I think you are always a certain type, but certain outside factors can influence the expression of the type. Mental illness is certainly a huge factor - anxiety tends to make a person more introverted & depression seems to have the same effect. Mania tends to make someone appear more extraverted.
Also, the influence of another introvert or extravert can push someone to falsely believe they are introverted or extraverted. I have an extremely introverted boyfriend who in a way forces me to be the extraverted one of the relationship. My mother is a VERY extraverted ESTP, who has definitely taught me the tools of being able to flourish in a social atmosphere. Between these two influences heavy in my life right now & the return to therapy in an attempt to conquer an anxiety disorder, I've noticed a shift from INFJ to ENFJ... though I am unsure which is my natural preference.
Obviously stress has an influence... my boyfriend has been going through a really tough time & I can see the "F" in his personality switch to a "T". His J & P tend to flip flop as well when he's under unbearable stress.
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