Carl Gustav Jung, a Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, was the founder of analytical psychology and developed the theory of psychological types. He did not specifically refer to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or the INFJ personality type, as the MBTI was developed later by Isabel Myers and Katharine Briggs, drawing on some of Jung's ideas.
However, Jung's work on psychological types laid the groundwork for the development of the MBTI and provided the conceptual framework for understanding the INFJ personality type. Jung proposed that individuals have different psychological functions through which they perceive the world and make decisions. These functions are grouped into four main pairs:
Extraverted (E) and Introverted (I): These describe the direction of an individual's energy flow. Extraverts are oriented outward, focusing on the external world, while introverts are oriented inward, focusing on their inner thoughts and experiences.
Sensing (S) and Intuition (N): These functions involve how individuals gather information. Sensing individuals rely on their five senses and tangible facts, while intuitive individuals focus on patterns, connections, and possibilities beyond what is immediately observable.
Thinking (T) and Feeling (F): These functions pertain to how individuals make decisions and judgments. Thinkers prioritize logical analysis and objective criteria, while feelers prioritize personal values, emotions, and the impact on others.
Judging (J) and Perceiving (P): These describe how individuals approach the external world. Judgers prefer structure, organization, and closure, while perceivers are more adaptable, open-ended, and spontaneous.
Based on Jung's theories, the INFJ personality type is characterized by the following preferences:
Introverted (I): INFJs are primarily focused on their inner world of thoughts, feelings, and reflections. They gain energy from spending time alone or in small, meaningful interactions.
Intuition (N): INFJs tend to rely on their intuition and insights to understand situations, seeking patterns and underlying meanings beyond the surface.
Feeling (F): INFJs prioritize empathy, compassion, and harmony in their decision-making process, considering the emotional impact on themselves and others.
Judging (J): INFJs often prefer structure and organization and appreciate closure and resolution in their interactions and decision-making.
Jung's work on psychological types has had a significant influence on the development of personality theories and assessments like the MBTI, which has become popular in understanding individual differences and preferences. While Jung didn't explicitly discuss the INFJ type, his work laid the foundation for understanding the traits and characteristics associated with this personality type.