The Shadows

A general thread about shadow functions for all types.

INFJs are very complex, insightful individuals who rely primarily on four cognitive functions: Introverted Intuition, Extraverted Feeling, Introverted Thinking, and Extraverted Sensing. This combination of functions helps the INFJ to have an intense focus on the future, and deep insights into people and situations. They are extremely empathetic and compassionate people who combine intuition, empathy, and logic (through their tertiary thinking function) to form uncannily accurate forecasts of what could be. I’m guessing that if you’re on this page you have a basic understanding of what the INFJ personality is like, because this particular post is going to get a lot more in-depth about INFJ features that are rarely discussed.

The shadow functions are the most unconscious functions of the INFJ, and they can show up at times when the INFJ feels they are “not themselves” or are acting in a way that seems foreign to them. The shadow can show itself when the INFJ is extremely stressed, under immense pressure, or has a strong negative reaction to something that threatens their ego or identity.

I’d like to preface this whole post by saying that not a lot of conclusive research has been provided on the shadow functions. The study of the shadow functions is something that is largely left out of most books on type theory. Almost everything I can find in relation to them is very theoretical. While nearly all typologists acknowledge the shadows existence, there is far less research on how we use these functions than on how we use our primary four cognitive functions. However, I think having an understanding of the theory of shadow functions and how they show themselves can be helpful in our day-to-day lives.

Carl Jung believed that the shadow functions are the unknown or dark side of our personalities. The shadow is instinctive, irrational, and is often what we project onto our enemies. We find ourselves simultaneously intrigued and attracted to these functions in others, yet distrusting and skeptical of them at the same time because we don’t identify with them or have good control over them. Because we experience such a conscious separation from these functions, we may project our own failures in using them onto others.

A narcissist who lies constantly believes that everyone else is lying about everything and feels that they can’t trust anyone. They have projected their own dishonesty onto others who may actually be honest and truthful.

We all tend to have poor control of our own shadow functions because they are so unconscious to us. When we see other people using these functions, even in a positive or advanced way, we may project our own negative use of these functions onto them. Like the lying narcissist who can’t trust anyone, the INFJ who has Introverted Sensing in their shadow functions may not trust or respect someone else’s positive use of Introverted Sensing.

Shadow functions are often the source of the negative and unhealthy aspects of our personality. They are the parts we’re ashamed of, that show up when we “lash out” at others, behave in ways we regret, or exhibit a loss of control. They may show up in our dreams and cause us to act in our dreams in ways that are completely unlike us.

We usually aren’t very aware of our shadow functions, because they are in such opposition to our primary cognitive functions. You can see this if you take a look at the functions side-by-side (above).

Because the shadow functions are largely unconscious, and we don’t associate them with our “true” selves, they almost never completely take over our personalities. They stay in the background, we don’t truly identify with them, but they may “speak” to us throughout the day when we experience stressors or threats to our ego.

Each of the shadow functions has a somewhat ominous-sounding title.

The 1st shadow function, Extraverted Intuition, is labeled The Opposing Role.
The 2nd shadow function, Introverted Feeling, is labeled The Critical Parent.
The 3rd shadow function, Extraverted Thinking, is labeled The Trickster.
The 4th shadow function, Introverted Sensing, is labeled The Demon.

The Opposing Role:
Your 1st shadow function is the most advanced of your shadow functions, yet still almost entirely unconscious in its use. This function will show up mainly as a way you become defensive. It’s how you might “throw a tantrum”, become rude, obstructive, or unfriendly. If you are having an argument with someone and they insult your ego, you may react brashly or with a quick temper, spouting out words or thoughts that oppose your normal way of thinking. The Opposing function speaks up like an argumentative child who must have his way. Because the INFJs Opposing Role is Extraverted Intuition, we have to have a basic understanding of what Extraverted Intuition is.

What Is Extraverted Intuition?

Extraverted Intuition is the ability to see how one thing could lead to many complex alternatives. It sees limitless possibilities and potential outcomes. People who have proficient use of Extraverted Intuition (ENFPs and ENTPs) are extremely flexible and open-minded and regularly modify their viewpoints based on new information.

The Difference Between Extraverted and Introverted Intuition

INFJs have strong use of Introverted Intuition, which means they tend to be more single-minded in their focus, connecting all the dots to form one major conclusion or insight. Once they have formed that insight and reflected on it, they hold to it very tightly. This gives the INFJ their characteristic resolve and belief in their revelations. Extraverted Intuitives tend to see many possibilities and insights, and are more frequently changing their mind about them. This makes them more open-minded, but while the INFJ is at risk of being called stubborn, the Extraverted Intuitive is at risk of never settling on a clear conclusion.

The INFJ uses Extraverted Intuition (Ne) in a largely unconscious way. They respect it and are intrigued by it, but consciously have a hard time controlling it. If someone challenges one of their Ni insights or their core revelations, the Opposing Role may come into play and the INFJ may use Extraverted Intuition in a confused, haphazard way to try to confirm their Ni beliefs. While INFJs can enjoy brainstorming and thinking about numerous possibilities, much like Ne users can, they can become overwhelmed if these Ne possibilities cause them to doubt their Ni visions or take them out of their preferred focus. This can lead them to lash out and become angry and belligerent with whoever or whatever is causing this stress and confusion.

Because INFJs respect Extraverted Intuition, they can become quickly angered and frustrated by people who refuse to see things from multiple angles or are unwilling to modify their beliefs when shown a new possibility. However, INFJs can also be stubborn and unwilling to change their views, so their use of the Opposing Role in arguments can seem hypocritical or out of synch to onlookers.


The Critical Parent:

The INFJs second shadow function, and sixth cognitive function, is labeled The Critical Parent. Why? The critical parent is the nagging, harsh voice in your head that tells you that you have failed, that you’re not good enough, or that you’re doing something poorly. It can also use this same voice in judging others. For the INFJ, the critical parent role is filled by Introverted Feeling.

What is Introverted Feeling?

Introverted Feeling is the strong awareness of one’s own values and beliefs and emotions. It is more concerned with one’s own subjective values than the emotions and desires of others. People who have strong use of Introverted Feeling (INFPs and ISFPs) hold very fast to their personal morals and emotions, and try to live in accordance with them. While they may be extremely open minded and empathetic to others, they will not personally go against anything that doesn’t strongly align with what they believe is morally right for them. Their values and morals are independent of social norms and environmental factors. They form these values based on their own deeply-held personal beliefs. Introverted feelers are extremely aware of their own emotions and feelings, and if you ask them how they feel they can provide you with an accurate response. They are also quite private with their feelings and keep their emotions and values more internalized, not feeling the need to force them on others.

How Introverted Feeling Affects the INFJ

INFJs, who use Extraverted Feeling as their second primary function, are extremely aware of other people’s emotions but far less aware of their own. They have a harder time saying “no” to things they don’t want to do, because they are so concerned with maintaining harmony. They may have a hard time defining how they feel or what they want or need. This is why many INFJs can become suddenly indecisive when asked what they want to do for the night, what food they want to eat, or how they feel about a rule or agenda. When asked to express what they want, the INFJ feels selfish and worried of giving the wrong answer. They like to know first what other people want, and then they may tailor their answer based on the other person’s needs and desires. An Introverted Feeler would have a much easier time describing what they want and expressing it.

Introverted Feeling manifests itself in the INFJ as an internal criticizing voice. “Why can’t you make up your mind? Don’t you stand for anything? You are such a fake. You have failed to uphold your own standards.” It can also express itself in judgments the INFJ makes upon others; “that person is being fake, that person is a phony, that person has no real values or morals, they are a failure and an embarrassment.” Normally the Critical Parent function will only show itself in times of extreme stress where something important is at risk. When it is engaged, it can overpower us and cause major damage to ourselves and our relationships.

The Trickster:

The trickster function, sometimes referred to as the deceiving function, fools you into thinking that something is important to do in defense of your ego. It causes you to see yourself and others in a false light and it distorts your experiences so that you misunderstand them and react to others in an overly critical or defensive way.

Typology experts say that the Trickster comes out when there is a threat of ego disintegration. So the trickster may come out when your self-identity and self-esteem are vitally threatened.

For the INFJ, the trickster role is fulfilled by Extraverted Thinking (Te). INFJs are not normally skilled at using this function and can make mistakes in perception or decision-making when trying to use it.

What is Extraverted Thinking?

Extraverted Thinking makes decisions based on objective facts and logic from the outside world. Extroverted Thinkers like to control and organize their outer world in a logical way. This makes them excellent delegators, leaders, and great at creating efficient processes and plans. Te users consider logic and pros and cons when making a decision, and are less concerned with harmony and the emotions of people involved. They tend to value pre-established rules.

How INFJs Use Extraverted Thinking

An INFJ may project their poor Extraverted Thinking abilities onto another person who is effectively using Extraverted Thinking. For example, an ESTJ (who uses dominant Te) may try to organize or delegate to the INFJ in some way. They are very proficient at this, but the INFJ may naturally bristle at this strong display of Te. They may think, “You’re trying to control me! You are such a power hungry animal! I will not let you do this so I will try to exert my control over my own life and system back to you!”. The only problem is that the INFJ has poor conscious control over Te and may try to use it in a way that is completely inefficient or has logical loopholes. They may also read into what the Te-user is doing and distort it into a different experience or motive. The Te-user may be, in actuality, trying to help the INFJ, yet the INFJ sees it as an effort to try to control them and claim ownership of them.

The Demon:

The demon is the most suppressed area of your unconscious personality. This function is how you will take in information when you are at your very worst and most destructive; when your ego is severely threatened and at risk of obliteration. People who are regularly confronting their Demon are at risk of great mental anguish and have probably reached a real breaking point.

The INFJs Demon function is Introverted Sensing. This means out of all the eight cognitive functions, this is the one they have the least conscious control over.

What Is Introverted Sensing (Si)?

Introverted Sensing (Si) is the storing and recall of past data and experiences. Introverted Sensors usually have an excellent memory for details, and can look on the past with fondness and appreciation. They look at what has worked well in the past, what is the “tried and true” method, and try to apply it to the present moment. Si users recollect information thoroughly and can easily tell if something doesn’t match up with a past experience. They are quick to see inconsistencies, to notice changes, and to spot abnormalities. When a Si-user experiences something in real time, they quickly compare it to something they’ve experienced in the past to see if it matches up. Si users are also usually very aware of their body’s needs and feelings. They are aware of internal sensations, like whether they are hungry or whether they are in pain.

How INFJs Use Introverted Sensing

Because Introverted Sensing is the INFJs Demon, it normally reflects itself in very negative ways. The INFJ can often be haunted by the past and skeptical of it. They see only what was negative about the past, only what traumatized them, only the mistakes they made. They may only see the mistakes and failures of others as well. They will pinpoint all their mistakes and failures as signs that they will never be anything but a disappointment or a failure. They may become immersed in their past trauma or regrets and unable to get out. When in the realm of the Demon function, the INFJ can also become completely incapable of holding onto any details accurately and may distort past details to fulfill their vision of failure and hopelessness.

Because the shadow functions are so unconscious in nature, it’s hard to ever have very strong control over them. We identify most strongly with our primary functions; these make up our identity and ego. The shadow functions feel more like strangers inside of us or unwelcome guests. They may seem to shout out thoughts or ideas into our minds that are unwelcome or outside of our conscious control. None of this sounds good, does it? But the truth is, these arguments and thoughts can help us to have balance if we can only be aware of them when they show their faces.

As an INFJ, if I over-use Introverted Intuition, then my Extraverted Intuition shadow helps me to see things from another angle. If I’m over-doing it with Extraverted Feeling and losing touch of my own inner values and morals, that Critical Parent of Introverted Feeling may scold me enough that I may stop and consider what my values are. There are times when the Shadow functions are necessary evils in our lives, but there’s a fine line between learning from them and being destroyed by them. We should try to keep our eyes open and be aware of their existence, but most typologists and psychologists suggest we should try not to focus on them too extensively. It is better to focus on gaining control over our primary functions, and to be cautious about how we react when the shadow functions try to take control. Trying to “practice” using the shadow functions can result in further disintegration and confusion in our lives. It would be like telling a left-handed child they need to practice using their right hand proficiently. It will only cause them to feel frustrated, insecure, and hopeless. Yes, being aware of them is helpful, so that when they do try to get into our lives we can acknowledge that we may be feeling irrational. It can also help us to determine whether we should try to see something from another point of view. But it’s generally unwise to focus a lot of time and effort onto developing the shadow functions; it’s better to work on developing your four primary functions as best as you can.

Source: http://www.psychologyjunkie.com/2016/08/19/infj-darkness-understanding-infjs-shadow-functions/

INTJS:



The INTJ often attempts to escape from the outside world by retreating deeply into their own mind and space. However, eventually, if their mind and space themselves becomes too stressful, they may seek to escape just as extremely back in the other direction. At such times, the INTJ may begin to engage in impulsive, excessive and addictive behaviors usually most typical of the unhealthy ESFP.

This observation meshes with a pattern recognized by the Enneagram. Many INTJ’s, including myself, identify, in the Enneagram system, as Type 5’s. In that system, the Point of Disintegration – the other type that a given type may mimic when most unhealthy – for Type 5 is Type 7, the type that often includes those identified as ESFP in the Myers-Briggs system. Thus both Enneagram and Myers-Briggs practitioners corroborate the existence of an important connection between individuals of these general types.

Moreover, in addition to acting like an ESFP under stress, the INTJ may be drawn to ESFP individuals in unhealthy ways. As will be discussed in the "INTJ Relationship Dynamics" section, the ESFP, who represents the exact opposite preference on every MBTI attitude and function, often serves as an ideal canvas on which the dis-integrated INTJ may project his or her Shadow. Coming to terms with their relationship, both internal and external, to the repressed ESFP aspects of the personality may be a required growth step for many INTJ’s.

Sources:
http://www.cognitiveprocesses.com/16Types/INTJ.cfm

http://www.systemsthinker.com/interests/mind/intj.shtml

All Types, Functions And Shadow Functions:



All Types Dominant Functions:

INFP Shadow Functions

In INFP Cognitive Functions (Part 1), the INFP primary functions and their roles were discussed.

As was mentioned in the previous post, the INFP’s primary functions, “Fi”, “Ne”, “Si”, and “Te”, are the primary ones because the INFP prefers those functions and their order over the other four functions.

Those functions are the INFP’s shadow functions.

The shadow functions are just the opposites of the primary functions, and they are in the same order. For the INFP, the shadow functions are the order of: “Fe”, “Ni”, “Se”, “Ti”.

These functions usually are associated with negative situations, and this could be due to the fact that they are some of the least developed functions. Another reason why they come up during negative situations is because these are the functions the INFP normally isn’t open to, because the INFP consistently uses the primary functions. The use of the shadow functions can be positive once the INFP learns to use them more, but in many cases, the INFP will succeed by trusting and using the primary functions, the most developed and mature functions.

The Opposing Role

The fifth function holds the opposing role. The opposing role is how an individual can act stubborn and argumentative.

Extraverted Feeling is the INFP’s opposing function. “Fe” is concerned with the feelings, morals, and values of the group, slightly different from INFP’s primary, dominant function: “Fi”

Introverted Feeling is concerned about the feelings, morals, and values of the individual, and “Fe” focuses on the group.

“Fe” usually involves the desire to connect with others, and traits such as being polite, friendly, and nice are all traits of “Fe”. Extraverted Feeling

Whenever the INFP begins to act stubborn, they may say things like, “My friend wasn’t invited, so I’m not coming either.” or “She doesn’t feel right about this, so I don’t feel right about it.”

In many ways, the INFP emphasizes the feelings of others when the INFP feels that going a certain direction could be bad. “Everyone else feels this way, so I’m with them.”

Though this a rather “negative” use of a trait, being stubborn can be very helpful in certain situations, and using “Fe” to be stubborn seems very true to the INFP. While the INFP is concerned about his or her own feelings, being in tune to their own feelings will help them connect with others and realize why the feelings of others are crucial to important decisions and situations. By knowing the realm of their own values, morals, and emotions, the INFP can understand others and use that understanding to stand firm to the INFP’s values.

The Critical Parent Role

The sixth function holds the Critical Parent Role. This role is how individuals find weak spots in other people’s arguments and judgments.

The INFP’s sixth function is Introverted Intuition. Introverted Intuition deals with internal intuitions (perhaps the more stereotypical form of intuition). It works out complex concepts and systems of thinking, and it can also come up with symbolic and novel ways of to understand things that are universal. Many moments in which new and novel realizations “pop” into one’s head are of “Ni”. Introverted Intuition

Because Introverted Intuition is the INFP’s sixth function, which embodies the Critical Parent Role, the INFP uses “Ni” to find ways of combating other people’s arguments, judgments, and opinions. The INFP, when faced with a new argument, can quickly and unconsciously find a “weak spot” in the judgment, and usually the INFP will not be able to explain how they got to that point. The INFP can quickly foresee other forms of thinking, judgment, and opinions, that could spawn from such an argument.

The Deceiving Role

The seventh function holds the deceiving role. This roles fools individuals into thinking that something is important or something that should be payed attention to.

The INFP’s seventh function is Extraverted Sensing. Extraverted Sensing is concerned with the external, physical details of the world. It involves wanting to “live in the moment”, a desire to experience everything all at once. People with “Se” want to find all the facts and details involved in a current situation. Extraverted Sensing

Since the INFP’s seventh function is “Se”, “Se” holds the INFP’s deceiving role. Because of this, INFPs may be concerned that extravagant details are important, that the more facts the better the INFP can assess a situation. If the INFP focuses on “Se” than the opposite role, “Si”, the INFP may make mistakes in perception.

However, this role can provide comic relief, and give INFPs the ability to laugh at themselves. Once its more developed, the INFP will be able to use “Se” in part with the relief role function, “Si”, and be able to recharge.

The Devilish Role

The eighth, final function holds the devilish role. Any actions or inactions taken when engaging with this function will be regretted later.

The INFP’s eight function is Introverted Thinking. Introverted Thinking is concerned with internal logical reasoning, problem solving, and analysis. Those with well developed “Ti” are able to notice the essential qualities of things, opinions, judgments, and arguments. It also involves finding just the right word to clearly express an idea. Introverted Thinking

Where the INFP’s dominant function, “Fi” is concerned with internal morals and feelings, INFP’s weakest function, “Ti” is concerned with internal logical reasoning.

If the INFP ignores its dominant judging function, “Fi”, and make judgments based on “Ti”, the INFP may regret any actions or inactions taken because of “Ti”.

Introverted Thinking isn’t inherently a bad form of judgment. However, because it is the least developed function of all the INFP’s cognitive functions, any judgments made while using this function will be immature and crude judgments.

Because understanding how the devilish role works is difficult, here’s an example. An INFP is walking to work, carrying a bag of his or her lunch, when the INFP happens to see a homeless man, who looks very sick and hungry. If the INFP trusted “Fi”, the INFP’s dominant function, the INFP would follow his or her morals and would decide to give the lunch to the homeless man. If the INFP trusted “Ti”, the INFP’s least developed function, the INFP might think, “In order to work hard and do a good job at work today, I need to eat to be able to function, thus, its smarter for me to not give the food to the homeless man”. However, if the INFP went with the “Ti” judgment, the INFP would feel upset afterwards and would regret making such a judgment.

Though the INFP won’t always make poor judgments with Introverted Thinking, the INFP has a better chance of making a good judgment with the INFP’s most mature function, Introverted Feeling.

Source: https://learningtobeinfp.wordpress.com/2016/02/03/infp-cognitive-functions-part-2-shadow-functions/
Please note: This website has an in-depth article on each INFP shadow function, if you want in-depth information.

Introverted Intuitive GRIP

In The Grip – Our Hidden Personality by Naomi L. Quenk

Important Features of Dominant Introverted Intuition

Introverted Intuitive types typically use their favorite perceiving function in their inner world, focusing on ideas, concepts, and complex possibilities. They are the most intellectually independent of the types. As a result they tend to

• Have a theory to explain everything

• Prefer innovative solutions over established ones

• See situations from an unusual perspective

• Come across as sharp, quick, and uncannily correct

• Make insightful analyses and forthright judgments

• Cut through distractions readily to get to essential meaning

• Appear at times inflexible iy their judgments

• Appear at times as charismatic visionaries

Triggers for the Inferior Function

Introverted Intuitive types report the following type-specific factors that are likely to provoke a grip experience:

Dealing with details: Dealing with details, especially in an unfamiliar environment, can trigger inferior Extraverted Sensing in Introverted Intuitive types. They frequently mention that feeling overwhelmed by details often provokes characteristic inferior function reactions. Dealing with unfamiliar details makes one INFJ feel like she becomes “instantly stupid.” She relates, “I truly don’t seem able to take in explanations and process them.”

Unexpected events: Unexpected events that interrupt planned activities can also unsettle INTJs and INFJs enough to arouse their inferior function. Once their internal picture of what is to happen is formed, it is very hard for them to disconnect from it to accommodate new activities. This is especially true if the unexpected event requires dealing with unfamiliar details.

Excessive extraverting: Of the four dominant Introverted types, it is Introverted Intuitive types who most frequently mention that “too much extraverting” is a common trigger for inferior function responses. They retreat inside themselves in this state and become intolerant of intrusions by others. They are likely to express irritation at other people’s questions or do not respond at all to others’ attempts to communicate.

Forms of the Grip Experience

Just prior to falling into a grip experience, the dominant function of Introverted Intuitive types may become exaggerated. Their internal processing of concepts becomes increasingly ungrounded, and little or no judgment is available to discriminate among their ideas. As this one-sided approach inevitably leads to further failure of their Intuitive function, it loses its position of primacy. INTJs and INFJs start to lose their characteristic wide-ranging and global perspective. Their field of operation narrows considerably, and their range of acknowledged possibilities becomes limited and idiosyncratic. They may make more factual mistakes and become careless with spelling and grammar. As their hold on their dominant Intuitive function diminishes, inferior Extraverted Sensing takes over.

As a reminder of what Extraverted Sensing looks like in its adapted, dominant form, Table 14 describes what Extraverted Sensing looks like in dominant Extraverted Sensing types as well as in Introverted Intuitive types, for whom it is the inferior function. Notice the difference between conscious (dominant) Extraverted Sensing and unconscious (inferior) Extraverted Sensing.

Obsessive focus on external data: For an Introverted Intuitive type in the grip of their inferior function, data from the outside world seem overwhelming. Facts and details in the world demand their attention, so the INTJ or INFJ obsesses about them. This may be experienced as a state of intensity and drivenness. The attempt to control details in the environment is often expressed in feverishly cleaning the house, moving furniture, or organizing records and other materials. They may show an unrelenting effort to control everything in their immediate vicinity. “Tools fail me,” said an INFJ. “I resent interference when I have deadlines requiring attention to lots of details; I become obsessed with the numbers in my checkbook and even obsessed with locking doors.”

Overindulgence in sensual pleasures: In the grip of inferior Extraverted Sensing, INTJs and INFJs demonstrate sensual excess rather than sensual pleasure. Overdoing gratification of the senses is a commonly mentioned behavior reported for them in the grip of the inferior function. Introverted Intuitive types may overeat or binge. They report obsessively doing harm to their bodies. A typical behavior is to overindulge compulsively and then immediately berate themselves for the uncontrolled, shallow, destructive behavior. An INFJ said, “I have to get away from reality. I do too much of something - one thing. I eat more or stop eating; I shop for useless things.” ·

Adversarial attitude toward the outer world: For Introverted Intuitive types in the grip of inferior Extraverted Sensing, the immediate reality of the outer world spells difficulty and danger. They expect obstacles and problems to plague them as they move through a strange and potentially hostile environment. Anticipating the worst can often elicit anger and blame in INTJs and INFJs. Their anger is directed at either things or people, so it may be expressed in a very focused, intense, and extreme manner. One INTJ said, “I get into verbal raving and am out of control. I regress emotionally and feel childish.” An INFJ expressed experiencing deep anger: “I am emotionally aroused and am terribly critical of others. I accuse people of never helping me. I become dogmatic and blast people with facts. If no one is around to attack, I write a scathing letter to someone.”

Ways of Returning to Equilibrium

Introverted Intuitive types report needing a good deal of time alone to recharge and access their dominant Intuition. Others can be helpful by enabling them to lighten their usual schedule and relieving them of some of the details of their lives. Perhaps the worst thing others can do to Introverted Intuitive types when they are in the grip of their inferior function is to offer suggestions or give advice about how to deal with whatever is of concern. Auxiliary thinking or feeling can be the vehicle through which they regain equilibrium; INTJs develop a strategy for analyzing what they are experiencing, achieving distance and objectivity from it; INFJs examine the important meanings and feeling connections involved and are thereby able to regain their normal wide-ranging perspective.

New Knowledge

Introverted Intuitive types report that they are better able to adapt to changes in the outer world as a result of their inferior function experiences. They are also able to maintain a more moderate approach to sensual pleasures and to incorporate sensual experience into their lives in a satisfying way.

Setting less ambitious goals helps keep INTJs and INFJs from falling into the grip of their inferior function as readily.

In this way, they moderate a perhaps overly ambitious, visionary stance into one that is more realistic and possible.

A Grip Experience

The following episode was reported by an INTJ. However, INFJs report similar responses to the kind of situation described here.

“Help, I Can’t Change the Channel!”

Gretchen is an INTJ whose work requires intense and uninterrupted Extraversion. When lack of sleep and increased stress occur, she experiences inferior Extraverted Sensing in the following ways:

I seem to get stuck on one sensory channel - often a visual one, like watching TV - but am unable to extract any meaning from it because it lacks meaning, it is unacceptable to my usual criteria. I think, “What kind of person engages in this meaningless pap?”. I am careful to hide my worthless behavior from other people because it reveals my lack of competence. If they knew about it, they would not like me. Sometimes I get stuck on something auditory, like listening to one audiotape over and over again, often one with a sentimental twist I then think, “Who with any brains would listen to this garbage?”

Sometimes Gretchen makes good use of the Extraverted Sensing that takes over her personality. “Even though I do some task obsessively,” she says, “I actually accomplish something and I’m less upset with myself’ However, she notes, “If my inefficient obsessiveness doesn’t accomplish something, I become quite self-critical and angry at myself’

Because a great deal of extraverting is a continuing aspect of her work, Gretchen has found some ways to use

Extraverted Sensing in relaxing and non-threatening ways. She believes her efforts have resulted in a decrease in the intensity and length of her grip experiences.

Source: https://infjpersonality.tumblr.com/post/108988502141/in-the-grip-our-hidden-personality-by-naomi-l

Please feel free to post on this thread, everyone! <3

The following is an excerpt from a book anyone interested in MBTI should read. This chapter discusses shadow functions, grip, behaviors caused by stress, and behaviors caused by using our less dominant functions.


“Was That Really Me?"
HOW EVERYDAY STRESS BRINGS OUT OUR HIDDEN PERSONALITY
by Naomi L. Quenk

Chapter 11:
Introverted Intuitive Types: INTJ and INFJ


BASIC TYPE DYNAMICS


DOMINANT INTROVERTED INTUITION


AUXILIARY EXTRAVERTED THINKING OR FEELING


TERTIARY FEELING OR THINKING


INFERIOR EXTRAVERTED SENSING


Introverted Intuition Versus Extraverted Sensing


THIS CHAPTER EXAMINES the way effective Introverted Intuitive types experience their inferior function and the temporary transformation they make into ineffective, inferior Extraverted Sensing types when they are either briefly or chronically “in the grip.” A review of the characteristics of Introverted Intuition and Extraverted Sensing will be helpful to our discussion.

Important Features of Dominant Introverted Intuition

Introverted Intuitive types are the most intellectually independent of the types. They have a theory to explain everything, prefer innovative solutions to established ones, and are adept at seeing situations from an unusual perspective. Their skill at taking a very broad, long-range view of things contributes to their reputation as visionaries. Regardless of whether their auxiliary judging preference is Thinking or Feeling, their dominant Intuition tends to be sharp, quick, and often uncannily correct. It is as if they have antennae that enable them to detect things long before other people do.

People often count on INTJs and INFJs for insightful analyses and forthright judgments. They are adept at appropriately discounting distracting details and homing in on the essential meaning of complex, confusing situations.

Introverted Intuitive types report being puzzled by others’ perception of them as rigid and intractable. This perception may result from their tendency to express their views directly and forcefully. This is especially true for INTJs. Misinterpretation of their forthright communication style as inflexibility may make others reluctant to present alternatives or argue their own point of view. But, as described in Chapter 3, dominant Perceiving types are unlikely to be wedded to their decisions, since they give greater weight to data (perceptions) than to conclusions (judgments). Experience bears this out for the most part. INTJs and INFJs readily modify their incorrect conclusions when they receive convincing contradictory new information.

The spiritual, sometimes mystical, bent of Introverted Intuitive types has been frequently noted. At the very least, they seem to be aware of subtle cues or nuances long before others notice them. “INFJs are especially sensitive to unexpressed anger and conflict, whose presence is usually denied by others. This contributes to the sense of separateness from others that many Introverted Intuitive types report, which may lead them to doubt their own mental stability.

Introverted Intuitive types, especially INTJs, readily see the big picture in crisis situations and know how to direct others to take the most effective action.

Introverted Intuitive Types at Work

Work can provide INTJs and INFJs with the ideal opportunity to fulfill their typological nature. They are highly energized when they are able to use their creativity and independence of thought and action to achieve important goals. They enjoy variety in the projects they work on and prefer complex problems to simple ones. “Planning and strategizing “that will help fulfill a vision—in silence or with a small group, and after I’ve had some time to reflect and gather information” is how one INTJ described what is most energizing for her. Another INTJ stated that he liked “an opportunity to put all my facilitation in place to solve a problem, reorganize a section, and then run it—some autonomy and complexity.” An INFJ described as most energizing “creativity, variety, people, time alone, helping people grow and develop.”

Introverted Intuitive types want to see their vision of the future enacted at work. This desire for completion contributes to the intensity and single-mindedness that others observe. One INTJ described as energizing “working on projects that have a beginning and an end, which I can work on autonomously, especially those that have a visible, tangible, beneficial impact on the organization and individuals. Finishing tasks and multitasking, making improvements, getting recognition, and keeping people happy.” An INFJ in her early twenties said, “I place all of my heart and soul and expectations “into my work, so I like to see these expectations fulfilled or exceeded.” Another INFJ is energized by “thinking up the best process and ways to work with my staff to accomplish tasks. To be able to juggle tasks and complete them.

INTJs and INFJs very much want to be recognized and appreciated for their contributions at work, but they may not receive such appreciation. Co-workers may misperceive their desire for autonomy and their single-minded concentration as arrogant and controlling. They may be seen as overly critical and hard to please. Their typical long-range vision can also be an obstacle if others at work do not trust the Introverted Intuitive type’s ability to accomplish his or her often complex and interconnected objectives. However, in environments that support the needs and talents of Introverted Intuitive types, others readily recognize, appreciate, and encourage their devotion to excellence and accomplishment.

“Important Features of Dominant Extraverted ”


Sensing


The qualities associated with Extraverted Sensing that are relevant to our discussion of its form as an inferior function are

• Focus on external data

• Seeking sensual/aesthetic pleasure

• Delight in the outer world

For a detailed description of dominant Extraverted Sensing, read the beginning of Chapter 10, “Extraverted Sensing Types: ESTP and ESFP,” and the type descriptions for ESTP and ESFP that appear in Appendix A. This will provide the background needed to explore the various ways in which inferior Extraverted Sensing is expressed in INTJs and INFJs.”


The Everyday Extraverted Sensing of Introverted Intuitive Types


The inferior function affects Introverted Intuitive types in several different ways. These include everyday sensitivities, projections, and ways of relaxing, as well as the dramatic manifestations that can be seen when the inferior erupts and a full-blown episode occurs, or when an INTJ or INFJ is chronically in the grip because of long-term stress.


Typical Sensitivities and Projections


“Introverted Intuitive types easily gloss over facts and details in their everyday behavior but can be hypersensitive about this. When they become aware that they have made a “Sensing” mistake, or an error of fact is pointed out to them, they are likely to become annoyed and defensive. Like their Extraverted Intuitive counterparts, they may compensate for their uneasiness in this area by becoming expert in some highly specific area. This can sometimes resemble a fetish. An INFJ who had little interest in most aspects of housekeeping knew all the ingredients of different household detergents; an INTJ was pleased with his ability to identify any kind of cloud formation.

INTJs and INFJs sometimes assert as “fact” “information that may have no basis in reality but that strengthens a conclusion they have arrived at using Introverted Intuition alone. When the validity of such facts is challenged, they may become defensive or simply change the subject.

In the next chapter, we will discuss how Introverted Sensing types worry about dire possibilities occurring in the future. In contrast, Introverted Intuitive types focus on relentless realities in the present. They have a readiness to distrust the outer world and to assume that the environment, things, or people will fail them. An INFJ dreaded an impending vacation trip because she was sure the highway signs would be inadequate or confusing. An INTJ father prepared to teach his daughter long division because he was convinced that her teacher would not instruct her correctly. Another INTJ questioned whether the electrician installing new wiring at his office had used the proper grounding. To deal with these kinds of concerns, INTJs and INFJs may acquire detailed knowledge about the issue at hand—carefully studying highway routes, modern arithmetic teaching methods, electrical wiring, and so on.

“Discomfort with the environment can also be seen in an over-concern with keeping track of things. One INTJ reported having to check his pocket two or three times to be sure his keys were there. Introverted Intuitive types try very hard to avoid losing things or getting lost in unfamiliar surroundings. They can become disproportionately upset when their efforts fail, frequently blaming others for their own carelessness.

INTJs and INFJs readily project their own distrust of the environment onto others. They may comment on other people’s failure to notice details or assume that everyone experiences the anxieties they experience when dealing with an unfamiliar environment. They may therefore be overly cautious in giving people directions and provide too many—often irrelevant—details. One INFJ instructed his 28-year-old son as he was about to head out on a long trip in the car, “And when you smoke, you use the ashtray.


In giving a friend directions to her new house, an INTJ detailed the following:

Take Central Avenue to Fifth Street and turn right. Go two blocks to Smith Street and make a left at the next corner, Avenue M. Go three blocks and turn right into Mulberry. That’s my street. About halfway down the block you’ll see a blue house with a two-car garage and a “For Sale” sign on the lawn. Next door to that house is a small cottage with a peaked roof. My house has no address number on it, but it’s diagonally across from the blue house.... Oh, and did I mention that my house is the only two-story house on the block?”


Expressions Through Interests and Hobbies


For Introverted Intuitive types, relaxing their dominant and auxiliary functions may occur through such sensual pleasures as eating, exercising, and gardening. One INTJ especially enjoys and appreciates sunshine in spring, autumn, and winter. ”


“Another likes to “go somewhere beautiful—mountains, ocean, water.” INFJs often mention the pleasant luxury of taking an afternoon nap. Other Introverted Intuitive types describe craving very hot curries, or escaping by becoming totally absorbed in a mystery or adventure novel. “Escape literature” seems to be a particularly effective way for Introverted Intuitive types to suspend their intense inner focus and vicariously enjoy adventures in the external environment.

An INTJ reports that at times she feels exceptionally relaxed and able to focus totally on observing her environment. At these times she is able to step away from her usual goal-oriented approach and does not feel she must immediately do something with her observations. Often doing aerobic exercise precedes and stimulates this relaxed state. An INTJ who is a passionate bird-watcher tries to arrange his worldwide consulting work to take advantage of bird-watching opportunities. Other Introverted Intuitive types take up hobbies that require careful attention to details and memory for facts, such as photography, woodworking, furniture refinishing, or cooking.

Introverted Intuitive types mention going for walks or drives and noticing interesting details, such as the shapes of houses, the designs on garage doors, the arrangements of trees and flower beds in parks. One INFJ described taking walks by himself and noticing how many different shades of green he could identify on a nature trail, or closing his eyes and trying to identify as many different sounds as he could.

Using Sensing for relaxation seems to be particularly enjoyable because there is no pressure to achieve any particular goal. “Gardening is an activity I love. I don’t worry about performance or doing it perfectly,” said an INFJ. “I like pulling weeds, smelling flowers, removing dead flower heads, admiring the colors. All of this nurtures me.” Another INFJ enjoys the aesthetic aspects of gardening, the shapes and colors of the flowers, as opposed to the straightness of the planting rows. And an INTJ’s hobby is making flower arrangements. She tries to achieve an overall look with the colors of the flowers, rarely wanting to learn the names of the various blossoms.”


Eruptions of Inferior Extraverted Sensing


When one or more of the preconditions for eruption of the inferior function are present, Extraverted Sensing appears in its more exaggerated, disruptive form. In addition to the general conditions described in Chapter 4, Introverted Intuitive types are vulnerable to the type-specific factors described below.”


Typical Provocations or Triggers


Dealing with details, especially in an unfamiliar environment, can trigger inferior Extraverted Sensing in Introverted Intuitive types. In fact, these types frequently mention that feeling overwhelmed by details often provokes characteristic inferior function reactions. Unexpected events that interrupt planned activities can also unsettle INTJs and INFJs enough to arouse their inferior function. One INFJ said that “sometimes it can be something like having to get from the airport to a hotel. It can happen if I’m driving a rental car in a foreign city, and even if I’m in my own country.”

Another INFJ reports having the following response when she has to deal with unfamiliar details like taxes and finances:

I feel like I become instantly stupid. I truly don’t seem to be able to take in explanations and process them. I have such anxiety I can’t get through it. I feel panicky inside and desperately look for help from someone who can talk to me on my level so that I can slowly begin to understand.


An INTJ finally turned the accounting for his small business over to an accountant when he found himself becoming tense, irritable, and depressed whenever he had to work on the books.

Of the four dominant Introverted types, it is Introverted Intuitive types who most frequently mention “too much extraverting” as a common trigger for inferior function responses. They describe being provoked by such things as crowds; people overload; noisy, busy environments; feeling that their personal space is being invaded; and frequent interruptions. When faced with such provocations, they retreat inside themselves and become intolerant of intrusions by others. They either express irritation at people’s questions or do not respond at all to attempts to communicate with them.

An INTJ described having been raised in a large family with no private, personal space for anyone. All family members were expected to behave in the same way, as prescribed by a narrow set of acceptable behaviors. “Even though we had separate rooms,” he said, “we had no freedom to decorate them in our own way or use them for anything but sleeping. I had a sense of frustration and rage at the absence of private territory. In hindsight, I was too often ‘in the grip.’”

Triggers and Stressors at Work


Work settings that do not permit sufficient autonomy or that offer few opportunities to work alone and intensively, and that do not provide the opportunity to be creative, think independently, and accomplish goals, are extremely stressful and undesirable for Introverted Intuitive types. INTJs and INFJs hold very high standards of excellence for themselves and others, so issues of competence at work are quite important.

INTJs in particular are intolerant of and impatient with inefficiency and with others’ avoidance of problems. They like to get to the heart of an issue immediately, which sometimes makes others uncomfortable. An INTJ finds it stressful “when there are multiple ‘agendas’ at play so that there is no sense of purpose or direction about an issue that may be a legitimate problem.” She added, “I don’t suffer fools or foolishness well. I like to focus on real issues.” Other INTJs mention as stressful “noise, confusion, lack of order and direction,” “working with others and not being able to get alone,” “being led by the nose, not having a degree of autonomy.”


“INFJs are distressed by similar work characteristics, often focusing on the inability to achieve their vision of growth and development for people. Being unable to work at their own pace and within their own structure is also stressful. An INFJ cited as work stressors “lack of organization and vision by management.” And another INFJ is stressed by “unclear goals and expectations and others’ unwillingness to fit into my flexible time line.” Both INTJs and INFJs find that dealing with details (often seen by them as irrelevant to the task at hand) is extremely stressful.

In a work situation in which the particular stressors for Introverted Intuitive types continue over long periods, INTJs and INFJs may respond quickly and intensely to the triggers described here. This increases the likelihood that their subsequent demonstrations of “grip” behavior will be frequent and pervasive. When persistent stress causes them to be chronically in the grip of inferior Extraverted Sensing, they are likely to lose touch with their natural confidence and pleasure in their Intuition and come across as picky, fault-finding, narrow-minded, and unimaginative.

The Form of the Inferior Function


INTJs and INFJs appear less likely than other Introverted types to get much pleasure from a lessening of introverted “inhibitions,” although some INTJ males describe becoming more extraverted in a positive, sociable way. An INFJ said he is “surprisingly more extraverted, especially in the company of strangers; more expressive and less contained.” Female Introverted Intuitive types mention increased sociability less frequently, possibly because they, like other women who are Introverts, are encouraged (or required) to develop social skills. However, for the most part, the obsessiveness and discomfort that accompany extraverting their Sensing function is experienced as overwhelmingly distressing for both male and female INTJs and INFJs.”


“As dominant Introverted Intuition loses its position of primacy, INTJs and INFJs start to lose their characteristic wide-ranging, global perspective. “Their field of operation narrows considerably, and their range of acknowledged possibilities becomes limited and idiosyncratic. They may make more factual mistakes and become careless with spelling and grammar. “I am unable to cope with simple decisions and problems,” said an INTJ woman. “I’m frustrated by the physical world—I lose things, drop them, hate them. I don’t know what to wear or what to eat. I’m impatient with people and can’t read or concentrate.” An INTJ said she obsessively looks for the “right” factual piece of information that will solve the problem. “I notice things not put away around the house—things that are broken or things to do.” As their hold on their dominant and auxiliary functions further diminishes, the qualities of inferior Extraverted Sensing manifest in an obsessive focus on external data, overindulgence in sensual pleasures, and an adversarial attitude toward the outer world. For INTJs, tertiary Feeling may abet the process in that the “facts” (real or invented) on which the INTJ obsesses are often ”used as “proof” that others discount, devalue, or dislike the INTJ. Similar “facts” may be used by the INFJ’s tertiary Thinking to prove that the INFJ is inadequate or a failure. The comparison between dominant and inferior Extraverted Sensing is shown in Table 12.


Jung (1976a) incorporates the three qualities of inferior Extraverted Sensing (obsessive focus on external data, overindulgence in sensual pleasures, and an adversarial attitude toward the outer world) in the following comment:

What the introverted intuitive represses most of all is the sensation of the object, and this colours his whole unconscious. It gives rise to a compensatory extraverted sensation function of an archaic character. The unconscious personality can best be described as an extraverted sensation type of a rather low and primitive order. Instinctuality and intemperance are the hallmarks of this sensation, combined with an extraordinary dependence on sense-impressions. This compensates the rarefied air of the intuitive’s conscious attitude. (p. 402)

Obsessive Focus on External Data Effective dominant Extraverted Sensing types are open to the widest variety of information from the environment—the more the better for them. Fully experiencing the outside world is their greatest pleasure. For an INTJ or INFJ in the grip of inferior Extraverted Sensing, data from the outside world can seem overwhelming. Facts and details in the world demand the attention of the Introverted Intuitive type in the grip, so he or she obsesses about them. This may be experienced by both INTJs and INFJs as a state of intensity and drivenness. Their attempts to control the details in their environment are often expressed in such activities as feverishly cleaning the house, moving furniture, and organizing records and other materials. They may show an adamant concern about minute details and an unrelenting effort to control everything in their immediate vicinity.

An INFJ described her obsessiveness and withdrawal from her usual interests this way: “I stew about what’s going on. I can’t sit still and am restless. I am mentally fatigued and find myself compulsively putting things in order and trying to control everything around me.” An INTJ said that when he is in this state, he feels like a top spinning faster and faster. If he is working with tools and getting frustrated and angry, he has learned that it is best for him to stop or he will get hurt or break something.

An INFJ described “obsessing about details.” He gave as an example:

“When I’m using power tools that can cause injury, I will spend an inordinate amount of energy making sure that I’m not going to inadvertently hurt myself when I turn the thing on. I will triple-check to make sure my fingers are out of the way, etc. Usually I take in the world more globally and have less concern about details until I need them."

“I’m more likely to have accidents,” said an INTJ. “I’m robotic, forget things, say things backwards; I’m obsessed with a thought and can’t get it out of my mind. I try to control situations and people and engage in strange behavior, like checking on things,” said an INTJ woman. And another INTJ woman said, “I can become obsessed by detail. I’m less able to function and make decisions—sort of paralyzed.”

An INFJ said, “I alphabetize my compact discs; or suddenly it’s time to do that thing I thought about doing two months ago. I drop everything and do it; or I fixate on smells and sounds.” “I organize or clean. I feel pressured and can’t think clearly,” reported another INFJ. “I nitpick about things in the environment. I bombard people verbally and obsess out loud.

An INTJ recalled the following from his childhood and adolescence:

"When my studies were not going too well I would start to develop detailed tables of data, or drawings to support technical/science answers. These were frequently in too great detail, taking a lot of time and usually out of all proportion to the task and the length of the answers sought—or even irrelevant to the original questions."


Often the external input that becomes the object of obsession is something someone said or even failed to say. When the last client on an unusually busy day left without saying her usual “See you next week,” an INTJ therapist became convinced she had made a mistake during the psychotherapy session. She spent many hours going over the content of the session. She felt the only reason the client had not terminated therapy that day was politeness, so as not to hurt the therapist’s feelings.

A common focus, particularly for INTJ and INFJ women, can be an aspect of their physical appearance. They may become convinced that they have prominent skin blemishes, that others are noticing that they don’t dress very well, or that they look fat. In combination with the “overindulgence” manifestation described below, a powerful effect can occur.”

Overindulgence in Sensual Pleasures In effective dominant Extraverted Sensing types, the enjoyment of sensual pleasures is natural, spontaneous, and quite consistent with their focus on the reality of the immediate environment. In Introverted Intuitive types in the grip of inferior Extraverted Sensing, this quality takes the form of sensual excess rather than sensual pleasure. It is interesting that a number of INTJs and INFJs described themselves as becoming “self-centered” and “self-indulgent” when they are in the grip—a descriptor often projected onto well-functioning Extraverted Sensing types by INTJs and INFJs (and by other types as well).

Overdoing gratification of the senses is a commonly mentioned behavior for INTJs and INFJs in the grip of their inferior function. They may overeat or binge. They see themselves as obsessively doing harm to their bodies. A typical “tactic” is to overindulge compulsively and immediately thereafter—if not during the episode—berate themselves for their uncontrolled, shallow, destructive behavior.

An INTJ described the experience this way:
There is a clear preliminary state where I am totally apart from the real world. I am not even an observer, and I can completely ignore anything real. It’s a nice fantasy, that’s all—just absorbing. But later I become excessively indulgent, getting totally immersed in physical experiences—eating, exercise, pulp fiction, TV. But I don’t enjoy it. It feels like a dangerous roller coaster, but I’m immobilized and can’t get off.


An INFJ said,“I have to get away from reality. I do too much of something—one thing. I eat more or stop eating; I shop for useless things.” Another said, “I eat too much, spend too much, watch TV or read excessively to escape. I’m late for everything.” An INTJ said her pattern is to overeat, feel guilty about it, wake up in the night and feel worse, get too little sleep, causing her to feel more vulnerable, and then eat more. Another INTJ feels bad about her overeating but not guilty: “I hate it when people brag about how much they exercise!” she said.

Adversarial Attitude Toward the Outer World Effective dominant Extraverted Sensing types approach the outer world with eager anticipation of all the wonderful experiences awaiting them. For Introverted Intuitive types in the grip of inferior Extraverted Sensing, the immediate reality of the outer world spells difficulty and danger. They expect obstacles and problems to plague them as they move through a strange and potentially hostile environment.

Their hypersensitivity to potentially dangerous surroundings can promote uneasiness about people as well. “I can have negative forebodings and feel that people are against me,” said an INTJ. An INFJ said she “becomes suspicious. Usually I’m tolerant, curious, and compassionate, so ‘out of character’ for me means I’m unaccepting and frustrated with the world.

An INTJ said, “I start tripping over things and feel out of control in the external world. I feel like I’m under a dark cloud. I get hung up on some false fact and distort it. I get stressed out about time—too many things and not enough time. I attack others with words and then feel guilty.” An INFJ described herself as “shutting down, communicating very little. I misplace things, especially keys and watches. I’m very harsh, critical, not diplomatic. I lose my temper, obsess about details, organize, reorganize, yet nothing gets done.”

Anticipating the worst can often elicit anger and blame in INTJs and INFJs. “I’m moody and gloomy, with sudden deep anger,” said an INTJ. An INFJ also describes experiencing deep anger: “I am emotionally aroused and am terribly critical of others.”

I accuse people of never helping me. I become dogmatic and blast people with facts. If no one is around to attack, I write a scathing letter to someone.” Another said, “I internally check off all the events that happened leading up to the ‘conflict’ and then I verbalize this list with a sense that the impeccable logic of it will convince others I am right and I will be vindicated.”

The altered state of any inferior function is typically accompanied by a lessening of social controls and therefore more frequent expressions of anger. However, the character of the anger may be different for different types. For INTJs and INFJs, the “cause” of distress is often one or more “objects” in the environment. The anger directed at either things or people may therefore be more focused, intense, and extreme than with other inferior functions. Introverted Intuitive types may be unable to recognize alternative possibilities so that their perspective becomes extremely narrow. This tunnel vision and externalization of blame can produce ruthless results.


One INTJ said, “I get into verbal raving and am out of control. I regress emotionally and act childish. I feel anxious, exposed, childlike.” Another INTJ said, “If I bump my head on a cupboard, I get mad at the world for putting a cupboard there. Others think I’m cursing at myself—but it’s really at the inconsideration or stupidity of the cupboard being there.” An INFJ observed, “I am angry, unreasonable, totally irrational, closed-minded, and impatient. I feel vulnerable and then become angry at others for it. I can’t communicate with anyone. I am hard, callous, unfeeling, and I have no energy to be bothered with anyone else.

Lengthy Episodes in the Grip


The types of episodes described above are experienced by INTJs and INFJs as temporary states during which they are vulnerable to the three forms in which their inferior function is expressed. However, when an Introverted Intuitive type is chronically in the grip of inferior Extraverted Sensing, inferior function behavior may become habitual.

Obsessiveness about details in the form of micromanaging others both at work and at home may cause great distress to other people in these environments. “Irrational” accusations by the INTJ or INFJ can alienate others, causing them to avoid the person or attempt to remove him or her from a position of authority. Family members of an Introverted Intuitive type in a chronic grip state may be unable to find ways to sidestep the ready anger and criticism expressed by their loved one. Co-workers are likely to be similarly at a loss.

If and when INTJs recognize the extremeness and persistence of their out-of-character behavior, they are likely to try to confront and solve the problems that beset them, especially in a work situation. INFJs, who report a high level of stress in many areas of life, tend to rely on their spiritual and religious beliefs to help them cope and rise above persistent stress.

Chronic grip behavior may lead the individual and others to believe that fierce anger, excessive control of others and the immediate world, and distrust that approaches paranoia are a part of the natural makeup of the INTJ or INFJ, and that the person has always been that way. Since the process of becoming chronically in the grip is often gradual, even people who have known the person in a non-stressed state are likely not to notice what, in retrospect, will be recognized as a radical alteration of personality. The person will appear to be a rather exaggerated, poorly developed, and distorted version of an Extraverted Sensing type.

This can sometimes lead to a productive, valuable outcome, however, as illustrated in the last story in the next section. There are also occasions when a lengthy time in the grip of inferior Extraverted Sensing can stimulate new awareness and positive growth toward completion and individuation. Remember that Jung saw the inferior function as the doorway to the unconscious and an important part of the self-regulating capacity of our psyches.

Grip Experiences

The stories included in this section illustrate one or more forms of inferior Extraverted Sensing as experienced by INTJs and INFJs. It is interesting to notice that these Introverted Intuitive types, whose dominant focus is typically global, diffuse, and complex, relate their experiences of the inferior in that same style. The two examples that appear in the form of specific “stories” were actually contributed by the spouses of the Introverted Intuitive types involved.


“Help, I Can’t Change the Channel!”

Gretchen is an INTJ whose work requires intense, uninterrupted extraversion not only of her auxiliary Thinking function but also of her dominant Intuition and tertiary Feeling functions. Although she excels at her job and very much enjoys it, it tends to “unbalance” her. When she experiences a lack of sleep and increased stress, her inferior Extraverted Sensing manifests in the following ways:

I seem to get stuck on one sensory channel, often a visual one, like watching TV. I watch but am unable to extract any meaning from it, and because it lacks meaning, it is unacceptable to my usual criteria. I think, What kind of person engages in this meaningless pap? I must be careful to keep my worthless behavior from other people because it reveals my lack of competence. If other people knew about it, they would not like me.

Sometimes I get stuck on something auditory, like listening to one audiotape over and over again. The tapes are often those with a sentimental twist. My judgment then is, Who with any brains would listen to this garbage?

Sometimes Gretchen makes good use of the Extraverted Sensing that takes over her personality. “Even though I do some task obsessively, I actually accomplish something,” she explains. “I’m less upset with myself then, even though I know I haven’t made the best use of my time and my method was inefficient.” She may be aware that she is doing something inefficiently or in a harder way than is necessary, but she feels compelled to continue in spite of this: “If my inefficient obsessiveness doesn’t accomplish something, I become self-critical and really angry at myself.

Because so much extraverting is a continuing aspect of her work, Gretchen has found some ways to use Extraverted Sensing in relaxing, nonthreatening ways. She believes her efforts have resulted in a decrease in the intensity and length of her grip experiences.


The Harder I Work, the More You Criticize Me!

In Chapter 4 we noted that skill in one’s least-preferred process does not prevent its eruption as an inferior function. This can be particularly baffling to other people, especially those closest to the person.

Jane, an ENFP, manages her husband’s repair business. She takes care of the bookkeeping, makes appointments, and does all the many other tasks associated with running a successful repair shop.

She is satisfied with her work and especially enjoys her warm relationships with customers. Her INTJ husband, John, appreciates her skills and the fact that her enjoyment of people relieves him of having to make small talk.

But Jane finds one thing about John quite puzzling and difficult to cope with. She described it this way:

John is a skilled repairman by life circumstances rather than by choice. He is incredibly good at his work. He discovers the source of a repair problem by visualizing it, but he cannot describe what he visualizes. He is also excellent with the meticulous detail his repairs require. He is therefore much sought out by people who have experienced his very exceptional repairs.

The problem is that he is supersensitive about his work. He is touchy and readily interprets comments as criticism. In short, one cannot talk to him about his work. He says, “The “harder I work and the better I do, the more you criticize me.” I have to walk on eggshells on the topic of John’s work. It’s not even okay to compliment him, since he manages to find something negative even in this. He dismisses expressions of appreciation from his clients as insincere politeness.

In most other things, John is objective and good humored. He enjoys politics and philosophy, and his hobby is Civil War history. In these areas he welcomes discussion and is not overly sensitive when people disagree with him or criticize his conclusions.

Jane got a glimmer of understanding when she discovered the form in which inferior Extraverted Sensing is expressed. She recognized that John spends most of his waking hours using his least-preferred process, Extraverted Sensing. His innovative use of dominant Intuition in detecting repair problems is certainly an asset. However, contrary to what is more common and desirable, his dominant Intuition is being used in the service of his inferior Sensing, rather than his inferior Sensing being used in the service of his dominant Introverted Intuition.

John consciously uses his least-preferred process. He is usually not in the grip when he works; however, his inferior function comes out when things are not going well or when he is stressed, fatigued, or otherwise vulnerable. A comparably vulnerable ESFP technician would probably respond to stress in a quite different way.

Being Autistic or Catatonic Sounds Good to Me!


Polly, an INFJ, has given a lot of thought to her reactions when she is off-center. As with many other Introverted Intuitive types, her description of her reactions is not oriented to specific incidents. Rather, she provides an integrated, global analysis. She related the following:

If I have too much contact with people in one day, especially if I am doing the kind of reality-“based crisis management that used to be a large part of my job, it can be extremely draining for me. I just want to withdraw—being autistic or catatonic sounds good to me at that point! I lose my focus and my energy center when I have to extravert too much, especially around facts and people.

When I am fully “in the grip,” I don’t get anything done. I try to obsessively control every detail, I notice everything that is disorganized or needs cleaning in my outer world, and I want to fix it all perfectly and immediately. I eat too much, don’t enjoy it, and feel guilty about losing control. I feel like nobody helps me; I have to do it all myself and nobody appreciates me. I can’t see any possibilities or alternatives around negative facts. I really focus on negative facts. I feel immobilized and unproductive and have trouble concentrating.

I think this side of me comes out in my dreams in both pleasant and unpleasant ways. My dreams tend to be in color with a lot of “emotion, feeling, action, and detail in them. It is almost like all the sensory details I overlook or don’t even recognize in my conscious life exist in my unconscious. I have very beautiful and very horrible images in my dreams.

Let Me Help You Diagnose My Illness

Angie, an INFJ who had always been plagued with allergies and frequent infections, became ill one winter with some new symptoms. Numerous specialists and clinicians were unable to diagnose her condition. They agreed that she was ill and growing worse, and many had theories about the possible causes, but what she eventually heard from each one was something along the lines of, “I don’t know what’s wrong with you. And I don’t know what to suggest.”

Though often ill and discouraged about her situation, Angie began a systematic study of all the medical literature relevant to each of her puzzling symptoms, singly and in combination. She pored over volumes in the medical library, sent for all of “her own medical records from childhood on, and racked her memory for even remotely relevant past symptoms or events that might have triggered or influenced her current condition. She explained the nature of her search:

My dining room table was piled high with neatly arranged insurance forms, physicians’ reports, synopses of medical articles, and a chronological accounting of my medical history—all the facts I could find. Before each appointment with yet another specialist, I summarized the relevant facts and brought them along. But all save a few doctors didn’t welcome my help. They seemed overwhelmed by it. Most seemed to believe that because I was so knowledgeable about my condition, I must be a hypochondriac. Of course I was an expert on my symptoms. After three years of seeing doctors who didn’t have a clue, I figured they needed all the help I could give them!

Angie’s way of coping with her illness by collecting facts was consistent with inferior Extraverted Sensing as a response to stress. In this case, however, the data she so meticulously collected constituted an adaptive approach to her situation. But most of her doctors treated her behavior as excessive and pathological. No doubt this judgment was abetted by her single-minded intensity in trying to help her physicians arrive at a diagnosis.

Return of Equilibrium

Introverted Intuitive types need space and a low-pressure environment to regain their dominant Intuition and auxiliary Thinking or Feeling function. Like Extraverted Intuitive types, they are not amenable to suggestions and deny the possibility of alternatives. Stuck in a negative, omnipresent “reality,” they are unable to process contradictory information. They may respond to those who offer it with anger and rejection, adamantly insisting that no alternatives exist. In fact, INTJs and INFJs agree that the worst thing others can do when they are in this state is to give them advice or try to fix the problem for them.

INTJs and INFJs agree that a period of solitude and silent, nonintrusive acceptance from others is important in their return to equilibrium. INFJs may welcome more direct support, empathy, affirmation, and acceptance, but they are unlikely to let others know what they need when they need it. INTJs typically just want to be left alone. They need to give themselves the time to recover, often finding that accomplishing a simple, nonthreatening Sensing task is beneficial. Sometimes removing all stimulation helps the most. One INTJ said that after too much sensory stimulation and too much people-dealing what she does is “lie in bed with earplugs and a pillow over my head—remove all stimuli—often even fifteen minutes of this is enough.” An INFJ said that when stressed, she wants the room to be dark to eliminate external sensory stimulation.

All types engage in self-criticism at some point during or after an episode of the inferior function. However, the focus of that criticism varies according to type. Introverted Intuitive types are especially hard on themselves, later viewing their obsessive concerns or angry intensity as a sign of unacceptable personal imperfections. One INFJ said that when she is in this state, she needs others to remind her that she is as human as the next person and that she should not be so hard on herself.

A change of scenery or activity can help break the negative, obsessive focus. This may entail getting outside, exercising, walking in the woods, or seeing a movie. As with other types, often a good night’s sleep helps. And exercising, particularly alone, is consistently mentioned as helpful by INTJs and INFJs.

Some examples of methods Introverted Intuitive types use for returning to normal include submerging themselves in peaceful, quiet, natural surroundings, being outdoors and looking at nature, canceling activities, lightening their schedules, making more space for being alone, and taking time out to “recharge” and sort things out. One INTJ said: “A Sunday afternoon nap is a wonderful escape. I make an obsessive list of all the things I’m thinking about, do some light reading or reading I “should” do, and go right to sleep. If I write in a journal just before I go to sleep, I will often dream, and that calms me and helps me find a solution to my troubles. In addition, my cat purring and sleeping next to me is a great way to put life in perspective. I know my equilibrium has returned when I can’t find my list of things to do and I don’t care!

INTJs may call upon auxiliary Thinking by strategizing to help extricate from obsessiveness. One described forcing himself to get control of at least one situation. This calms him down enough so that he can start to regain a broader perspective. Another INTJ is able to focus on details that are actually productive. “I normally can’t proofread well since I fill in the blanks and errors myself, but when I’m in the grip, I can find the smallest error,” she said. Gretchen’s story in the preceding section also illustrates productive use of inferior “Extraverted Sensing. Similarly, another INTJ said that what helps her is “to stop and sort things—think the situation through logically and make some decisions. I usually decide to drop one whole task or responsibility, or ask for help of a practical nature.

Auxiliary Feeling helps INFJs by encouraging acceptance of their less serious side. They can then give in to the urge to cry during “trashy” movies. Or they can read bad novels and recognize that doing so is normal and acceptable. Recognizing that others are hurt and distressed by their out-of-character actions often signals to INTJs and INFJs that the process of extricating from the inferior is occurring. Both types report that they know they are coming out of it when they become bored and frustrated with themselves.

Expressions of understanding, sympathy, and empathy aid the return of equilibrium for some, but usually not for all Introverted Intuitive types. INTJs may find it embarrassing to have others recognize their “weaknesses,” or may find such expressions condescending. Gentle humor can be helpful, especially for INFJs. An INFJ said she found it helped to remind herself to be as kind to and accepting of herself as she would be for another person in the same situation.

Expressions in Midlife


Ideally, midlife for Introverted Intuitive types is accompanied by a positive, progressive integration of inferior Extraverted Sensing, and along with it tertiary Thinking or Feeling. This unfortunately does not occur for all aging Introverted Intuitive types.

Some Introverted Intuitive types retreat into themselves in midlife. Attention to their inferior Sensing and tertiary Thinking or Feeling may be limited to idiosyncrasies. They may devote a lot of energy to an ill-conceived project and get lost in its details. They then become frustrated and despairing when they find that others are less and less understanding and appreciative of their efforts. This creates a sense of isolation and alienation.

After retirement, an INTJ political scientist devoted all her time to working out the details of an obscure social interaction theory. Her attempts to publish her work failed, and she became more and more focused on it, until it became her main topic of conversation with family and friends. They began to avoid her or “tune her out.” Sensing this, she became bitter and withdrawn.

Other Introverted Intuitive types are more successful in incorporating previously neglected aspects of themselves. They are likely to find new pleasures in the environment and with people. They may take up a new form of exercise, like hiking or fishing, or enjoy a hobby like model building, gardening, or photography. They may also cultivate more moderate and therefore enjoyable ways of gratifying their sensual desires. One INFJ found that she enjoyed watching pro football:

I am amazed at how physical a sport it is and how crazy the fans get. I don’t understand a lot of the rules, but I get a kick out of following the antics and fortunes of my team. When I was a teenager and young adult I hated sports and thought jocks were stupid. In midlife, this is an unexpected source of enjoyment for me.

Another INFJ became very absorbed in the stock market, which had been of little interest to her before. She pored over information, made Internet stock purchases, and thoroughly enjoyed studying the details and using them in a logical way to select promising stocks. An INTJ and her ENTJ husband, both in their mid-forties, took ballroom dancing lessons together. Though learning the intricate and detailed dance step sequences was difficult for them, they very much enjoyed getting to the point where a new step became skilled and automatic. Until they got to that point, however, they engaged in heated but enjoyable arguments about who was making the most mistakes.

Sometimes spending a lengthy period in the grip of inferior Extraverted Sensing can serve as an important stimulus to midlife development for “Introverted Intuitive types. The combination of the natural upheaval of midlife and the disruption and distress of a chronic grip experience may push an INTJ or INFJ into serious examination of goals and values, which may lead to significant changes in the way the second half of life is lived.

Knowledge from Grip Experiences

In addition to learning to recognize and avoid the stress and fatigue that may lead to a grip experience, Extraverted Thinking types report being better able to appreciate the value of their inferior function as an “antidote” to being overloaded by their dominant Introverted Intuition. They can thus accept the legitimacy of Extraverted Sensing in its own right. INTJs and INFJs also recognize and honor their need for solitude and their right to set limits on how much others may intrude on them. This is especially true for INFJs, who tend to be hard on themselves when they can’t meet others’ expectations. INTJs also learn not to feel guilty for nurturing themselves—it is not a flaw in their sense of competence.

After repeated experiences in the grip, Introverted Intuitive types learn to recognize some of their recurring unrealistic themes, which often stem from the INTJ’s or INFJ’s lack of understanding or acceptance of the way other types are. They thus find themselves able to be more tolerant of others and to accept and appreciate people who are quite different from them. When stress either at work or at home is extreme and persists over time, Introverted Intuitive types may develop physical stress symptoms such as muscle tension and headaches. If their available ways of reducing ongoing stress fail to help, they are likely to leave the stressful situation, especially if the primary arena is the workplace.”

Summary

In the grip of inferior Extraverted Sensing, Introverted Intuitive types obsess about details in the outside world, overindulge in sensual pleasures, and externalize blame to outside objects. Their auxiliary Thinking or Feeling can be the vehicle through which they regain equilibrium. INTJs develop a strategy for analyzing what they are experiencing, achieving distance and objectivity from it, while INFJs examine the important meanings and feeling connections involved and are therefore able to regain their normal wide-ranging perspective.

As a result of important inferior function experiences, Introverted Intuitive types may become better able to adapt to changing surroundings, incorporate sensual experience into their lives in a satisfying way, and moderate a perhaps overly ambitious, visionary stance into one that is more realistic and possible. Table 13 summarizes the major features of their inferior Extraverted Sensing experience.
Table 12:



Table 13 Inferior Function of Introverted Intuitive Types: INTJ and INFJ:

Impact Character said:

Thank you, Asa for this thread. It's a great and helpful addition.

Click to expand...

Wyote said:

Thanks for starting this long overdue hub of info!

Click to expand...

ENTJ

-Shadow Ti: I will find loopholes and use systems to my advantage. I will gain knowledge toward my ends, which I will use purposefully. For me, knowledge is at once a tool and a weapon, allowing me to get ahead.

-Critical Ne: I will leave no stone unturned. I will search anything and everything. My mind is a trove of secrets, trivia and advantageous information.

-Blindspot Si: I am, for the most part, unaware of my deeply rooted need for security. Unconsciously, my primary desire is not, in fact, to get ahead, but rather, to never “fall behind”. I am very concerned with maintaining my sense of personal integrity.

-Demonic Fe: I will use my social power/influence to manipulate others. I will work within the established social structure in order to get what I want. Anything is better than losing my place within the tribe.

ISTP

-Shadow Te: My sense of logic is challenged by what appears, by my reckoning, to be erroneous information; the externally generated Te is in conflict with my Ti understanding, and I am, thus, failing to reconcile the discrepancies.

-Critical Si: I am highly skeptical in all regards; I will actively distance myself from anything which conflicts with the status quo of my activities, opinions, understanding, etc. I am extremely uninterested in changing my mind without hard proof.

-Blindspot Ne: Though I’m not overtly aware of this, I am hostile toward new information and harbour a strong confirmation bias towards things which enable me to feel consistent, grounded and organized, and do not give due consideration to alternative possibilities; this is because change frightens me when I’m convinced I am right.

-Demonic Fi: I do not feel as though my opinions have been fully considered, and at the core of my being, I secretly feel rejected and alienated by others. I would rather isolate myself entirely than participate in a society which callously marginalizes or outright dismisses what I deem to be proper and rational. Anything is better than conforming for the sake of conforming.

ISFP

-Shadow Fe: I will grow impatient if my emotional needs aren’t acknowledged by the group. I will cease to put effort into communication beyond perfunctory motions. I will potentially become passive aggressive and/or self deprecating. I may allow others to steamroll me until I can find a way to avoid interacting with them. I will manipulate if I need to.

-Critical Si: I am secretly holding on to my negative experiences and allowing this to tint my judgements to an exaggerated degree. I am reluctant to give additional chances to people or situations which have disappointed and frustrated me to such a degree that my preferences are growing increasingly narrow and exclusive.

-Blindspot Ne: Though I’m not fully conscious of this, I am feeling trapped emotionally. I can’t perceive a way to change my situation and my emotional wellbeing is deteriorating as a result. I am stagnating and brooding. I am secretly longing for new insights, but I don’t even know what to look for.

-Demonic Ti: I have withdrawn emotionally. I have become overloaded emotionally and have, thus, entered power saving mode. Anything is better than personal degradation.

ENFP

-Shadow Ni: Restricted from, or otherwise unable to draw satisfying conclusions from my Ne gathering, I have turned my attentions inward; I am seeking order within chaos. I am seeking (and often perceiving) patterns virtually everywhere I look. This is especially true in emotionally complex scenarios.

-Critical Fe: In particular, I find myself recognizing patterns in social behaviour: these seem to be inherently meaningful. I get compulsive urges to externalize my findings and to share my unique perspectives and opinions. The more patterns I discover, the more passionate I grow in regards to my beliefs. Unconsciously, I have chosen to assume the role of an advocate, honouring and/or preserving that which I deem to be rightful. I am anxious when others disagree with me and I long to get everyone on the same page.

-Blindspot Ti: Unconsciously, I feel that I know what is best for myself and others; this aspect of my psyche does not experience any particular need to cross reference these feelings with facts, external input or other extraneous details; these are mere blips on my radar, contrasted with some incrediblystrong signals which, unbeknownst to me, originate from within me. I do not analyze this, however, perceiving that if I feel something strongly enough, then it must be true.

-Demonic Se: I will take drastic actions if absolutely necessary. I must have a platform for self expression, and my ideas need to be heard. I have to draw attention to myself, or take matters into my hands in other ways. Anything is better than feeling stifled.

ENFJ

-Shadow Fi: I feel as though I have failed to connect with others in a meaningful way. Because of this, beneath my exterior, I am secretly very afraid and lonely. I am afraid others do not perceive me as valuable. I am struggling to feel motivated without encouragement from others; I'm trying desperately to look within to discover a deeper meaning for my existence which does not involve the tribe. I secretly long for other people to be interested in what I’m doing, since this augments my sense of identity in a deeply gratifying way.

-Critical Ne: Everything is possible! Don’t say no to anything! I have to believe or it won’t happen for me. Everyone should be open to opportunities and experiences or I might never find what I’m looking for, so I need to get them motivated. I need others to believe in things and perceive possibilities. I needothers to brainstorm with me. If they aren't interested, or at least curious, I have a harder time staying interested. I’ve made it my task to inspire and motivate others.

-Blindspot Si: Lurking beneath the surface is a monster I am seldom aware of; it causes me to fret whenever I feel a loss of control- which, for me, is feeling as though I have no purpose or function within the group. My experiences thus far have steadily impressed upon me an unconscious expectation that others will not be interested in harmonizing with me or taking my insights to heart.

-Demonic Te: Fine. I’ll just do everything myself. Step aside and let this miserable, uninspired, unappreciated robot do its thing. I might not be doing anything that feels fulfilling or meaningful with my time, but at least I’m involved/included in something. Anything is better than meaninglessness.

INFP

-Shadow Fe: My autonomy is threatened by the demands of my society. Since I cannot actively care about what they wish for me to care about, I will instead either opt to impress upon them my own moral and ethical ideals, or simply withdraw from those who cannot speak my emotional language.

-Critical Ni: In an effort to stick to my internal compass while simultaneously meeting the expectations of my group, I am at all times seeking inobvious patterns and, generally, ignoring the obvious ones. I am looking between the lines and second guessing myself at every turn. All externally generated input now seems dubious.

-Blindspot Se: I am so caught up in my restless internal narrative that I find it difficult to interpret the world within the confines of what is physical, actual and literal. My internal world has become so real to me that the external world grows increasingly irrelevant.

-Demonic Ti: I have a strong confirmation bias which ignores everything which feels incongruous with my personal emotional needs, values and/or intuitive impulses. I must come up with a system to resolve this menacing internal conflict. I will isolate myself entirely if need be, shutting out the world for as long as necessary. Anything is better than being at war with myself.

INTP

-Shadow Te: I am out of my depth and am, thus, forced to defer to external judgement. This is highly irregular and I am having a difficult time managing my skepticism. No apparent pattern is presenting itself and I am failing to interpret the mechanics of the present situation.

-Critical Ni: I seek order to an extreme degree. External chaos threatens the painstakingly curated fabric of my perceptions and I need to make sense of it all. I will augment my perceptual lenses and hone in on patterns more readily to prevent myself from wasting further time and energy on shuffling through pointless trivia.

-Blindspot Se: In spite of my accumulated wisdom/existent mental frameworks, the data currently being explored remains inherently meaningless to me; sensory input alone certainly cannot resolve this conflict. This activity makes me uneasy and restless because there does not appear to be any established means of parsing the data which works for me.

-Demonic Fi: This situation has threatened my sense of personal integrity. I am deeply frustrated by my inability to parse the data and the tribe's apparent inability and/or unwillingness to help me break down the data on my own terms. I have failed utterly to work within this system, and secretly, this enrages me. Anything is better than working within a pointless, illogical system.

ESFP

-Shadow Si: I am unable to get novel emotional gratification via external sources; my sensory experiences have been unsatisfying. I will thus attempt to control my own experience of the world so that I can feel free and normal. I will attempt to customize the delivery of my stimulation. I will either increase my external intake of positive experiences or remove myself from sources of stimulus that have a strong likelihood of being unpleasant or unsatisfactory. I will try to focus my efforts with trustedsources to maximize my “good" experiences.

-Critical Fe: I must assert my need for emotional gratification. I must convince my tribe to accommodate my Fi needs. I am feeling empty and am, thus, compelled to receive feedback, validation and emotionally stimulating experiences from others. I am all too often bored and restless when left alone.

-Blindspot Ti: Because I am not currently aware of the complexity of my psychological situation, I am having extraordinary difficulty seeking my happiness in a logical, procedural manner. Though I try to understand my own psychology, I am too distracted by my current emotional turbulence. My need for stimulation and emotional gratification has grown so intense that it’s almost impossible for me to analyze the inner workings of my mind in a fruitful manner; I am seeking to immerse myself in the external world to an extreme degree.

-Demonic Ne: I will simply have to act with or without sufficient reason. I will even opt for replete, directionless spontaneity in the absence of the stimulus I am craving. I will take whatever forms of stimulation I can get. Anything is better than monotonous, suffocating boredom.

ISTJ

-Shadow Se: I am hyper focused on what is real and immediate. I am seeking results above all else. I do not care very much about the details unless they’re directly related to the situation at hand. I am extremely interested in cause and effect.

-Critical Ti: I strongly crave perfection within systems. I will rigorously screen for errors and pare away everything which, by my own reckoning, is not immediately useful within a given context. I will narrow down my findings through the use of clinical, detached logic.

-Blindspot Fe: The emotions of others are largely irrelevant to me unless they relate to what I am currently focusing on. My Fi does not extend into my Fe during moments of critical Ti. I find dealing with the emotions of others to be a fruitless, irritating waste of my time.

-Demonic Ni: My need for a logical pattern has intensified to such a degree that I’m drawing conclusions out of thin air to explain discrepancies in my various external input. Anything is better than a glaring logical fallacy.

ESFJ

-Shadow Fi: I am deeply concerned with the way other people see me/feel about me. I feel a sense of sorrow whenever I think too deeply about who I am, because, truthfully, it depends almost entirely on my position within my society/how my loved ones regard me on all levels.

-Critical Se: Deep down, I’m craving tangible evidence of what others are feeling about me. I may try to find ways to keep them in closer proximity to me. I am eagerly expecting actions from my loved ones. I may even keep tallies of gifts and favours.

-Blindspot Ni: I don’t know who to trust or what the truth is when I’m looking at myself. I do not have a strong, static sense of “truth” in regards to my insecurities. As far as I know, anything could be true and that frightens me profoundly.

-Demonic Te: I will use whatever devices are available to me in order to keep tabs on people, and encourage them to stick around. I will become rigid and exacting, expecting regular communication and tangible forms of social maintenance. Anything is better than abandonment.

INTJ

-Shadow Ne: Inwardly, I am feeling directionless. My mind is wandering aimlessly and most things seem arbitrary to me. I have a paradoxical sense of purposefulness and purposelessness.

-Critical Ti: I am tempted to nitpick and am rarely satisfied with myself and others; I am a perfectionist to such a degree that it is difficult to get any work done. I am reluctant to engage with others when they are unwilling to speak in precise, logical terms. I overanalyze and overthink constantly.

-Blindspot Fe: I am so singleminded that I can barely keep track of what other people are feeling. The emotions of others are neither particularly apparent, nor relevant.

-Demonic Si: Deep in my unconscious mind there is a monster. This monster wants control, power, order and rigid, consistent truth. I am secretly feeling powerless and out of my depth. I feel as though I lack the ability to alter my external reality, thus I seek to control my inner experience as much as possible. Anything is better than chaos.

ESTP

-Shadow Si: My external sensory experience has impacted me negatively to such a degree that I have retreated inward. This is somewhat unnatural for me, and I am feeling unfulfilled and frustrated as a result.

-Critical Te: In pursuit of the action and stimulus I crave, I am resorting to alternative means. I am pouring myself into my work/hobbies. I am experiencing my interests indirectly: engaging with them by proxy. I will research, collect and/or maintain the things I care about.

-Blindspot Fi: I am unaware of how desperately unnatural my experience/lifestyle truly feels. I am suppressing and/or repressing my emotions to such a degree that I am clueless as to what I trulyneed/want.

-Demonic Ne: I am looking for satisfaction in all the wrong places. I am drowning out my inner pain and discomfort with many kinds of external distractions. Anything is better than motionlessness.

INFJ

-Shadow Ne: I am inquisitive to such a degree that I can be nosy and prying. I am constantly trying to stay in the loop. I am in a perpetual mode of vigilant “seeking”.

-Critical Fi: I am feeling disrespected and/or unconsidered. I perceive that I am left out. I am at times tempted to assert my emotional needs in petty or passive aggressive ways. I am at times feeling woebegone and as though no one really cares.

-Blindspot Te: I am not aware that my overly emotional behaviour is often illogical and unproductive. I am ignoring the plain facts due to an overwhelming sense of insecurity, which I am having difficulty tuning out.

-Demonic Si: My inner experience has become too real and I’m finding myself unable to trust external input. I am judgemental and skeptical of new ideas and am quick to shut out unwanted stimuli. Anything is better than getting hurt.

ISFJ

-Shadow Se: My bluntness is intensified and I am prioritizing action over thought. I have grown impatient and am focused almost exclusively on the present. I am willing to take matters into my own hands and may do so in a pushy manner if I feel it’s necessary.

-Critical Fi: My need for peace is in conflict with my personal values. I may behave in mean spirited ways, chastise others or become spiteful, overly critical or demanding in order to have my way and maintain social order simultaneously.

-Blindspot Te: I do not have a good sense of how well my actions are working. In situations where I am unable to rely on my preferred methods, I may grasp at straws in an attempt to get things done in a procedural manner.

-Demonic Ni: I am deeply afraid of what I do not understand and am jumping through psychological hoops to inwardly maintain the illusion that I am on top of things. Anything is better than feeling helpless and ineffective.

ENTP

-Shadow Ni: I am seeking expansion within my own mind in part due to a sense of frustration; my outer world currently feels small and limited, and I desperately need to explore new possibilities; I will create these possibilities if necessary.

-Critical Te: I am eager to follow through with my plans in order to gain the experiences I crave. I am not particularly restrained or hesitant.

-Blindspot Fi: I am somewhat lacking in emotional direction and have no real sense of personal responsibility within the confines of my inner world. My "inner being” is overly flexible, since my Fi cannot keep it in check as well as my Fe normally keeps my Ne in check.

-Demonic Se: My Si has failed me, and thus, there is a very real possibility that my impulsive, unchecked “inner” exploration will spill out into my outer life in destructive and damaging ways. When I am bored, restless and uninspired, I am not very attuned to the consequences of my actions. Anything is better than monotonous stagnation.

ESTJ

-Shadow Ti: My Te/Si has inverted, and thus, instead of relying on established protocol and firm planning, I am inclined to implement unique solutions, for which there is little available data.

-Critical Se: My inverted Si inclines me to act in impulsive ways. I am likely to experiment with Ti systems in tangible, yet unpredictable ways.

-Blindspot Ni: I am not particularly adept at envisioning the results of my actions, as I am ordinarily used to relying on tried and true methods. However, I secretly feel the need to prove my value. I’m willing to brush off external input in order to implement my plans.

-Demonic Fe: Unconsciously, I’m aware that my actions are, presently at least, neither logical, nor helpful to others in the larger picture, but I have an uncontrollable urge to contribute. Anything is better than feeling useless.

Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/mbti/comments/a237zl/i_attempted_to_break_down_the_shadow_functions/