7 ISFP Stereotypes

The ISFP (Fi-Se-Ni-Te) is probably one of the least talked about types. Some types get a bunch of negative stereotypes. Some types get a bunch of positive stereotypes. Some types are idealized. Some types seem to be almost universally hated or criticized. The ISFP, on the other hand, seems to fly under the radar, getting largely ignored. Maybe I’m wrong, but that was the drift I was getting. I made a comment to an ISFP friend about how I was going to go look at memes to get some ideas for stereotypes. She basically said “Good luck. There’s not much out there.” …And she wasn’t wrong. Perhaps we can find a way to change that.

So anyhow, I’m going to give this a shot, but before, I begin I want to relay a brief disclaimer about stereotypes. The reason we find debunking stereotypes so important is that they turn tendencies into absolutes, provoking people to mistype. However, the important thing to note here is that stereotypes became stereotypes because they are tendencies. An ISFP may actually relate to some of the stereotypes that I’m about to cover, but these stereotypes should not be used as evidence for being an ISFP, nor does failing to fit them make one not an ISFP. The evidence lies in your cognitive reasoning, not behavioral tendencies.

1. ISFPs are all artists

The first thing that comes to mind when people think of the ISFP tends to be painting, or drawing. They’ve somehow become renowned for being the expert wielders of a pencil or paintbrush. So, the first thing I have to say about this stereotypes is that art comes in many forms. There’s music, singing, carving, dancing, photography, sculpting, fashion design, interior design, video making, and etc. This list could be virtually endless. If the ISFP is, in fact, an “artist” as the stereotype states, they do not have to be a painter or a drawer to qualify.

However, with that being said, this is one of those stereotypes that tends to be true from what I’ve seen. Although, as I’ve stated a million times, a tendency is a not a rule. ISFPs have auxiliary Se, and Fi often gives someone the desire to express who they are. Combine those two functions together, and you can see how it may create a tendency for ISFP’s to express themselves through a physical/sensory craft, but that will not always be the case. Se can outlet many different ways. It’s a thought process, or an outlook on life. It does not guarantee sensory or aesthetic art.

2. ISFPs, the Adventurer

Some of the more prominent personality websites out there have dubbed the ISFP “The Adventurer.” As with many of the SP types, ISFPs have been presumed to be risky, daredevil, adrenaline junkies. People like to assume that anyone with Se is going to be into extreme sports, or constantly living life on the edge. Of course, while this could be the case for an ISFP, this stereotype is largely false. Many types can partake in the aforementioned behavior, but it’s the most likely for extraverted perceiving dominants, specifically the Se dominants. However, not even the Se dominants will always be daredevils. As I’ve said in other articles, sky diving is expensive. Think practically. Most Se users will be ordinary people living ordinary lives.

Now, getting back to the ISFP, while auxiliary Se could outlet in risky ways, it is subject to the dominant function, which in this case is Fi. That’s why ISFPs most often use Se for self-expression, or as a means to chase their values. Don’t make the mistake of assuming that you or someone else can’t be an ISFP simply, because they aren’t willing to risk high stakes gambling, or climbing up the face of a mountain. The majority of type descriptions out there make the SPs out to be far more extreme than most are.

3. ISFPs are flighty or flaky

This is another that dips into Se, assuming that the ISFP will struggle to stay in one place for very long or that they won’t be able to follow through with their responsibilities or agreements, or that they’ll struggle to make commitments. This is a tendency that perceivers are generally known for. Many ISFPs will like to keep their options open, and thus may struggle with commitments. However, an ISFP will only truly be flaky if they are unhealthy or immature. Dominant Fi should make an ISFP desire to be loyal or reliable, while inferior Te that’s minimally developed should allow them to be disciplined enough to follow through on important matters. Of course, tertiary Ni that somewhat developed will give them an awareness of the consequences of their actions. An ISFP may struggle with some of the smaller things, as perceivers stereotypically do, but that won’t be the case with every single ISFP out there, and they can certainly grow out of that behavior.

4. ISFPs are dumb or unintelligent

ISFPs have a double whammy in the Myers-Briggs world because not only are they feelers, but they’re also sensors. Both of these have been stereotyped to be less intelligent than their opposing dichotomy. So, I’m here to say that is absolute false. Will there be some ISFPs that are not classically intelligent? Sure, but there will also be some smart ISFPs. The same can be said for every other type out there. One’s personality type has nothing to do with their intelligence level. It doesn’t help that it’s assumed that ISFPs will end up in a crafting type of career. This is also false. ISFPs can end up in any field, doing anything that their Fi motivates them to do. Don’t let your type hold you back.

5. ISFPs are overly emotional, sensitive, or moody

While many say that Fi is about values, there is also an emotional aspect to it. Feelers tend to be more in touch with emotions, generally speaking. Fi users tend to be in touch with their personal emotions, and prone to searching them out. When dominant Fi is not balanced well with inferior Te or the ISFP is lacking in confidence, it can make them sensitive. But let’s be fair about this, most people are more sensitive than they let on. By nature, Fi is a very private, introspective function, meaning that ISFPs will not be interested in blasting their emotions everywhere. Many may come off as more stoic or stand-offish, while others may allow some of their feelings to leak through. This will vary from person to person. Those close to them may see them as moody, and emotional, or they may not. It will depend on how in touch the ISFP is with their Te, and how much the ISFP trusts those around them.

6. ISFPs are lazy and unmotivated

In an ISFP, this is the mark of underdeveloped Te, and perhaps bad Ni. Se traps them in the moment, indulging in the little things on a day-to-day basis. Ni either fails to give a long term vision, or makes them fear that any attempt to achieve their vision will fail, provoking them to want to cling to the idea of it rather than chase it and risk failure. And then Te, coming up from the rear, fails to structure their lives well enough to actually accomplish anything. An ISFP with underdeveloped Te may find that they struggle to get their life together. However, as with earlier stereotypes, not all ISFPs will be like this. Many ISFPs (or inferior Te users, in general) will find that they excel under some semblance of structure, even if the idea makes them cringe. Of course, this could be self-imposed or imposed by some external means. Either way, the ISFP that actually focuses on developing their Te, whether consciously or subconsciously, and finds some ideal to motivate themselves toward can become extremely motivated and disciplined. ISFPs are no more or less capable at excelling in life than any other type.

7. ISFPs are prone to being over-competitive

I’m not sure how common of a stereotype this is, but I’ve been seeing a lot of places describe them as such, so I’m going throw it in here. In short, this will vary from person to person. The stereotype is probably being assumed based on the Se-Te combination, and while that can be a thing, Fi dominants can also be very easy going and peaceful, depending on their values. An ISFP doesn’t have to have a competitive nature to qualify as one, so be careful not to make that assumption.