What MBTI functions relate to rumination, self reflection and deep diving?

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Now this has been bugging me recently when I get passionate or self reflective I can start ruminating, deep diving into pattern recognition and streams of conscious talk to a point where it doesn’t seem like it’s enough.

Yet it’s way too much, almost too much to process as I’m jumping around between concepts like it’s natural yet I confuse myself and others in the process.

So I looked it up with AI chatbot assisted input while informative won’t extend to experience or cognition of these concepts so I’m asking how does this apply to you?

What experiences have you gone through that causes you to limit or expand these functions? When is it a strength or weakness?

And when do you know it’s unhealthy or comes from stress etc?

And at what point does intellect vs intuition come into it or other functions?

Which also leads me to want to explore why I get self-conscious and too self-aware and how that impacts experiences?

This said AI input is.

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Deep Diving: What Function Are You Using?
If you explore topics in intuitive, intellectual, emotional, and imaginative depth-diving into underlying concepts, patterns, and meanings-this strongly reflects the use of Introverted Intuition (Ni). Ni is characterized by:
• Seeking deep, abstract understanding.
• Making connections between ideas.
• Imagining possibilities and future outcomes.
• Preferring depth over breadth.
This is not simply an “overactive imagination”-it is a hallmark of a dominant Ni function, especially in INFJs and INTJs. If you also analyze logically, you may be engaging your tertiary Introverted Thinking (Ti), but the drive for depth, synthesis, and meaning is classic Ni.

In summary, being “too self-conscious” or overly self-aware often involves strong use of introverted functions-especially Introverted Thinking (Ti), Introverted Feeling (Fi), and Introverted Intuition (Ni)-which focus on internal analysis, reflection, and insight. This is not a single function but a dynamic interplay of these inwardly directed cognitive processes.

Excessive rumination is linked to overuse of introverted, reflective functions (Ni, Ti, Fi) without adequate balance

Excessive or distorted use of introverted functions like Ni, Ti, or Fi leading to overthinking, mistrust, and catastrophic interpretations.

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So that’s the impression snap shot I have so far.

But why, why is there a need to introspect?

 

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This is also an excuse to post on mbti cognitive function via AI responses to gain clarification and answers in terms of things I have lacked sufficient answers for. And general MBTI functions of which I’m rusty on. A form of in depth refresher, diving into the complexity of it all.

Which means if I don’t have any answers for then others might not either. Besides I’m interested in the entire overview.

The positive and negative in relation to deep diving into the matrices of function and how this reflects on behaviour context, assumption, hunches, insight, intuition. In terms of introversion vs extroversion, sensory vs intuitive, feeling vs thinking and of course judging vs perceiving. Pretty much everything.

Discussion is encouraged of course.

 

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Okay so first off I must list all the functions

The AI chats I use are from the AppStore and they are called DeepSeek - AI Assistant and Perplexity - Ask Anything.

So I asked what is cognitive function in each MBTI variant?

It was presented in a chart format which I transcribe for reference purposes and will explore deeply later.

From the perplexity app I got.

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Each MBTI personality type has a unique stack of four cognitive functions-dominant, auxiliary, tertiary, and inferior-.

Here is a summary of the cognitive functions for each MBTI type:

It will be in this order
MBTI type - Dominant - Auxiliary - Tertiary - Inferior.

ISTJ - Si - Te - Fi - Ne
ISTJ - Si - Fe - Ti - Ne
INFJ - Ni - Fe - Ti - Se
INTJ - Ni - Te - Fi - Se

ISTP - Ti - Se - Ni - Fe
ISFP - Fi - Se - Ni - Te
INFP - Fi - Ne - Si - Fe
INTP - Ti - Ne - Si - Te

ESTP - Se - Ti - Fe - Ni
ESFP - Se - Fi - Te - Ni
ENFP - Ne - Fi - Te - Si
ENTP - Ne - Ti - Fe - Si

ESTJ - Te - Si - Ne - Ti
ESFJ - Fe - Si - Ne - Fi
ENFJ - Fe - Ni - Se - Fi
ENTJ - Te - Ni - Se - Ti

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Charts like this are around. It’s to capture, expand, explore and seek insight into cognition in the way I can relate to.

Again if it’s been covered pardon my slackness in not finding the relevant threads.

 

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So yea my primary focus will be INFP and INFJ

If I end up focusing primarily on NF values then put this thread in NF. I suppose in the name of understanding things better,

Always wanted to define scope and after all this is the place for it. So I’m exploring out of personal interest of course.

While it’s best to take this subjectively it does resonate, and so will include

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What is the cognitive mbti functions for infp and infj

The **INFP** and **INFJ** personality types share similarities (both are idealistic, introverted, and intuitive), but their **cognitive function stacks** differ dramatically, leading to distinct ways of processing information and interacting with the world. Here’s a breakdown:

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### **INFP (The Mediator)**
**Primary Function Stack**:
1. **Dominant: Introverted Feeling (Fi)**
- Focuses on internal values, authenticity, and personal ethics.
- Makes decisions based on alignment with their moral compass.
- Example: Prioritizing causes that resonate with their deeply held beliefs.

2. **Auxiliary: Extraverted Intuition (Ne)**
- Explores possibilities, connections, and "what-ifs."
- Seeks meaning in patterns and future potential.
- Example: Brainstorming creative ideas or empathizing with others’ perspectives.

3. **Tertiary: Introverted Sensing (Si)**
- Reflects on past experiences and sensory details.
- Provides nostalgia, routine, or comfort (but less developed than Ne).
- Example: Revisiting cherished memories or traditions.

4. **Inferior: Extraverted Thinking (Te)**
- Struggles with impersonal logic, efficiency, or external structure.
- Under stress, may become rigid, critical, or overly analytical.
- Example: Frustration when forced to adhere to strict systems.

**Shadow Functions** (unconscious under stress):
- **Opposing Role**: Extraverted Feeling (Fe) → Fear of social disapproval.
- **Critical Parent**: Introverted Intuition (Ni) → Pessimistic "worst-case" thinking.
- **Trickster**: Extraverted Sensing (Se) → Impulsive, reckless behavior.
- **Demon**: Introverted Thinking (Ti) → Overly skeptical or detached.

---

### **INFJ (The Advocate)**
**Primary Function Stack**:
1. **Dominant: Introverted Intuition (Ni)**
- Focuses on foresight, abstract insights, and symbolic meaning.
- Seeks to predict outcomes or uncover hidden truths.
- Example: Anticipating long-term consequences of decisions.

2. **Auxiliary: Extraverted Feeling (Fe)**
- Prioritizes harmony, others’ emotions, and social values.
- Adapts behavior to maintain group cohesion.
- Example: Mediating conflicts or advocating for collective well-being.

3. **Tertiary: Introverted Thinking (Ti)**
- Analyzes ideas internally for logical consistency.
- Less developed; used to refine Ni/Fe insights.
- Example: Questioning the validity of a theory privately.

4. **Inferior: Extraverted Sensing (Se)**
- Struggles with being present in the moment.
- Under stress, may overindulge in sensory experiences (e.g., binge-eating).
- Example: Sudden impulsivity during burnout.

**Shadow Functions** (unconscious under stress):
- **Opposing Role**: Extraverted Intuition (Ne) → Paranoia about possibilities.
- **Critical Parent**: Introverted Feeling (Fi) → Self-righteous moralizing.
- **Trickster**: Extraverted Thinking (Te) → Controlling or authoritarian behavior.
- **Demon**: Introverted Sensing (Si) → Obsession with past failures.

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### **Summary**:
- **INFP** is guided by **Fi-Ne**, prioritizing authenticity and possibilities.
- **INFJ** is driven by **Ni-Fe**, focused on foresight and social harmony.
- Both types struggle with their inferior functions (Te for INFP, Se for INFJ) when stressed.

Understanding these stacks helps explain why INFPs are often seen as individualistic dreamers, while INFJs are strategic empathizers.

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What are the shadow functions of infp and infj? Why do infps thrive on authenticity and possibility? why do infjs thrive on foresight and harmony? Also what are the inferior functions they struggle with when stressed?

### **Shadow Functions of INFP and INFJ**
The shadow functions represent unconscious, underdeveloped cognitive processes that emerge during stress or insecurity. Here’s how they manifest for each type:

#### **INFP Shadow Functions**:
1. **Opposing Role (5th): Extraverted Feeling (Fe)**
- Under stress, INFPs may overfocus on others’ emotions or fear social rejection, leading to people-pleasing or guilt.
- Example: Suppressing personal values to fit in.

2. **Critical Parent (6th): Introverted Intuition (Ni)**
- Triggers catastrophic "worst-case scenario" thinking or fixation on hidden meanings.
- Example: Obsessing over whether a friend’s comment had a secret agenda.

3. **Trickster (7th): Extraverted Sensing (Se)**
- Causes impulsive, reckless behavior (e.g., overspending, binge-eating).
- Example: Ignoring responsibilities to chase fleeting sensory thrills.

4. **Demon (8th): Introverted Thinking (Ti)**
- Sparks hyper-skepticism or cold detachment from emotions.
- Example: Dismissing others’ perspectives as “illogical.”

#### **INFJ Shadow Functions**:
1. **Opposing Role (5th): Extraverted Intuition (Ne)**
- Overanalyzes possibilities, leading to paranoia or indecision.
- Example: Obsessing over “What if?” scenarios during a conflict.

2. **Critical Parent (6th): Introverted Feeling (Fi)**
- Promotes self-righteousness or moral superiority.
- Example: Judging others harshly for not sharing their values.

3. **Trickster (7th): Extraverted Thinking (Te)**
- Leads to controlling, authoritarian behavior.
- Example: Micromanaging others to regain a sense of order.

4. **Demon (8th): Introverted Sensing (Si)**
- Fixates on past failures or regrets.
- Example: Ruminating over a minor mistake from years ago.

---

### **Why INFPs Thrive on Authenticity & Possibility**
- **Authenticity (Dominant Fi)**: INFPs prioritize internal values and ethics. Their dominant **Introverted Feeling (Fi)** drives them to live in alignment with their true selves, rejecting societal pressure to conform.
- **Possibility (Auxiliary Ne)**: Their auxiliary **Extraverted Intuition (Ne)** explores ideas, connections, and creative "what-ifs," making them natural idealists who see potential in people and the world.

**Example**: An INFP might champion a social cause (Fi values) while brainstorming innovative solutions (Ne possibilities).

---

### **Why INFJs Thrive on Foresight & Harmony**
- **Foresight (Dominant Ni)**: INFJs’ dominant **Introverted Intuition (Ni)** synthesizes patterns and insights to predict outcomes, guiding their long-term vision.
- **Harmony (Auxiliary Fe)**: Their auxiliary **Extraverted Feeling (Fe)** seeks emotional balance in relationships, making them skilled mediators who prioritize collective well-being.

**Example**: An INFJ might foresee a team conflict (Ni foresight) and resolve it by addressing everyone’s needs (Fe harmony).

---

### **Inferior Functions Under Stress**
#### **INFP’s Inferior: Extraverted Thinking (Te)**
- When stressed, INFPs struggle with **Te**, becoming rigid, overly critical, or obsessed with efficiency.
- Example: Lashing out at others for “inefficiency” during a deadline crunch.

#### **INFJ’s Inferior: Extraverted Sensing (Se)**
- Under stress, INFJs overindulge in **Se**, leading to impulsivity or sensory overload.
- Example: Binge-watching TV for hours to avoid existential anxiety.

---

### **Key Takeaways**:
- **INFPs** are driven by **Fi-Ne**, thriving when they honor their inner truth and explore possibilities. Stress triggers **Te rigidity** or **Fe guilt**.
- **INFJs** rely on **Ni-Fe**, excelling at foresight and harmony. Stress activates **Se impulsivity** or **Fi self-righteousness**.
- Both types grow by balancing their shadow functions and acknowledging their inferior triggers.

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[SearchingforPeace]

Officially, INFJ and INFP share zero functions in common. Yet, as with every pair that switch the J & P, they are higher similar.

It has been many years since I read "Gifts Differing", but one of the key points is that in spite of everything else, we share similarities between all we share a letter and sharing 3 letters often makes one similar but different.

Years ago, I explored this with my ENFP friend. We discussed how we connected with others, how we encountered the world, how processed information. It very clear that our results were similar, but how we got there was very different.

I discussed the idea of simularities with my INFJ sis. We share functions after all and I long thought we were similar in some ways. She is a far deeper thinker, but struggles more than me with processing in the moment, with reacting to the environment, and the like. So the I/E switch meant we processed things the same way, just I have a broader and faster understanding, while she has a far deeper understanding.

Quenk's "Was that really me?" was my favorite. She used data from mountains of official MBTI test plus her own research to develop the idea of typing from the inferior function. I find it is the best way to find out types.