INFJ vs. INFP: How to Distinguish Them

INFJ vs INFP- Are there similarities?

Similar personalities like the INFJ and INFP can be pretty hard to tell apart. 

People often confuse these two personality types because they take great pleasure in helping other people, are pretty focused and super creative, and both stick to ideological principles. 

It’s super easy to be confused by the INFJ vs. INFP personalities because their functions overlap in several ways. 

However, don’t be fooled. They’re quite the opposite if you study their functions closely. If you’re wondering whether you’re an INFJ or an INFP personality, look no further! Your answers are right here. 

What are the cognitive functions of the INFJ vs. INFP personality? 

If you look at the INFJ and INFP personalities at the surface level, it looks like they are quite similar because only one letter is different. But that isn’t the case. They are so different that they don’t share any cognitive functions. 

You can see that they don’t have any similar cognitive functions. So why are they commonly confused with each other? 

Firstly, most people focus more on their preferences (S, P, F, J) than on their cognitive functions (Fe, Ni, Se). So, it’s easy to assume they are similar because one letter is different. But they’re not. 

People fail to understand how these functions play out in these two personality types. Cognitive function is the differentiating factor. Once they have similar cognitive functions, they will have much more defining similarities. All the differences outlined in these articles revolve around their unique cognitive functions. 

Now, let’s assume that you’re dwelling on their preferences. One letter can make all the difference. Judging and perceiving functions can significantly alter a person’s path and change their reaction in different situations. 

INFJ vs INFP: What are the Key Differences?

How can one tell these two personalities apart? Here are key differences you should take note of. 

INFJ vs. INFP: Their dominant functions 

The dominant function of the INFJ is introverted intuition (Ni), while the dominant function of the INFP is introverted feeling (Fi). 

These personality types have polar opposite cognitive functions, and it changes the way they experience things and how others experience them. 

Hold onto this thought as we go further. 

Read- Top Signs You’re an INFJ.

INFJ vs. INFP: Systematic vs. Creative

INFJs are more systematic, while INFPs are more creative. The INFJ’s introverted intuition is a perceiving function that allows them to gather present information, recognize patterns and behaviors, and predict future possibilities. This is what most people refer to as “gut feelings” or “visionary powers”.   

INFJs are very analytical. They’re introverted, so they enjoy studying patterns and using their intuition to plan every action they’ll take, following the patterns they’ve studied. INFJs are not flexible, even though sometimes they feel they are. 

No matter how much they try to be spontaneous, they end up looking for hidden meanings and patterns in everything. This habit of pattern discovery causes them to enjoy abstract conversations because they want to get to the root of the matter. 

However, INFPs are more creative and artistic. They’re more flexible. Sometimes, they feel they’re being analytical because of their introverted intuition, but they’re more spontaneous and open to swift changes. 

INFJ vs INFP: Making choices

Sticking to principles and upholding standards are extremely important to INFPs and INFJs. They are very idealistic. However, they make decisions differently. 

INFJs make decisions faster than INFPs. Why? They’re very logical and analytical, so they decide on things based on observed patterns with zero emotional consideration. 

Yes, they will weigh it on a scale and consider how that decision affects people. But they won’t turn back once they’ve made that decision, especially when they feel that decision is for the greater good. 

INFPs, on the other hand, struggle with decision-making a bit. They’re more consumed by the decision-making process than the decision itself. They’re so worried about making the wrong decisions that could alter the way people see them. 

Furthermore, their perceiving function (introverted sensing) makes them conclude certain things based on their past experiences, even when their judging function (extroverted thinking) points things in a different direction based on facts. 

This conflict can be worrisome for INFPs and can cause them to delay making a decision just to postpone the pain of having to make it. 

Another challenge is that INFPs make decisions based on ideologies and principles instead of facts. They’d rather do what they believe is right instead of considering the unique aspects of the situation. 

INFJ vs. INFP: Judging and Perceiving Functions

On the surface, people only differentiate these two personality types based on their perceiving and judging functions, seeing as the first three letters are the same.

The judging and perceiving functions alter the way these two personality types view things. 

“Judgers” are more analytical and structured. They tend to organize and create definite short and long-term plans for their lives, albeit the circumstances. They have a response for every event because they hate being burdened by the ambiguity of change. 

This is why INFJs dislike spontaneity and open-ended plans. If you have an INFJ on your team, know that they love details, schedule every activity, and hate missed deadlines. They love having control of their lives by knowing what will happen next. 

“Perceivers” are more flexible and spontaneous. Most of them don’t have a clear plan of action, so they do one thing, hoping it will lead them to the next thing. They enjoy taking risks and keep their tabs open for opportunities. 

This is why INFPs can condone spontaneous events and unplanned activities. They hate structure or being told what to do because they feel it restricts them.

If you’re struggling to know whether you’re an INFJ or an INFP, here’s a quick test- If you think you’re more flexible and spontaneous than you appear, you’re most likely an INFP. But if you think you’re not as flexible or spontaneous as you seem, you’re most likely an INFJ. 

Considering their own feelings versus those of others 

INFJs and INFPs are typically very caring and empathetic people. They tend to understand the unique difficulties that others go through. However, these personality types have different levels of empathy. 

The secondary function of the INFJ is extroverted feeling. This makes them feel other people’s emotions as if they were their own. They’re highly empathetic people as they easily understand what people go through. 

What is the downside? They absorb other people’s emotions so much that sometimes it’s difficult to know when they feel an emotion that is authentically theirs. 

The dominant function of the INFP, however, is introverted feeling (Fi). They are more in tune with their own emotions and feelings than those of others. This is why a lot of them express themselves through art and other creative ventures. 

Do they empathize with others? Most certainly. They understand what people go through and deeply care for them. In most cases, INFPs struggle with people-pleasing. However, they don’t absorb these feelings or become overwhelmed by them. They can help people overcome their problems, but don’t feel like it’s their personal responsibility. 

Conclusion

While INFJs and INFPs have cool similarities, they respond to life events quite differently. If you’re still struggling to know whether or not you’re an INFJ or an INFP, take this personality test to clarify things.