Exploring Introverted Feeling (Fi)

Introverted Feeling, or Fi, is one of the eight cognitive functions laid out by Carl Jung. The cognitive functions are the basic building blocks for each of the 16 personality types. Exploring Introverted Feeling (Fi) is the sixth installment of this series. If you want to read the previous ones, check out Exploring Extraverted Intuition (Ne), Exploring Extraverted Feeling (Fe), Exploring Introverted Sensing (Si), Exploring Extraverted Thinking (Te), and Exploring Extraverted Sensing (Se). We intend to complete this series within the next month or two. We’re also referencing Carl Jung’s Psychological Types as we work through this. The aim is to provide a realistic picture of each cognitive function, that covers both the core underlying rational and possible external manifestations.

Who uses Introverted Feeling?

Every personality type has a cognitive function stack made up of only four cognitive functions. In other words, since there are eight functions in total, only half of the 16 personality types have Fi, namely the FPs and the TJs. However, with that in mind, the TJs often devalue Fi, since it is either in the third or fourth slot of their function stack. (Their Extraverted Thinking, or Te, often overrules their Fi.) Therefore, this article primarily applies to the FP types, which are ENFP, ESFP, INFP, and ISFP.

The FP types will be the ones prioritizing Fi, and thus will lean on it heavily in their daily lives. They will have the greatest range of use for the function, in both the positive and negative directions, although they will be the most apt of all the types to use it in a healthy, and positive way.

The Core of Introverted Feeling

Introverted Feeling, or Fi, is an introverted judging function based on feeling. Introverted functions in typology are subjective, which means internally focused. (Read more here: Objectivity vs. Subjectivity) In other words, FPs prioritize analysis via their subjective feelings, or feeling-values.

10 Characteristics of Introverted Feeling

Bear in mind, that some of the information below will describe core cognition, while other parts will describe common behavioral trends. You don’t have to relate to everything 100% in order to be an FP.

1. FPs are guided by their subjective feelings

There has been a strong push to detach Fi from feelings, but to do so completely would be inaccurate. However, FPs aren’t emotionally unstable, cry babies either. Jung actually refers to Fi type as rational types, but on the other hand, he also states that they are guided by their subjective feelings. Within the context of typology, it’s important to realize that the use of the word “feelings” has more to do with feeling data, rather than uncontrolled, irrational emotion, which we all experience regardless of type.

Introverted Feeling gives the user a close connection with their personal feelings. FPs feel deeply, but may struggle to relay the extent of these feelings. However, because of this intimate connection with themselves, FPs prioritize making decisions that are congruent with their feelings. Therefore, it can be said that these types value emotional consistency.

2. An FP’s feelings are distinct from the external environment

Introverted Feeling is by default oriented to the subject (IE: the individual). Of course, FPs do care deeply for others, and as a result, can be affected by the feelings of others. (They have a great capacity for empathy, when healthy.) However, FPs tend to perceive their feelings as being distinct from the emotional environment around them. These aren’t the types to confuse their feelings with other people’s feeling. Instead, an outside experience has to touch them personally and deeply to arouse feelings within them. As a result, FP types are likely to have strong personal boundaries, which is why people may mistake them for being self-centered or selfish. (They are NOT innately selfish; they just have a stronger awareness of their emotional limitations, making them better at exercising proper self-care.)

3. FPs are concerned with value analysis

Similar to Ti, Fi is analytical, only it analyzes things from a different angle. People like to say that the Fi is about values, rather than emotion. They often make it sound like FPs (or feelers in general) are the only ones with values, which is absolutely incorrect. We all have values, and make decisions under the influence of our values. That is not the solely relegated to feelers. (See Feeling vs Thinking: What Are Values?) Instead, while technically Fi is about values, it’s more accurate and precise to say that Fi is concerned with value analysis.

4. FPs look beneath the surface to perceive the underlying values

FPs, when approaching a situation, decision, and etcetera, seek to see beyond the surface level and perceive it’s worth or “value”. (It is an abstract process, as with all introverted functions, and may feel like intuition to them.) If they can perceive the underlying value, or principle, being represented, they can then determine if it is good or bad, hence the stereotype of them being moral. (Not all FPs are moral, though. Good and bad here is subjective to the person.) When determining worth, these types also take into account the emotional impact the thing in question will have on others, since feelers generally recognize the value in that kind of data.

If the value(s) being represented by an act, a decision, an object, or etcetera is incongruent with their personal values, they will be quick to reject it on a personal level. Remember, these types have a high introverted judging function. They are quick to analyze and judge things internally, even if they don’t vocalize that judgement.

For the record, FPs can be just as agreeable and accepting as any other type. We’re not trying to label them as close minded and judgmental, in the classic sense. That is dependent on the personal values they have formed.

5. Introverted Feeling can make FPs appear cold or indifferent

The stereotype of the emotionally turbulent FP is more related to the individual’s maturity level or mental health than their actual personality type. (Any type can be emotional.) In fact, Jung describes Fi in a completely opposite way than the typical stereotypes.

Because Introverted Feeling doesn’t naturally encourage one to sync their emotions up with their surroundings, FPs can come across as cold or indifferent, even if they are not. FPs view personal emotions as the responsibility of the individual, not the shared property of their social group. As such, the group has no right to mandate emotional expression or demand access. An FP considers their feelings to be private, reserved for themselves alone or perhaps a trusted few. In reference to the IXFPs especially, outsiders may mistake them for being snobbish or stuck up because of this tendency to withhold themselves.

6. FPs value individual autonomy

Introverted Judging functions (Fi and Ti) are individualistic. Introverted judgers value the freedom to be themselves without having to conform to others or rely on a group. As such, healthy FPs will respect the individuality and autonomy of others. They will be accepting and open-minded individuals, encouraging you to be you, regardless of what that means. Unfortunately, sometimes FPs are unfairly described as being the types to force their values onto others.

While FPs will embody their values and may speak passionately about them, the secure FP will not try to force anyone to adapt to their way of thinking. When FPs get aggressive and hostile, it’s the product of their Te. When threatened, insecure, or feeling defensive, these types may fall back onto that lower function, as means to protect themselves, fight back, and regain control. It shouldn’t be their typical state, unless they are in an unhealthy state overall.

7. FPs desire to discover and cultivate their identity

An FP’s intimate connection with themselves often makes them identity-driven. These types, especially when younger, seek to explore who they are and define themselves. Some give this more conscious thought than others, but overall, these types think in terms of “Who am I?” or “Is this me?” In their younger years, FPs often try out different identities, in an attempt to figure out what fits their core self. This can surface in a variety of ways, such as testing out different styles, trends, or values. These types highly dislike it when other people try to tell them who they are or define them inaccurately, since that is something only they have the right to determine.

8. FPs value authenticity

Similar to the previous two points, FPs value being true to themselves, whoever they’ve determined that to be. This doesn’t mean that they are never hypocritical, though; any type can be. However, they usually strive to present themselves in a way that is in line with who they believe themselves to be, regardless of what others think. Unfortunately, sometimes idealism can create a disconnect in regard to this. The FP may have an inner ideal of who they should be which is incongruent with how they are in reality, creating a sort of split identity. They may attempt to hold themselves to this internal standard, but fail to maintain the state indefinitely. As a result, they may actively maintain their personal ideal around the general public, but then inadvertently allow their true nature to leak out around family and intimate friends.

9. FPs seek personal meaning

Every FP needs to find their mission in life, or what gives them meaning. This is a weighty decision for FPs, because of their need to be authentic and aligned with their core selves. For instance, while choosing a career can be stressful for anyonne, it is especially stressful for the FP who isn’t sure how to affectively transfer their personal values into the real world. An impersonal career that doesn’t embody those values will be a struggle for them to accept, making them feel trapped or enslaved to the system. In order to avoid this, they may become extremely indecisive and delay any definite decisions whilst they attempt to figure out what they’ll find most fulfilling. (For the EXFP, this may mean trying out a bunch of different things and failing to stick to one, while for the IXFP it may mean diving deeper and deeper into self-analysis and introspection.)

10. FPs, due to low Te, may struggle to be effective in the real world

Extraverted Thinking gives the user a desire to be structured and in physical control of their surroundings. FPs, with low Te, may secretly need structure and desire structure, but struggle to create it on their own. IXFPs especially often feel insecure about whether or not they can be effective in the real world. They may struggle to find a balance between their ideals and physical reality, not wanting to compromise themselves or adapt, or they may struggle to form actionable, longterm plans and goals.