It's important to remember that each individual's response to trauma is unique, and not all INFJs who experience PTSD or C-PTSD will have the same reactions or changes in their personality traits. Trauma can have a profound impact on anyone, regardless of their personality type, and the ways in which it affects a person may vary widely.
That said, here are some general observations about how trauma may impact INFJs and their traits:
Withdrawal and Social Isolation: INFJs may become more withdrawn and isolated as a response to trauma. Their need for alone time to process emotions and thoughts might increase, and they may find it difficult to connect with others due to feelings of vulnerability or mistrust.
Empathy and Compassion: INFJs are known for their deep empathy and compassion. After trauma, this aspect might be amplified, leading them to be even more sensitive to the pain and suffering of others. On the other hand, some individuals might experience emotional numbing and find it challenging to access their feelings of empathy.
Idealism and Disillusionment: INFJs are often driven by their idealistic beliefs and desire to make a positive impact on the world. Following trauma, some may struggle with a sense of disillusionment, feeling that their ideals have been shattered or are unattainable.
Intuition and Sensitivity: INFJs rely heavily on their intuition, but trauma might affect how they process and interpret information. They could become hypervigilant, experiencing heightened sensitivity to potential threats or triggers.
Boundaries and Assertiveness: Trauma can impact an INFJ's ability to set boundaries and express assertiveness. They may struggle to protect themselves and have difficulty saying no to others, leading to further stress and emotional strain.
Trust and Vulnerability: INFJs may find it challenging to trust others after experiencing trauma, especially if the trauma involved a betrayal of trust. Their willingness to be vulnerable with others might decrease, affecting their ability to form close relationships.
Emotional Regulation: Trauma can lead to changes in emotional regulation for INFJs. They might experience intense emotional swings or have difficulty managing their emotions, leading to emotional dysregulation.
It's important to note that while trauma can bring about these changes, healing is possible. Many individuals, including INFJs, find ways to cope with and recover from trauma through therapy, support networks, and self-care practices. Each person's journey toward healing is unique, and some traits might slowly return to their pre-trauma state as they work through the effects of PTSD or C-PTSD. Seeking professional help from mental health experts experienced in trauma can be an essential step in the healing process.