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 ISTP 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 ISTP knows they are introverted. But what type of introvert are they? Subtypes help to define the differences.
The MBTI result of ISTP can be broken down further to reveal a more nuanced personality profile. Have you had a Myers Briggs result ISTP 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 ISTP.
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 ISTP knows they are (I)ntroverted, (S)ensing, (T)hinking, and (P)erceiving. But what type of introvert are they? And what form does their sensing 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.
Thinkers fall under one of two categories, logical thinkers and objective thinkers. Logical thinkers focus on applying rule based thinking, relying on deductive and inductive reasoning. Objective thinkers, however, focus on removing the emotional element from decision-making, maintaining a stoic and unbiased approach.
Thinking types can lean towards being either thinking-logical or thinking-objective. 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-Tl-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.
Logical-thinking subtypes tend to strong users of deduction and formulae, readily utilizing a structured and rule based thinking pattern to understand the world.
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.
Tl: The logical-thinking type tend to strong users of deduction and formulae, readily utilizing a structured and rule based thinking pattern to understand the world.
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-Tl-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.
Logical-thinking subtypes tend to strong users of deduction and formulae, readily utilizing a structured and rule based thinking pattern to understand the world.
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.
Tl: The logical-thinking type tend to strong users of deduction and formulae, readily utilizing a structured and rule based thinking pattern to understand the world.
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-To-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.
Objective-thinking subtypes tend to focus on remaining stoic and unbiased, attempting always to remove any emotionality from their decision-making.
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.
To: The objective-thinking type tend to focus on remaining stoic and unbiased, attempting always to remove any emotionality from their decision-making.
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-To-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.
Objective-thinking subtypes tend to focus on remaining stoic and unbiased, attempting always to remove any emotionality from their decision-making.
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.
To: The objective-thinking type tend to focus on remaining stoic and unbiased, attempting always to remove any emotionality from their decision-making.
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-Tl-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.
Logical-thinking subtypes tend to strong users of deduction and formulae, readily utilizing a structured and rule based thinking pattern to understand the world.
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.
Tl: The logical-thinking type tend to strong users of deduction and formulae, readily utilizing a structured and rule based thinking pattern to understand the world.
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-Tl-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.
Logical-thinking subtypes tend to strong users of deduction and formulae, readily utilizing a structured and rule based thinking pattern to understand the world.
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.
Tl: The logical-thinking type tend to strong users of deduction and formulae, readily utilizing a structured and rule based thinking pattern to understand the world.
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-To-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.
Objective-thinking subtypes tend to focus on remaining stoic and unbiased, attempting always to remove any emotionality from their decision-making.
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.
To: The objective-thinking type tend to focus on remaining stoic and unbiased, attempting always to remove any emotionality from their decision-making.
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-To-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.
Objective-thinking subtypes tend to focus on remaining stoic and unbiased, attempting always to remove any emotionality from their decision-making.
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.
To: The objective-thinking type tend to focus on remaining stoic and unbiased, attempting always to remove any emotionality from their decision-making.
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-Tl-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.
Logical-thinking subtypes tend to strong users of deduction and formulae, readily utilizing a structured and rule based thinking pattern to understand the world.
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.
Tl: The logical-thinking type tend to strong users of deduction and formulae, readily utilizing a structured and rule based thinking pattern to understand the world.
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-Tl-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.
Logical-thinking subtypes tend to strong users of deduction and formulae, readily utilizing a structured and rule based thinking pattern to understand the world.
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.
Tl: The logical-thinking type tend to strong users of deduction and formulae, readily utilizing a structured and rule based thinking pattern to understand the world.
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-To-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.
Objective-thinking subtypes tend to focus on remaining stoic and unbiased, attempting always to remove any emotionality from their decision-making.
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.
To: The objective-thinking type tend to focus on remaining stoic and unbiased, attempting always to remove any emotionality from their decision-making.
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-To-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.
Objective-thinking subtypes tend to focus on remaining stoic and unbiased, attempting always to remove any emotionality from their decision-making.
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.
To: The objective-thinking type tend to focus on remaining stoic and unbiased, attempting always to remove any emotionality from their decision-making.
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-Tl-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.
Logical-thinking subtypes tend to strong users of deduction and formulae, readily utilizing a structured and rule based thinking pattern to understand the world.
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.
Tl: The logical-thinking type tend to strong users of deduction and formulae, readily utilizing a structured and rule based thinking pattern to understand the world.
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-Tl-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.
Logical-thinking subtypes tend to strong users of deduction and formulae, readily utilizing a structured and rule based thinking pattern to understand the world.
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.
Tl: The logical-thinking type tend to strong users of deduction and formulae, readily utilizing a structured and rule based thinking pattern to understand the world.
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-To-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.
Objective-thinking subtypes tend to focus on remaining stoic and unbiased, attempting always to remove any emotionality from their decision-making.
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.
To: The objective-thinking type tend to focus on remaining stoic and unbiased, attempting always to remove any emotionality from their decision-making.
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-To-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.
Objective-thinking subtypes tend to focus on remaining stoic and unbiased, attempting always to remove any emotionality from their decision-making.
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.
To: The objective-thinking type tend to focus on remaining stoic and unbiased, attempting always to remove any emotionality from their decision-making.
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.