INFP vs ISFP: 9 Differences - Practical Typing (2024)

INFP vs ISFP is an extremely common personality type dilemma, with most people erring on the side of intuition. Of course, there are multiple reasons for that. Intuitive content dominates the internet, which can make it especially challenging for sensors to accurately identify themselves. ISFPs especially seem to have very little content written about them. So, this article will highlight the differences between these two personality types from a cognitive function standpoint. Hopefully, it will clear up the INFP vs ISFP dilemma for you.

Beware of Bias

Sensors often mistype as intuitive types because intuitive types are seen as more desirable. Therefore, the ISFP is much more likely to mistype as an INFP than the other way around. Please evaluate yourself for any biases and set those aside in order to accurately identify your personality type. No personality type is better than the other.

INFP vs ISFP: Cognitive Functions

The INFP and the ISFP share dominant Introverted Feeling (Fi) and inferior Extraverted Thinking (Te), which actually makes these two personality types fairly similar. It’s their auxiliary and tertiary cognitive functions that differ. INFPs have auxiliary Extraverted Intuition (Ne) and tertiary Introverted Sensing (Si), while ISFPs have auxiliary Extraverted Sensing (Se) and tertiary Introverted Intuition (Ni).

In summary, their cognitive function stacks are as follows:

INFP = Fi-Ne-Si-Te
ISFP = Fi-Se-Ni-Te

INFP vs ISFP: Why Does This Mistype Happen?

The most basic reason any mistype happens is due to a failure to understand the cognitive functions. However, bias plays a major factor in the INFP vs ISFP mistype. For instance, INFPs are often described as deeper and more intellectual than ISFPs. ISFP descriptions like to focus on physical art and athletic ability. In addition, many ISFPs relate to the idealism and sentimentality ascribed to INFPs. (Dominant Fi plays a significant role in idealism and sentimentality.) The aim of this article is to focus on their differences in cognition, and the way these differences might manifest in the external world, so that you can see past the misleading stereotypes.

INFP vs ISFP: 9 Differences

Note: This article is discussing INFP vs ISFP tendencies, not absolutes. Everyone can and should grow over time, which will make it harder to distinguish their personality type. Your default tendencies, or the ones you displayed when you were young, will be the most telling. Identify your natural leaning, where you had to grow from.

1. INFPs build high expectations for their experiences, while ISFPs want to appreciate the present

Ne is an imaginative function, focused on hypothetical scenarios that may or may not ever happen. INFPs tend to fall into the trap of imagining their future experiences, before they actually experience them, building a complex, mental image in their mind (Si) of how the experience could or should go. The unfortunate result of this tendency is that INFPs may find themselves disappointed by experiences themselves, preferring to live in their imagination. They may get picky about what exactly they’re willing to experience, or form detailed preferences for everything.

As Se users, ISFPs are more open-minded when it comes to their experiences. They want to appreciate what life has to offer now. Sure, ISFPs will have preferences that they’re aware of, but they’re less likely to place high expectations specifically on their physical experiences. They don’t want to overthink things to the extent that it prevents them from enjoying life. They try to take each moment as it comes, and get what they can out of it. I’m not saying that ISFPs aren’t imaginative. However, they won’t compare each experience with a detailed mental image from either their imagination or their past.

2. INFPs have an easier time putting words to their thoughts, while ISFPs struggle to place words to their thoughts

Those with Si, regardless of the placement, typically have a concrete connection to their thoughts. As a result, these types are often capable of expressing their thoughts as they’re thinking them. (Naturally, as introverts, they won’t always share their thought process out loud.) However, because of this ability, NPs, like the INFP, don’t always fully flesh out an idea or thought before sharing it. As a result, they often backpedal immediately after the words leave their mouth, or end up over-explaining (sharing excessive detail in the process) in attempt to pin down exactly what they want to say.

ISFPs, on the other hand, have an abstract connection to their thoughts, with their tertiary Ni. They often struggle to express their thoughts on the spur of the moment, especially when entering the realm of ideas. As a result, they’re more likely to find themselves grasping for words, but finding none. They’re usually resistant to sharing half-baked thoughts, preferring to have plenty of time to find the words to produce a concise explanation. So, while INFPs may be prone to over-explaining, ISFPs will be prone to under-explaining.

3. INFPs actively brainstorm, while ISFPs wait for epiphanies

INFPs, as Ne users, look to the external world for ideas. Brainstorming for these types is an active process. They like to discuss ideas with others, think out loud, consciously engage their thought process to trace possibilities and connections, etc.

ISFPs, however, struggle to engage in active brainstorming, preferring to form their ideas internally. They have Ni, which is known for epiphanies, and there’s a reason for that. It’s not that only Ni users can have epiphanies, but rather that, Ni often operates more subconsciously. ISFPs may quickly hit up against a metaphorical brainstorming wall, and then place the problem on the back burner (sleep on it, so to speak). They’ll then wait for an idea to magically come to them.

4. INFPs hyper-analyze their feelings and identity, while ISFPs have a more abstract sense of self

Dominant Fi working in tandem with Si often leads INFPs to excessively analyze their identity (“Who am I?”), and anything that has a significant impact on it, like their feelings and values. They will run scenarios and to further flesh out their understanding of themselves. As a result, INFPs are more likely to form a clear definition of who they are and what it means to be them.

An ISFP’s sense of self is more instinctual, as Se often is. ISFPs feel what they feel, and respond accordingly. As dominant Fi users, they will evaluate all of their potential actions through the lens of who they are. However, they’re not often running hypothetical scenarios in advance. Their self-analysis will be more reactive, such as asking “Is this me?” when prompted to make a decision. (Their focus is on real life situations rather than hypotheticals.) They’ll have an ideal image of themselves, with established values, but it may not be extremely detailed.

5. INFPs often express themselves through language, while ISFPs express themselves through physical means

Since INFPs are good at placing words to their thoughts and feelings, they tend to excel at using language to express themselves. Stereotypically, this is why INFPs are known for being writers and poets. They often have a verbal wealth of creative ways to express themselves and the depth of their feelings which will be fraught with abstract, metaphorical, or dramatic language.

While ISFPs can certainly be writers and poets, they typically default to expressing themselves more directly, rather than abstractly. As a result, these types often express themselves in physical ways, through action. Stereotypically, this is why ISFPs are known for being artists. Of course, while many turn to art to as a means of self-expression, not all will. You can be an ISFP and not be an artist. (Although, art can take many forms, such as wood working or martial arts.)

Related Article: Mistyping the ISFP

6. INFPs enjoy random speculation, while ISFPs will want it to be grounded to reality in some way

A key distinction people make between intuitives and sensors, which applies to INFP vs ISFP, is their propensity for abstraction. Many make it sound as if sensors cannot theorize or speculate on abstract subjects. That is incorrect. The truth of the matter is much less black and white.

As Ne users, INFPs are open-minded about possibilities. They will engage in random, and even pointless, speculation purely for the sake of it. They thrive on doing so, finding it to be natural and entertaining. These types will consider all kinds of hypotheticals, even if they’re unlikely or impractical. (The “what if” scenarios.)

ISFPs can certainly engage in abstract speculation, but they may struggle if it’s not realistic or somehow anchored in reality. In other words, if the speculation lacks a practical purpose and detaches too far from reality, they may be resistant to joining in, seeing it as either pointless, boring, or too much effort.

Note: An ISFP’s desire to have speculation grounded in reality, does not mean they won’t enjoy watching and discussing fantasy media. This has more to do with something like… “What if the moon was made of cheese?”

7. INFPs may spend to long theorizing, while ISFPs may be too eager to act

As types that prioritize exploring possibilities, INFPs may find that they enjoy imagining doing something more than actually doing it. Therefore, their theorizing may begin to unnecessarily delay action. For instance, they may linger too long in the “planning” phase, spending too long thinking or talking about something at the expense of actually doing it. This is why high Ne users, or the NPs, are known for being focused on theory rather than action.

However, ISFPs will have the reverse problem. Sure, these types types often enjoy daydreaming. That’s not what this point is referring to. Rather, when focused on an activity or endeavour, they usually prefer to get right into the action (opting to figure things out as they go), so they can enjoy the experience. Therefore, they’ll spend just enough time in the “planning” phase to determine the next step. This is why SPs are known for being physically impulsive and action-oriented. They won’t want to get so bogged down with theory that it never leads to action.

8. INFPs generate (and discard) multiple ideas, while ISFPs fixate on one or two

Ne users tend to be good at coming up with ideas, because they entertain a range of possibilites. Of course, NPs may not always feel like they are good at formal brainstorming, but they are usually good at coming up with ideas when they need to. Bear in mind, INFPs are auxiliary Ne users so they won’t have millions of ideas. However, they’re usually good at producing a few, letting go of the ones that get nixed, and then producing more.

ISFPs, with their lower Ni, usually only one or two ideas that they think have potential. There may be a lot ideas that they never consider, almost as if they subconsciously ruled those ideas out before allowing them to breech conscious thought. Their tendency to fixate on only one or two ideas can make it hard for them to give these ideas up and produce new ones. Brainstorming is not typically the strong suit of these types. They find it easier to put someone else’s ideas into action .

9. INFPs may see a million ways something might go wrong, while ISFPs may fixate on one inevitable, doomed outcome

Ne gone wrong frequently leads to a form of paranoia, in which the individual imagines all the possible ways that something might go wrong. INFPs might jump between different possibilities, unable to fixate on just one, leaving them spinning endlessly. Of course, the failure to hone in on one specific outcome can leave them frozen in fear, feeling overwhelmed and unable to decide how best to prepare.

As Ni users, ISFPs usually fixate on an abstract or general outcome, such as inevitable failure. An abstract fixation such as this doesn’t have a lot of specific parameters to fulfill, and thus can be achieved in a multitude of different ways. Everywhere around them, no matter where they look, they may see reality pushing them towards this one inevitable outcome, leaving them frozen in fear, unable to move forward.

Related Article: The Myers-Briggs Personality Types In a Loop, Part 2: The Introverts