Are you an INFP?
If so, you may have noticed that your personality test result came with an “-A” or a “-T” attached to it.
But what do these letters mean, and how do they affect your personality?
In this article, we’ll explore the differences between INFP and INFP-T personalities, and how they manifest in various aspects of life.
From emotional self-regulation to coping with stress and social situations, we’ll delve into the nuances of these two subtypes.
So if you’re curious about what sets INFPs apart from their turbulent counterparts, keep reading!
What’s The Difference Between INFP And INFP-T
INFP stands for Introverted, iNtuitive, Feeling, and Perceptive. Both INFP and INFP-T personalities share these same cognitive functions. However, the “-A” or “-T” at the end of the personality type indicates whether the individual is an assertive or turbulent INFP.
Assertive INFPs, or INFP-As, tend to be more emotionally stable than their turbulent counterparts. They are confident in their decisions and are less likely to be influenced by the opinions of others. They are also less prone to experiencing negative emotions such as anxiety and regret.
On the other hand, turbulent INFPs, or INFP-Ts, tend to be more dissatisfied with their current state and use this dissatisfaction to improve themselves. They hold themselves to a high standard and may become overwhelmed as a result. Turbulent types are more self-critical and sensitive than assertive types, and they seek other people’s opinions and feedback more often.
Turbulent INFPs are also more likely to experience negative emotions such as crying and regret. They may feel a deeper concern for what others think of them and may seek validation from others more often.
Understanding The INFP Personality Type
The INFP personality type is an introverted, intuitive, feeling, and perceptive individual. They are known for their creative and idealistic nature, as well as their ability to empathize with others. However, there are some differences between the INFP-A and INFP-T personalities that are worth exploring.
INFP-A individuals tend to be more expressive about their thoughts and feelings. They are confident in their decisions and less likely to be swayed by the opinions of others. They are also less prone to negative emotions such as anxiety and regret. INFP-A types have a more stable emotional state, which allows them to focus on their goals and aspirations.
On the other hand, INFP-T individuals tend to be more laid back when it comes to expressing their opinions. They may avoid conflict and seek validation from others more often. They are more sensitive to criticism and may become overwhelmed by their high standards. INFP-T types are more likely to experience negative emotions such as crying and regret.
Both types of INFPs are good listeners, but INFP-Ts tend to seek other people’s opinions and feedback more often. This gives them an edge in paying attention to other people’s needs and emotions. However, INFP-As are more confident in their decision-making abilities and less likely to second-guess themselves.
INFP Vs. INFP-T: Differences In Emotional Self-Regulation
One significant difference between INFP and INFP-T personalities lies in their emotional self-regulation. Assertive INFPs tend to be more independent and self-reliant, dealing with problems on their own without seeking the support of their friends. They are less likely to be influenced by the opinions of others and may not be eager to hear opposing points of view.
In contrast, turbulent INFPs may become too dependent on their friends and seek their opinions and advice when faced with a problem. They may experience negative emotions more intensely and may struggle with emotional self-regulation when under stress or pressure.
While both types are skilled in effective communication, assertive INFPs are more likely to manage their own emotions when faced with a challenge, while turbulent INFPs may become emotionally reactive or impulsive in decision-making. Assertive types also tend to know their own values and are less likely to get riled up about things that don’t matter, while turbulent types may struggle with self-doubt and insecurity.
Coping With Stress: How INFP And INFP-T Differ
When it comes to coping with stress, INFP and INFP-T personalities have different approaches. INFP-As tend to be more independent and rely less on their friends for support. They prefer to deal with their problems on their own and may be less open to hearing opposing viewpoints. In contrast, INFP-Ts are more likely to seek out their friends’ opinions and advice when facing a problem. They may become too dependent on their friends, especially when they are unhealthy.
During times of stress, INFPs may experience grip stress, which can cause them to become less concerned with harmony and tact. They may become sarcastic or passive-aggressive and feel a restless urge to fix everything around them. INFPs’ idealism can also cause them to feel out of step with the world around them, leading to a sense of isolation. They may struggle to conform to societal norms and expectations, preferring to do things in their own unique way.
INFPs can also be indecisive and perfectionistic, making it difficult for them to make decisions or handle criticism. They may struggle with feelings of inadequacy and find it hard to deal with the harsh realities of life. Socially, they can come across as shy, making it challenging for them to connect with others.
When it comes to stress relief, INFPs may try to hide their stress from others, not wanting to worry anyone or give them any trouble. They may even try to hide their stress from themselves, avoiding anything that reminds them of their problems. However, the only way to stop stress from escalating is to face it head-on.
INFP-As cope with stress by dealing with their problems on their own and relying less on others for support. They may engage in activities such as journaling or spending time alone in nature. In contrast, INFP-Ts cope with stress by seeking out the opinions and advice of others. They may benefit from talking about their problems with a trusted friend or therapist.
INFP And INFP-T In Social Situations
When it comes to social situations, INFPs and INFP-Ts have some notable differences. Assertive INFPs tend to be more confident in social situations and are less likely to feel drained by them. They are comfortable in their own skin and may have an easier time expressing themselves to others. They are also less likely to be swayed by the opinions of others and may be more selective about the people they spend time with.
On the other hand, turbulent INFPs may struggle more in social situations. They may feel more self-conscious and may worry about what others think of them. They may also be more prone to feeling drained after social interactions, especially if they feel like they weren’t able to be their authentic selves.
Despite these differences, both types share a deep concern for the well-being of others and value close relationships. They may both struggle with initiating social interactions but may thrive in one-on-one or small group settings with people they trust.
The Strengths And Challenges Of Each Subtype
Each subtype of INFP has unique strengths and challenges that come with their personality type.
INFP-As are confident in their abilities and decisions, which can make them effective leaders. They are self-assured and willing to take risks to achieve their goals. They have a strong sense of purpose and are driven by their desire to make a positive impact on the world. INFP-A types are also able to handle stress and negative emotions better than their turbulent counterparts.
However, INFP-As may struggle with being too independent and not seeking help or support when needed. They may also be less open to hearing opposing viewpoints, which can hinder their personal growth and development.
INFP-Ts, on the other hand, are highly self-aware and constantly seeking self-improvement. They are more likely to seek feedback from others and use it to grow and develop as individuals. They have a strong desire to understand themselves and their place in the world.
However, INFP-Ts may struggle with being too self-critical and sensitive. They may become overwhelmed by their high standards and may struggle with negative emotions such as anxiety and regret. They may also seek validation from others more often, which can lead to a lack of confidence in their own abilities.
In conclusion, both INFP-A and INFP-T types have unique strengths and challenges that come with their personality type. While INFP-As may be more confident and independent, they may struggle with seeking help when needed. IN contrast, while INFP-Ts are highly self-aware and seek feedback from others, they may struggle with negative emotions and self-criticism. Understanding these differences can help individuals better understand themselves and how they interact with the world around them.
