The concept of the "shadow self" comes from the field of psychology, particularly in the theories developed by Carl Gustav Jung, the Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst who also co-founded analytical psychology. The shadow represents the unconscious and repressed aspects of an individual's personality, including traits, desires, and emotions that the person may be unaware of or tries to suppress.
Here are some key points about the shadow self:
Definition: The shadow self consists of elements that are opposite or contrary to the conscious self's identity. These elements are often the result of societal conditioning, upbringing, and experiences that have caused certain traits or desires to be repressed or denied.
Universality: According to Jungian psychology, every individual, regardless of their personality type, possesses a shadow self. It is a fundamental aspect of the human psyche, and confronting and integrating the shadow is considered crucial for personal growth and psychological health.
MBTI and Shadow: Each MBTI personality type may have different aspects in their shadow based on their dominant and auxiliary functions. The shadow may include traits associated with the opposite preferences of their type, which are less developed but still play a role in their behavior.
For example, here's a brief overview of the potential shadows for each MBTI type:
- ISTJ: Shadow may include traits associated with extraversion, intuition, feeling, and spontaneity.
- ISFJ: Shadow may include traits associated with extraversion, intuition, thinking, and assertiveness.
- INFJ: Shadow may include traits associated with extraversion, sensing, thinking, and logical analysis.
- INTJ: Shadow may include traits associated with extraversion, sensing, feeling, and empathy.
- ISTP: Shadow may include traits associated with extraversion, intuition, feeling, and idealism.
- ISFP: Shadow may include traits associated with extraversion, intuition, thinking, and analytical detachment.
- INFP: Shadow may include traits associated with extraversion, sensing, thinking, and rational decision-making.
- INTP: Shadow may include traits associated with extraversion, sensing, feeling, and emotional expression.
- ESTP: Shadow may include traits associated with introversion, intuition, feeling, and introspection.
- ESFP: Shadow may include traits associated with introversion, intuition, thinking, and analytical thought.
- ENFP: Shadow may include traits associated with introversion, sensing, thinking, and objective analysis.
- ENTP: Shadow may include traits associated with introversion, sensing, feeling, and empathy.
- ESTJ: Shadow may include traits associated with introversion, intuition, feeling, and sensitivity.
- ESFJ: Shadow may include traits associated with introversion, intuition, thinking, and critical analysis.
- ENFJ: Shadow may include traits associated with introversion, sensing, thinking, and detached decision-making.
- ENTJ: Shadow may include traits associated with introversion, sensing, feeling, and subjectivity.
It's important to note that the shadow self is not inherently negative; it encompasses both positive and negative aspects that need to be acknowledged and integrated for personal growth and self-awareness. Exploring the shadow self can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and provide