INTJ/INFJ/ISTJ/ISFJ: Inferior Se vs Inferior Ne

Comparing inferior functions, like inferior Se and inferior Ne, can be a surprisingly helpful way to resolve personality type dilemmas. While perusing typology communities, I often see people question if they’re an INFJ or an ISFJ, or similarly, an INTJ or an ISTJ. Even among those who’ve already settled on one of the Ni dominants (INFJ/INFJ), there are many mistyped Si dominants (ISFJ/ISTJ). Ryan and I have written several articles comparing these types, such Am I an INTJ or an ISTJ?, Si vs. Ni: 5 Main Differences, Am I an INFJ or an ISFJ?, and 4 Reasons Why ISTJs Mistype As INTJs. In this particular article, we’re going to approach it from a different angle, by analyzing inferior Se vs inferior Ne.

For those who have been following this blog for a long time, you may recognize much of the content in this article. I’ve been trying to go over old articles, optimize them and update them. I apologize if you grow bored with any repeat content, but I do aim to include new information in each one.

What is an Inferior Function?

The inferior function is the fourth function, or last, function in a type’s cognitive function stack. Each type’s inferior function is their greatest weakness, and the way in which they respond to severe stress. People can learn to use their inferior function in a positive way, but by default, at least initially, it will primarily show up negatively. Although, to be clear, a dominant Se user (ESTP or ESFP) can use Se in the same negative way as an inferior Se user (INFJ or INTJ). The difference is that an ESXP should have greater capacity to use the function well, in addition to using it more consistently and more often. Remember, function placement measures range of use. An individual who is immature or generally unhealthy (in an emotional or mental sense) may manifest primarily negative uses of their dominant function, because they themselves are in a negative state overall. You can be in a negative state without being in a grip.

Inferior Se vs Inferior Ne: Cognitive Function Prerequisites

For those who are new to the cognitive functions, I am going to list out the types and their cognitive function stacks in order below, so you can quickly reference which function goes with which personality type, if necessary.

INTJ: Ni-Te-Fi-Se
INFJ: Ni-Fe-Ti-Se
ISTJ: Si-Te-Fi-Ne
ISFJ: Si-Fe-Ti-Ne

As you can see, ISTJs and ISFJs (or the Si dominants) have inferior Ne, while the INTJs and the INFJs (or Ni dominants) have inferior Se.

Inferior Se vs Inferior Ne: Comparing the Functions

In the following sections, I’m going to provide brief overviews of how Se and Ne look when used well. The goal is to rationalize how Se or Ne would show up in the negative, based on what they do in the positive.

Extraverted Sensing (Se) in the Positive

The value of Se is its ability to see objective reality, unfiltered and disconnected from deeper implications. In healthy SPs, Se allows them to tap into the pure moment, without biasing the experience with past experiences or overly worrying about long term ramifications. This is why Se users are known for their “go with the flow” attitude. They take things as they come, and don’t overly stress about the future. They approach each experience like it’s brand new, and usually possess a desire for new experiences in general. Someone who values Se won’t overthink things to the detriment of action. They will enjoy life and live every moment to its fullest. They will react to situations as they happen, and not cling to past failures.

Extraverted Sensing (Se) in the Negative

Now, let’s talk about how Se shows up in the negative, and what that might mean for the INXJs, with their inferior Se. We’re essentially going to take the description above, and flip it on it’s head.

If Se users are enjoying every moment to its fullest, perhaps they are not thinking about the future at all. All future considerations, past lessons, or potential ramifications may be completely discarded in favor of the moment. Their way of dealing with stress may oftentimes result in simply avoiding stress, rather than dealing with it. Indulgence and distraction. They may ignore the problem until it’s on the verge of destroying them, or at the very least, far worse than it ever had to be.

That should be a relatively accurate picture of an INXJ that has fallen into the grip of inferior Se. They will become avoidant, complacent, and indulgent, ultimately desiring to avoid truly dealing with the stress of the problem, or perhaps see it as meaningless to try otherwise.

Although, in more extreme scenarios, some may take a proactive approach and try to attack the source of the stress head on, by making a series of impulsive or reckless decisions, without allowing themselves a chance to process and think things through rationally. For an inferior user who is not accustomed to using Se in this way, they might quickly end up in over their heads.

If you wish to read more about inferior Se grip, check out INTJ/INFJ: Inferior Se Grip.

Extraverted Intuition (Ne) in the Positive

Ne excels at its ability to make external connections, which allows its users to form ideas and perceive possibilities. When used positively, NPs can focus their minds on optimistic possibilities and view life as an ocean of opportunities, seeing hope for tomorrow no matter what happens. This is why they’re known for possessing a wide-eyed excitement over new concepts and ideas. Their ability to see boundless possibilities in real time can make them very opportunistic, but they may struggle to settle on just one idea. Of course, each of their ideas expand outward, connecting to more and more possibilities. NPs are oftentimes flexible and open-minded. They enjoy and desire freedom to explore whatever idea or prospect crosses their mind, no matter how realistic or practical.

Extraverted Intuition (Ne) in the Negative

Now, let’s talk about how Ne shows up in the negative, and what that might mean for the ISXJs, with their inferior Ne. Once again, we’re going to take the description above, and flip it on it’s head.

If Ne users are all about seeing possibilities, it seems logical to assume that negative Ne will only see negative possibilities. Imagine being in a state of stress and running through millions of potential negative outcomes, each extended out to its own unique, dramatic and tragic end. If a Ne user can’t seem to focus on one possibility, then an inferior Ne user probably won’t be able to concentrate on one specific outcome or choose the most likely one to worry about. Instead, they will begin to worry about everything, possibly even unrelated things. They will start to seem paranoid, because many of these possibilities may not even be rational, because they lack a Ni user’s natural ability to hone in on just one they think is most likely.

That should be a relatively accurate picture of ISXJs under extreme stress or in the grip of Ne. However, an ISXJ can fall into the grip of Ne, and take an avoidant approach, like an INXJ. It will surface a bit differently, though. The ISXJ may become erratic and impulsive, distracting themselves with several irrelevant or frivolous projects in an attempt to avoid the real issue.

If you wish to read more about inferior Ne, check out Inferior Ne from the Mind of an ISTJ.

Inferior Se vs Inferior Ne: In conclusion…

Understanding inferior Se vs inferior Ne can be critical in differentiating an INXJ from an ISXJ. Some people are under the impression that paranoia is the realm of the INXJs. I’m certainly not saying that it’s impossible for an INXJ to be paranoid. First, mental illness is a thing. (However, let me first state that anxiety and paranoia are two different things.) And second, paranoia can take on different forms.

I’ve seen self-proclaimed INXJs describe exactly what I described in the inferior Ne section, and all I can think when I read it is that it by definition fits Ne NOT Ni. I know several Si users, and I can verify that that is exactly what they do. Whereas, I know Ni users that instead demonstrate bad Se. But, like I said, I’m not saying an INXJ can’t be paranoid. However, their paranoia will not typically demonstrate the scatter plot nature of a Ne user. Instead, they will stress about one very specific, seemingly inevitable end, that they may see behind every corner and be unable to put from their mind.