8 INFP Stereotypes

I always knew that the INFP stereotypes weren’t great, but to be honest, I’m a bit surprised by how bad they actually are. When preparing to write one of these stereotypes articles, I always read accounts from people of the type who are discussing their own stereotypes. Naturally, I did the same for INFP stereotypes. In the end, I found so many negative stereotypes, that I’m fixating purely on those in this article. (I think INFP’s also generally known for being empathetic and creative, but I’m not sure if those actually qualify as stereotypes. Either way, I’ve chosen my list.)

Stereotypes can actually be very damaging to typology, because they present a false or shallow image of each personality type. Some stereotypes will be accurate for certain individuals within the type, while others won’t relate to the stereotypes at all. Essentially, stereotypes reinforce specific examples of each personality type, making people believe that everyone within a specific personality type box will always appear or behave in that very specific way. My personal experience with the INFP stereotypes is that INFPs are more likely to relate to them when they are young. The older and/or mature INFP frequently struggles to relate to the INFP stereotypes, which can make it difficult for them to type themselves accurately.

Remember, each of the 16 personality types are based on a grouping of cognitive functions. Cognitive functions determine thought process, not behavior. Certain thought processes encourage certain behaviors, resulting in trends, but it is never absolute. However, everyone is different. No one will fit into their type’s mold 100%, so you need to be careful what you assume about others.

8 INFP Stereotypes

1. INFPs are emotionally unstable

This INFP stereotype is phrased in different ways, such as INFPs being weepy cry babies. Regardless, it all comes back to the same idea: that INFPs that have absolutely no control over their emotions. They’re described as being overly sensitive, and likely to burst into tears at the slightest provocation. This is false.

It’s generally true that feelers are more prone to being emotionally expressive than thinkers. However, that is not at all the same thing as what this stereotype describes. In fact, Carl Jung describes Fi users as feeling deeply, but appearing cold or indifferent from the outside, when their Fi is pronounced. It’s important to remember that control over one’s emotions is something that is learned. All children, regardless of type, lack control over their emotions. Likewise, thinkers can lack emotional stability, just like feelers can. Feeling functions don’t measure one’s ability to feel emotions, but rather, a way in which the users judge information.

2. INFPs are always depressed

This INFP stereotype is similar but worth calling out given how much confusion it causes. A large majority of people who take a Myers-Briggs test when depressed end up being typed as an INFP. Similarly, those who are looking into this theory while depressed frequently end up typing themselves as INFPs, because of how the INFP is described. Think about it like this. Depression leads people to retreat inside their minds, go into isolation (hyper-introversion), get far more emotional or emotionally introspective than they would otherwise be, stop caring about their surroundings or their physical state, etc. Someone taking a personality test in this frame of mind could easily score as an Introverted, iNtuitive, Feeling, Perceiver. They’d then check out the INFP descriptions and easily find ways to relate to it.

READ MORE: 4 Types That Mistype As The INFP

I’m thoroughly convinced that this stereotype is the result of this mistyping trend. You can be a happy, lighthearted INFP.

3. INFPs are illogical and irrational

This is the counterpart to the idea that thinkers are more rational and intelligent than feelers. Obviously, it’s absolutely incorrect. I’ve known some extremely analytical INFPs. In fact, Carl Jung describes Fi as a rational process. I don’t want to dive too deep into theory in this article, so the bottom line is that the ability to use logic is equal across all personality types. With Fi as their dominant function, INFPs will prioritize analyzing the emotional, social, and value-based implications of information. Feeling functions are not irrational; they just focus on the human element.

4. INFPs are hopelessly naive and idealistic

INFPs are often described as being overly idealistic to the point of being completely detached from reality. They’re described as innocent and open-minded, always seeing the best in everyone and everything. The problem with this image is that it is just not realistic. Many INFPs do start out this way, as children, but life inevitably happens. Many INFPs find a healthy way to balance reality with their ideals. INFPs that don’t end up suffering disappointment after disappointment, until they turn cynical and jaded, frustrated by the reality that they live in. Either way, for most INFPs, the hopelessly naive and idealistic state is not permanent.

5. INFPs are stereotyped as lazy and unmotivated

I believe this INFP stereotype ties into the idea that INFPs are floaty daydreamers. Basically, INFPs do nothing but sit around and daydream all day, without ever being effective in reality. Personally, I get frustrated when traits like laziness are attributed to certain personality types, because literally anyone can fall prey to laziness. It has nothing to do with cognition. Now, with that in mind, I will say that INFPs can fall prey to overthinking their dreams and ideals, resulting in them struggling to make a realistic, actionable plan for their life. That’s not the same as laziness, though. It’s more like a struggle to find your personal mission or purpose. That type of thing is extremely important to INFPs, so they’ll want to give it a lot of thought. Once they’ve figured that out, they can be extremely dedicated and motivated individuals.

6. INFPs are weak and helpless

The doormat stereotypes is most known for being applied to FJs, but INFPs actually fall prey to this one as well. Along with the belief that they’re overly sensitive, INFPs are frequently described as people that can’t stand up for themselves or fight back. On the contrary, INFPs can be very assertive, bold, and obstinate when it comes to things that matter to them. I’ve seen many INFPs get triggered and/or vocal in defense of their personal values. The healthy INFP will be able to stick by their mission and their values no matter what.

7. INFPs are stereotyped as being incapable of leadership

I think people attributed this INFP stereotype to their inferior Te. Extraverted Thinking (Te) is known for being the managerial, authoritative, and goal-oriented function, so the EXTJs are always dictators while IXFPs are described as being hopeless in this arena. However, the first thing to bear in mind is that there are different styles of leadership, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Second, INFPs do have Te in their stack. Regardless of its inferior placement, they can develop it and adopt a pseudo ESTJ persona when necessary. Inferior Te may cause INFPs to feel insecure in their leadership capability, but that’s not the same thing as actually being incapable.

8. INFPs are selfish

This is stereotype is more of a Fi stereotype than an INFP one, but since their dominant function is Fi, it’s applicable. The idea here is that Introverted Feeling (Fi) is self-focused, making all Fi users innately more selfish than Fe users. This is absolutely false.

INFPs have a heavy focus on self-analysis and introspection. They know how they feel about things, and how things make them feel. As a result, many are willing to enforce their personal boundaries, because they are very aware of them. That is not the same thing as being selfish, but some people, especially those who feel jilted, may frame it as selfishness when the INFP refuses to betray personal values or be stretched too thin. I think many people forget that someone who allows themselves to get run ragged, ends up burnt out and worthless, unable to help anyone. Sometimes perceived selfishness is just proper self-care.