ISFP:Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving

(File Last Modified Thurs, Oct 31, 2002.)

• ISFP (6% of the American population)
• Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving
• Possible Blind Spots

ISFP (6% of the American population)

Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving

ISFPs are gentle, caring, and sensitive people, who keep much of their intensely personal ideals and values to themselves. They more often express their deeply felt passions through actions than through words.

Modest and reserved, ISFPs are really tremendously warm and enthusiastic people but tend not to show that side of themselves except with people they know will and trust fully. ISFPs tend to be misunderstood because of their tendency not to express themselves directly.

ISFPs are patient, flexible, and easy to get along with and have little need to dominate or control others. They are nonjudgmental and accepting of others' behavior in a matter-of-fact way. They are observant of people and things around them and do not seek to find motives or meanings.

Because ISFPs live completely in the present moment, they do not ten to prepare or plan more then is necessary. Good short-range planners, they are relaxed about getting things done because they are fully engaged in the here and now and like to enjoy the current experience without rushing on to the next.

Interested in what they learn and sense directly from their experiences and senses, they are often artistic and aesthetic, and seek to create beautiful and personal environments for themselves.

Without the need to lead, ISFPs are often loyal followers and good team members. Because they use their personal values to judge everything in life, they like other people who take the time to get to know them and understand their inner loyalties. Basically trusting and understanding, they need harmonious relationships in their lives and are sensitive to conflicts and disagreements.

Possible Blind Spots

The highly sensitive nature of ISFPs allows them to clearly see the needs of other people, and they sometimes work so excessively to fulfill those needs that they neglect themselves in the process. This can result in their becoming physically ill from exhaustion and overwork. They need to take time out from caring for others to take care of themselves.

Because they focus so completely on their experience in the moment, they tend not to look beyond the present, and miss the broader view. They sometimes have difficulty understanding things in a more complex context. Because they don't usually look for or see possibilities that don't exist at the present time, they don't tend to prepare in advance. They often have trouble organizing their time and resources. They may have to work hard to curb their impulse to go off and enjoy a quiet moment, or participate in a favorite activity.

ISFPs are vulnerable to the criticism of others because they tend to take feedback personally and become offended and discouraged. They may be seen as gullible and too trusting because they accept people and things as they are and don't expect a malicious motive or read anything else into them. They need to become more assertive about their own needs and consider the implications of another's behavior. BY applying some objectivity and skepticism to their analysis, they can become better judges of character.