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 ISFP 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 ISFP knows they are introverted. But what type of introvert are they? Subtypes help to define the differences.
The MBTI result of ISFP can be broken down further to reveal a more nuanced personality profile. Have you had a Myers Briggs result ISFP 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 ISFP.
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 ISFP knows they are (I)ntroverted, (S)ensing, (F)eeling, and (P)erceiving. But what type of introvert are they? And what form does their feeling 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.
Sensing types generally fall under one of two categories which outline their mode of thinking, practical or empirical. Practical sensing types rely on personal experience, common sense, and basic knowledge to solve problems. Empirical sensing types solve problems using facts, figures, and the scientific method.
Sensing types can lean towards being either sensing-empirical or sensing-practical. 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-Se-Ff-Ps extended subtype
Independent introverts prefer own company, work best alone, and prioritize individual pursuits.
Empirical Sensing types will follow a methodical approach to solving a problem.
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.
Se: The sensing-empirical type tend to solve problems by following an orderly and methodical approach.
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-Se-Ff-Pv extended subtype
Independent introverts prefer own company, work best alone, and prioritize individual pursuits.
Empirical Sensing types will follow a methodical approach to solving a problem.
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.
Se: The sensing-empirical type tend to solve problems by following an orderly and methodical approach.
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-Se-Fw-Ps extended subtype
Independent introverts prefer own company, work best alone, and prioritize individual pursuits.
Empirical Sensing types will follow a methodical approach to solving a problem.
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.
Se: The sensing-empirical type tend to solve problems by following an orderly and methodical approach.
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-Se-Fw-Pv extended subtype
Independent introverts prefer own company, work best alone, and prioritize individual pursuits.
Empirical Sensing types will follow a methodical approach to solving a problem.
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.
Se: The sensing-empirical type tend to solve problems by following an orderly and methodical approach.
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-Sp-Ff-Ps extended subtype
Independent introverts prefer own company, work best alone, and prioritize individual pursuits.
Practical Sensing types utilize their past experiences to intuit how to tackle an issue.
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.
Sp: The sensing-practical type tend to reflect on their past experiences to help them judge how best to tackle their new issues.
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-Sp-Ff-Pv extended subtype
Independent introverts prefer own company, work best alone, and prioritize individual pursuits.
Practical Sensing types utilize their past experiences to intuit how to tackle an issue.
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.
Sp: The sensing-practical type tend to reflect on their past experiences to help them judge how best to tackle their new issues.
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-Sp-Fw-Ps extended subtype
Independent introverts prefer own company, work best alone, and prioritize individual pursuits.
Practical Sensing types utilize their past experiences to intuit how to tackle an issue.
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.
Sp: The sensing-practical type tend to reflect on their past experiences to help them judge how best to tackle their new issues.
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-Sp-Fw-Pv extended subtype
Independent introverts prefer own company, work best alone, and prioritize individual pursuits.
Practical Sensing types utilize their past experiences to intuit how to tackle an issue.
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.
Sp: The sensing-practical type tend to reflect on their past experiences to help them judge how best to tackle their new issues.
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-Se-Ff-Ps extended subtype
Reflective introverts tend to spend time introspecting on emotions, feelings, and ideas.
Empirical Sensing types will follow a methodical approach to solving a problem.
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.
Se: The sensing-empirical type tend to solve problems by following an orderly and methodical approach.
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-Se-Ff-Pv extended subtype
Reflective introverts tend to spend time introspecting on emotions, feelings, and ideas.
Empirical Sensing types will follow a methodical approach to solving a problem.
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.
Se: The sensing-empirical type tend to solve problems by following an orderly and methodical approach.
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-Se-Fw-Ps extended subtype
Reflective introverts tend to spend time introspecting on emotions, feelings, and ideas.
Empirical Sensing types will follow a methodical approach to solving a problem.
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.
Se: The sensing-empirical type tend to solve problems by following an orderly and methodical approach.
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-Se-Fw-Pv extended subtype
Reflective introverts tend to spend time introspecting on emotions, feelings, and ideas.
Empirical Sensing types will follow a methodical approach to solving a problem.
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.
Se: The sensing-empirical type tend to solve problems by following an orderly and methodical approach.
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-Sp-Ff-Ps extended subtype
Reflective introverts tend to spend time introspecting on emotions, feelings, and ideas.
Practical Sensing types utilize their past experiences to intuit how to tackle an issue.
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.
Sp: The sensing-practical type tend to reflect on their past experiences to help them judge how best to tackle their new issues.
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-Sp-Ff-Pv extended subtype
Reflective introverts tend to spend time introspecting on emotions, feelings, and ideas.
Practical Sensing types utilize their past experiences to intuit how to tackle an issue.
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.
Sp: The sensing-practical type tend to reflect on their past experiences to help them judge how best to tackle their new issues.
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-Sp-Fw-Ps extended subtype
Reflective introverts tend to spend time introspecting on emotions, feelings, and ideas.
Practical Sensing types utilize their past experiences to intuit how to tackle an issue.
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.
Sp: The sensing-practical type tend to reflect on their past experiences to help them judge how best to tackle their new issues.
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-Sp-Fw-Pv extended subtype
Reflective introverts tend to spend time introspecting on emotions, feelings, and ideas.
Practical Sensing types utilize their past experiences to intuit how to tackle an issue.
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.
Sp: The sensing-practical type tend to reflect on their past experiences to help them judge how best to tackle their new issues.
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.