Extended subtype:
- Primary type:
- Introverted (I)
- Subtype:
- Independent (i)
- What this means:
- Independent introverts prefer own company, work best alone, and prioritize individual pursuits.
Not sure what Myers Briggs type you are? Take a free Jungian Type (16 types) test to find out what your type is.
Page contents:
Knowing you are an INFP helps you understand how to interact with the world around you. But there will be extra detail hidden within each of the four letters. We dive deeper into each letter and introduce the concept of 'subtypes' and how they can further explain your unique personality.
An INFP knows they are introverted. But what type of introvert are they? Subtypes help to define the differences.
The MBTI result of INFP can be broken down further to reveal a more nuanced personality profile. Have you had a Myers Briggs result INFP and thought "that's kind of me"? That could be because each of the four letters has two variants, or 'subtypes'. Let's take a deeper look at the subtypes contained within type INFP.
The four letters of the 16 types model (for example Myers Briggs®) are a useful shorthand to describe personality types. If you want a little more detail it's possible to look at subtypes.
An INFP knows they are (I)ntroverted, i(N)tuitive, (F)eeling, and (P)erceiving. But what type of introvert are they? And what form does their intuition take? Subtypes are a way of answering those questions.
Jump to a subtype section:
Introversion has an interpersonal dimension (Independent), and an intrapersonal dimension (Reflective). Interpersonally, introverts prefer their own company and find time alone regenerative. Intrapersonally, introverts direct their time and energy inwards, reflecting on their thoughts, feelings, and emotions to gain deeper insight.
Introverts can lean towards being either introverted-independent or introverted-reflective. There are subtle differences, which are listed here.
Intuitives can be broadly defined as being either creative, or unorthodox. Creative Intuitives focus on new ideas or innovations, focusing on improvement in the conventional sense. Unorthodox Intuitives, however, take a more abstract and unconventional approach to problem-solving, identifying unusual solutions.
Intuitive types can lean towards being either intuitive-creative or intuitive-unorthodox. There are subtle differences, which are listed here.
Feeling types tend to display one of two behavioral styles and can be described as either fair or warm. Fair feeling types are driven by their intrinsic moral principles, acting in strict accordance with their personal values. Warm feeling types are compassionate, empathetic, are emotionally driven when making decisions.
Feeling types can lean towards being either feeling-fair or feeling-warm. There are subtle differences, which are listed here.
Perceiving types are likely to fall under one of two categories, versatile or spontaneous. Spontaneous perceiving types are happy-go-lucky, making decisions on a whim and are all for living for the moment. Versatile perceiving types tend to be cognitively flexible, readily adapting to new information and thriving on variety.
Perceiving types can lean towards being either perceiving-Spontaneous or perceiving-Versatile. There are subtle differences, which are listed here.
Overview of the Ii-Nc-Ff-Ps extended subtype
Independent introverts prefer own company, work best alone, and prioritize individual pursuits.
Creative intuitives are imaginative, innovative, and readily generate new ideas or theories.
Fair feeling subtypes are guided by their principles, which are determined by the values they hold dear.
Perceiving-spontaneous subtypes are happy to go with the flow, energetic and dynamic, they are able to act without order and routine.
Ii: The introverted-independent type like to spend time in their own company, preferring to partake in solo activities and pursuits, and they work well alone.
Nc: The intuitive-creative type are especially imaginative, readily generating new ideas. This can mean that they have high openness to experience.
Ff: The feeling-fair type are principled, and their values stem from these principles. This can mean that they are inflexible regarding the breaking or bending of these principles and thus their values.
Ps: The perceiving-spontaneous type are happy to go with the flow, energetic and dynamic, they are able to act without order and routine.
Overview of the Ii-Nc-Ff-Pv extended subtype
Independent introverts prefer own company, work best alone, and prioritize individual pursuits.
Creative intuitives are imaginative, innovative, and readily generate new ideas or theories.
Fair feeling subtypes are guided by their principles, which are determined by the values they hold dear.
Perceiving-versatile subtypes like to avoid routine, preferring to have many different and new experiences. In other words, they crave a variety of experiences.
Ii: The introverted-independent type like to spend time in their own company, preferring to partake in solo activities and pursuits, and they work well alone.
Nc: The intuitive-creative type are especially imaginative, readily generating new ideas. This can mean that they have high openness to experience.
Ff: The feeling-fair type are principled, and their values stem from these principles. This can mean that they are inflexible regarding the breaking or bending of these principles and thus their values.
Pv: The perceiving-versatile type like to avoid routine, preferring to have many different and new experiences. In other words, they crave a variety of experiences.
Overview of the Ii-Nc-Fw-Ps extended subtype
Independent introverts prefer own company, work best alone, and prioritize individual pursuits.
Creative intuitives are imaginative, innovative, and readily generate new ideas or theories.
Warm feeling subtypes seek to soothe their friends and family from hurt and this compassion is in charge of the decisions they make.
Perceiving-spontaneous subtypes are happy to go with the flow, energetic and dynamic, they are able to act without order and routine.
Ii: The introverted-independent type like to spend time in their own company, preferring to partake in solo activities and pursuits, and they work well alone.
Nc: The intuitive-creative type are especially imaginative, readily generating new ideas. This can mean that they have high openness to experience.
Fw: The feeling-warm type are compassionate, readily helping their family and friends in moments of struggle and pain; a motive that impacts all the decisions they make.
Ps: The perceiving-spontaneous type are happy to go with the flow, energetic and dynamic, they are able to act without order and routine.
Overview of the Ii-Nc-Fw-Pv extended subtype
Independent introverts prefer own company, work best alone, and prioritize individual pursuits.
Creative intuitives are imaginative, innovative, and readily generate new ideas or theories.
Warm feeling subtypes seek to soothe their friends and family from hurt and this compassion is in charge of the decisions they make.
Perceiving-versatile subtypes like to avoid routine, preferring to have many different and new experiences. In other words, they crave a variety of experiences.
Ii: The introverted-independent type like to spend time in their own company, preferring to partake in solo activities and pursuits, and they work well alone.
Nc: The intuitive-creative type are especially imaginative, readily generating new ideas. This can mean that they have high openness to experience.
Fw: The feeling-warm type are compassionate, readily helping their family and friends in moments of struggle and pain; a motive that impacts all the decisions they make.
Pv: The perceiving-versatile type like to avoid routine, preferring to have many different and new experiences. In other words, they crave a variety of experiences.
Overview of the Ii-Nu-Ff-Ps extended subtype
Independent introverts prefer own company, work best alone, and prioritize individual pursuits.
Unorthodox intuitives are abstract, unconventional, and think outside the box.
Fair feeling subtypes are guided by their principles, which are determined by the values they hold dear.
Perceiving-spontaneous subtypes are happy to go with the flow, energetic and dynamic, they are able to act without order and routine.
Ii: The introverted-independent type like to spend time in their own company, preferring to partake in solo activities and pursuits, and they work well alone.
Nu: The intuitive-unorthodox type are out of the box thinkers, able to think abstractly and unconventionally with ease and fluidity.
Ff: The feeling-fair type are principled, and their values stem from these principles. This can mean that they are inflexible regarding the breaking or bending of these principles and thus their values.
Ps: The perceiving-spontaneous type are happy to go with the flow, energetic and dynamic, they are able to act without order and routine.
Overview of the Ii-Nu-Ff-Pv extended subtype
Independent introverts prefer own company, work best alone, and prioritize individual pursuits.
Unorthodox intuitives are abstract, unconventional, and think outside the box.
Fair feeling subtypes are guided by their principles, which are determined by the values they hold dear.
Perceiving-versatile subtypes like to avoid routine, preferring to have many different and new experiences. In other words, they crave a variety of experiences.
Ii: The introverted-independent type like to spend time in their own company, preferring to partake in solo activities and pursuits, and they work well alone.
Nu: The intuitive-unorthodox type are out of the box thinkers, able to think abstractly and unconventionally with ease and fluidity.
Ff: The feeling-fair type are principled, and their values stem from these principles. This can mean that they are inflexible regarding the breaking or bending of these principles and thus their values.
Pv: The perceiving-versatile type like to avoid routine, preferring to have many different and new experiences. In other words, they crave a variety of experiences.
Overview of the Ii-Nu-Fw-Ps extended subtype
Independent introverts prefer own company, work best alone, and prioritize individual pursuits.
Unorthodox intuitives are abstract, unconventional, and think outside the box.
Warm feeling subtypes seek to soothe their friends and family from hurt and this compassion is in charge of the decisions they make.
Perceiving-spontaneous subtypes are happy to go with the flow, energetic and dynamic, they are able to act without order and routine.
Ii: The introverted-independent type like to spend time in their own company, preferring to partake in solo activities and pursuits, and they work well alone.
Nu: The intuitive-unorthodox type are out of the box thinkers, able to think abstractly and unconventionally with ease and fluidity.
Fw: The feeling-warm type are compassionate, readily helping their family and friends in moments of struggle and pain; a motive that impacts all the decisions they make.
Ps: The perceiving-spontaneous type are happy to go with the flow, energetic and dynamic, they are able to act without order and routine.
Overview of the Ii-Nu-Fw-Pv extended subtype
Independent introverts prefer own company, work best alone, and prioritize individual pursuits.
Unorthodox intuitives are abstract, unconventional, and think outside the box.
Warm feeling subtypes seek to soothe their friends and family from hurt and this compassion is in charge of the decisions they make.
Perceiving-versatile subtypes like to avoid routine, preferring to have many different and new experiences. In other words, they crave a variety of experiences.
Ii: The introverted-independent type like to spend time in their own company, preferring to partake in solo activities and pursuits, and they work well alone.
Nu: The intuitive-unorthodox type are out of the box thinkers, able to think abstractly and unconventionally with ease and fluidity.
Fw: The feeling-warm type are compassionate, readily helping their family and friends in moments of struggle and pain; a motive that impacts all the decisions they make.
Pv: The perceiving-versatile type like to avoid routine, preferring to have many different and new experiences. In other words, they crave a variety of experiences.
Overview of the Ir-Nc-Ff-Ps extended subtype
Reflective introverts tend to spend time introspecting on emotions, feelings, and ideas.
Creative intuitives are imaginative, innovative, and readily generate new ideas or theories.
Fair feeling subtypes are guided by their principles, which are determined by the values they hold dear.
Perceiving-spontaneous subtypes are happy to go with the flow, energetic and dynamic, they are able to act without order and routine.
Ir: The introverted-reflective type like to spend time introspecting on their feelings and emotions, as well as ruminating on any ideas they have and need time to unpack.
Nc: The intuitive-creative type are especially imaginative, readily generating new ideas. This can mean that they have high openness to experience.
Ff: The feeling-fair type are principled, and their values stem from these principles. This can mean that they are inflexible regarding the breaking or bending of these principles and thus their values.
Ps: The perceiving-spontaneous type are happy to go with the flow, energetic and dynamic, they are able to act without order and routine.
Overview of the Ir-Nc-Ff-Pv extended subtype
Reflective introverts tend to spend time introspecting on emotions, feelings, and ideas.
Creative intuitives are imaginative, innovative, and readily generate new ideas or theories.
Fair feeling subtypes are guided by their principles, which are determined by the values they hold dear.
Perceiving-versatile subtypes like to avoid routine, preferring to have many different and new experiences. In other words, they crave a variety of experiences.
Ir: The introverted-reflective type like to spend time introspecting on their feelings and emotions, as well as ruminating on any ideas they have and need time to unpack.
Nc: The intuitive-creative type are especially imaginative, readily generating new ideas. This can mean that they have high openness to experience.
Ff: The feeling-fair type are principled, and their values stem from these principles. This can mean that they are inflexible regarding the breaking or bending of these principles and thus their values.
Pv: The perceiving-versatile type like to avoid routine, preferring to have many different and new experiences. In other words, they crave a variety of experiences.
Overview of the Ir-Nc-Fw-Ps extended subtype
Reflective introverts tend to spend time introspecting on emotions, feelings, and ideas.
Creative intuitives are imaginative, innovative, and readily generate new ideas or theories.
Warm feeling subtypes seek to soothe their friends and family from hurt and this compassion is in charge of the decisions they make.
Perceiving-spontaneous subtypes are happy to go with the flow, energetic and dynamic, they are able to act without order and routine.
Ir: The introverted-reflective type like to spend time introspecting on their feelings and emotions, as well as ruminating on any ideas they have and need time to unpack.
Nc: The intuitive-creative type are especially imaginative, readily generating new ideas. This can mean that they have high openness to experience.
Fw: The feeling-warm type are compassionate, readily helping their family and friends in moments of struggle and pain; a motive that impacts all the decisions they make.
Ps: The perceiving-spontaneous type are happy to go with the flow, energetic and dynamic, they are able to act without order and routine.
Overview of the Ir-Nc-Fw-Pv extended subtype
Reflective introverts tend to spend time introspecting on emotions, feelings, and ideas.
Creative intuitives are imaginative, innovative, and readily generate new ideas or theories.
Warm feeling subtypes seek to soothe their friends and family from hurt and this compassion is in charge of the decisions they make.
Perceiving-versatile subtypes like to avoid routine, preferring to have many different and new experiences. In other words, they crave a variety of experiences.
Ir: The introverted-reflective type like to spend time introspecting on their feelings and emotions, as well as ruminating on any ideas they have and need time to unpack.
Nc: The intuitive-creative type are especially imaginative, readily generating new ideas. This can mean that they have high openness to experience.
Fw: The feeling-warm type are compassionate, readily helping their family and friends in moments of struggle and pain; a motive that impacts all the decisions they make.
Pv: The perceiving-versatile type like to avoid routine, preferring to have many different and new experiences. In other words, they crave a variety of experiences.
Overview of the Ir-Nu-Ff-Ps extended subtype
Reflective introverts tend to spend time introspecting on emotions, feelings, and ideas.
Unorthodox intuitives are abstract, unconventional, and think outside the box.
Fair feeling subtypes are guided by their principles, which are determined by the values they hold dear.
Perceiving-spontaneous subtypes are happy to go with the flow, energetic and dynamic, they are able to act without order and routine.
Ir: The introverted-reflective type like to spend time introspecting on their feelings and emotions, as well as ruminating on any ideas they have and need time to unpack.
Nu: The intuitive-unorthodox type are out of the box thinkers, able to think abstractly and unconventionally with ease and fluidity.
Ff: The feeling-fair type are principled, and their values stem from these principles. This can mean that they are inflexible regarding the breaking or bending of these principles and thus their values.
Ps: The perceiving-spontaneous type are happy to go with the flow, energetic and dynamic, they are able to act without order and routine.
Overview of the Ir-Nu-Ff-Pv extended subtype
Reflective introverts tend to spend time introspecting on emotions, feelings, and ideas.
Unorthodox intuitives are abstract, unconventional, and think outside the box.
Fair feeling subtypes are guided by their principles, which are determined by the values they hold dear.
Perceiving-versatile subtypes like to avoid routine, preferring to have many different and new experiences. In other words, they crave a variety of experiences.
Ir: The introverted-reflective type like to spend time introspecting on their feelings and emotions, as well as ruminating on any ideas they have and need time to unpack.
Nu: The intuitive-unorthodox type are out of the box thinkers, able to think abstractly and unconventionally with ease and fluidity.
Ff: The feeling-fair type are principled, and their values stem from these principles. This can mean that they are inflexible regarding the breaking or bending of these principles and thus their values.
Pv: The perceiving-versatile type like to avoid routine, preferring to have many different and new experiences. In other words, they crave a variety of experiences.
Overview of the Ir-Nu-Fw-Ps extended subtype
Reflective introverts tend to spend time introspecting on emotions, feelings, and ideas.
Unorthodox intuitives are abstract, unconventional, and think outside the box.
Warm feeling subtypes seek to soothe their friends and family from hurt and this compassion is in charge of the decisions they make.
Perceiving-spontaneous subtypes are happy to go with the flow, energetic and dynamic, they are able to act without order and routine.
Ir: The introverted-reflective type like to spend time introspecting on their feelings and emotions, as well as ruminating on any ideas they have and need time to unpack.
Nu: The intuitive-unorthodox type are out of the box thinkers, able to think abstractly and unconventionally with ease and fluidity.
Fw: The feeling-warm type are compassionate, readily helping their family and friends in moments of struggle and pain; a motive that impacts all the decisions they make.
Ps: The perceiving-spontaneous type are happy to go with the flow, energetic and dynamic, they are able to act without order and routine.
Overview of the Ir-Nu-Fw-Pv extended subtype
Reflective introverts tend to spend time introspecting on emotions, feelings, and ideas.
Unorthodox intuitives are abstract, unconventional, and think outside the box.
Warm feeling subtypes seek to soothe their friends and family from hurt and this compassion is in charge of the decisions they make.
Perceiving-versatile subtypes like to avoid routine, preferring to have many different and new experiences. In other words, they crave a variety of experiences.
Ir: The introverted-reflective type like to spend time introspecting on their feelings and emotions, as well as ruminating on any ideas they have and need time to unpack.
Nu: The intuitive-unorthodox type are out of the box thinkers, able to think abstractly and unconventionally with ease and fluidity.
Fw: The feeling-warm type are compassionate, readily helping their family and friends in moments of struggle and pain; a motive that impacts all the decisions they make.
Pv: The perceiving-versatile type like to avoid routine, preferring to have many different and new experiences. In other words, they crave a variety of experiences.
Research shows that the traditional four dichotomies are in fact multidimensional and nuanced, displaying at least two distinct variants which we call subtypes. The addition of subtypes provides a richer and more accurate picture of an individual's personality, while retaining the many advantages of the simple 16 type model as used in the MBTI Test. By understanding your subtype, you learn about the behavioral styles which separate you from others who share your overall type.
University of Bath, Psychology
Ellie Simmonds, MSc in Psychology from University of Bath. Ellie is an associate lecturer on psychometric assessments and has extensive knowledge of the 16-type model.