, and want to stand in the spotlight. However, they’re more likely to forgo harmony for the sake of self-expression or individuality. They want to be authentic, or to be seen for who they are. Having to suppress aspects of themselves for the sake of others will feel frustrating.

4. INFJs feel responsible for the group, while INFPs feel responsible for themselves

Harmony is important to both INFJs and INFPs. However, they both approach it differently. INFJs, with high Fe, often feel responsible for maintaining the emotional well-being of others. For this reason, they may shift their outward facing “identity” for the sake of promoting harmony, or they may actively try to help, even when that help isn’t wanted. INFPs, with dominant Fi, typically believe in harmony through self-responsibility. Each person should manage their own emotions, and each person should be allowed to feel what they feel. Sure, they may feel emotional responsibility towards close friends and family, but overall, they see things more through the lens of autonomy.

5. INFJs are percieving dominants, while INFPs are judging dominants

This is where the Myers-Briggs dichotomy system makes things confusing. INFJs lead with Introverted Intuition (Ni), which is actually a perceiving function. That means they prioritize absorbing information and “perceiving” what may be. INFJs do not prioritize forming judgements. In other words, these types are more likely to consider and discuss for a long time before settling on a judgement. This can make them slower to act. In addition, INFJs frequently feel like perceivers, in the stereotypical sense, since being a judger doesn’t always mean being organized. INFJs lack Te, so they’re not typically as concerned with external order. (Although, they will dislike unpredictable chaos.)

INFPs lead with Introverted Feeling (Fi), which is a judging function. All dominant judgers prioritize making judgements. IXFPs and IXTPs are similar in the sense that both tend to make instant judgements in the moment. It’s like a reflex. They may or may not share these judgements, especially since they don’t always immediately know why they made the judgement. Sometimes, all they know is that something they just heard was wrong. A mature individual will recognize when this is happening, and mentally backpeddle (when applicable) to double check the validity of their instant judgement. Bear in mind, I’m not saying INFPs will be decisive about everything, but they should recognize a tendency within themselves to reject something suddenly, without immediately knowing why. For this reason, INFPs may feel like judgers, especially in addition to the fact that inferior Te gives them a desire for external order.

6. INFJs have a low identity function, and INFPs have a high identity function

This subject has been alluded to throughout this INFJ vs INFP article. However, INFJs often look to others for help with defining who they are. For this reason, they tend to be more willing to consider feedback, and adjust themselves accordingly. You know how people say that if an “INFJ” gets offended for being called an INFP then they’re not actually an INFJ? This is coming from the fact that INFJs tend to be more willing to consider that their self-perception is false. INFPs, on the other hand, have a dominant introverted judging function (Fi), responsible for forming personal rules by which their identity is judged. Mature INFPs can be willing to accept feedback from others, but high Fi users often innately struggle with other people trying to tell them who they are (or are not).

Note: I’m not saying that you can’t be an INFJ if you get frustrated with someone for accusing you of not being one.

7. INFJs focus on one inevitable end, while INFPs enjoy considering all of the possibilities

INFJs can see possibilities initially, but they prefer to narrow them down to the most likely. These types, as Ni dominants, are prone to fixating on a future prediction. They want to know what’s coming so they can prepare. In a more extreme sense, Ni can lead someone to feel trapped by a certain inevitable outcome, or fate. They’ll struggle with “tunnel vision”, in the sense that they can’t see past what they’ve fixated on.

INFPs are the opposite, and don’t like to close off possibilities. Sure, as judging dominants, they’ll form fast judgements on certain things, but generally speaking, they’ll enjoy speculating about all of the possibilites that the future may hold. They’ll like to keep their options open. This tendency may frustrated INFJs, who see the INFP’s inability to narrow down possibilities as a lack of focus. In a more extreme sense, Ne can lead someone to hopeless optimism (only seeing good possiblites), or hopeless pessimism (only see bad possibilities).

Related Article: Ni vs. Ne: Perspectives and Possibilities.

8. INFJs will struggle to be spontaneous, while INFPs will be more comfortable going with the flow

INFJs have inferior Se. They’ll be uncomfortable with acting on spur of the moment, without prior notice or a plan in place. (INFJs won’t need to have made the plan themselves though.) Extraverted perceiving (Ne or Se) is what makes people drawn to spontaneity. Granted, as introverted types, INFPs (with their auxiliary Ne) won’t be extremely spontaneous, but they should be fairly comfortable adapting to change or an unanticipated occurrence. As a whole, they’ll be more flexible than the average INFJ. I’m not saying that an INFJ will never appear to be spontaneous, but context is going to matter. If they’re in their comfort zone, or relying on someone they trust, the “spontaneity” might not feel as “spontaneous” to them. Remember, sometimes, from the outside looking in, you can’t always tell if someone is truly being spontaneous, or if they’ve just planned out the activity well in advance to the point of it no longer seeming stressful.

9. INFJs may struggle to place words to their thoughts, while INFPs often find it easy to share their thought process

To clarify, when I say “easy”, I mean that they’re usually good at placing words to their thoughts (Si). The INFP may not feel like their explanation is adequate, resulting in over-explaining or retracing their steps many times. However, they’ll still be able to concretely explain what they’re thinking, even if they’re unsatisfied with the result. INFJs, with dominant Ni, are the opposite. Ni often reinterprets information in an abstract way, which can make producing concrete information difficult, at times. They’ll often pause or hesitate while attempting to gather their thoughts, if they need to share more than just a conclusion or a decision.

10. INFJs often fail to give enough context while INFPs often give too much context

This another key distinction in the INFJ vs INFP dilemma. Due to their struggle to place words to their thoughts, INFJs often fail to volunteer in depth explanations. They usually get straight to the point, resulting in an explanation that is either non-existent, vague, or light on the details. Listeners may often compelled to ask for further clarification, which the INFJ may or may not indulge. On the other hand, as mentioned in the previous point, INFPs are prone to over-explaining, or sharing too much context. Their Ne naturally connects a bunch of details together, so they may, in stark contrast to the INFJ, view a lot more information as relevant. Bear in mind, when given time to prepare, an INFJ can produce a volume of information, which is why they’re often more verbose online.