The INFP Cognitive Functions:

Dominant Function: Introverted Feeling (Fi)
Auxiliary Function: Extraverted Intuition (Ne)
Tertiary Function: Introverted Sensing (Si)
Inferior Function: Extraverted Thinking (Te)

Introverted Feeling (Fi) – The INFP’s Dominant Function

The greatest power or strength that the INFP has usually lies in their dominant function, Introverted Feeling, or “Fi” for short. INFPs are on a constant quest for personal growth and self-discovery. Their aim is, above all, to be authentic in all things and to be true to their values. They funnel their passions, emotions, desires, and values into select causes, often becoming “champions” of these causes. If you look through the pages of history, you’ll find that many INFPs weren’t afraid to stand out and take risks for their cause (Joan of Arc), or write groundbreaking books about political change (George Orwell).

INFPs are intensely individualistic. They may not draw a lot of attention to themselves willingly, but they don’t believe in blending in with the crowd or succumbing to peer pressure. You can see this when you look at most of the rumored INFP musicians; people like Kurt Cobain, John Lennon, Tori Amos, or Bjork. There’s a strong sense that these individuals have or had a very unique, one-of-a-kind identity and they weren’t afraid to be different or speak up against the status quo.

INFP’s have a deep set of emotions and values that they adhere to. They get strong gut feelings about whether something is right or wrong, and it may be hard for them to vocalize or explain these feelings. They just instinctively know when something violates a value or when something aligns with it.

The Difference Between Introverted and Extraverted Feeling Types (FPs vs FJs):

Unlike Extraverted Feeling types, INFPs keep their emotions close to the chest. Like a fur-lined coat, their emotions and feelings are warm, yet hidden from view. INFPs may even appear distant or reserved to many other types, as they don’t pour out their feelings readily. It usually takes a great deal of trust before INFPs feel comfortable sharing their deepest values and emotions. Often, they feel more comfortable writing about their feelings than vocalizing them.

Music, art, poetry, reading..all these creative mediums tend to attract INFPs like a moth to the flame. They truly enjoy the process of “feeling”. They enjoy having their emotions captured by an authentic and raw expression of passion or conviction. Many INFPs are drawn to career fields in the arts; they tend to have strong writing capabilities or else they enjoy drawing, music, acting, painting, or any other number of creative pursuits that allow them to express their feelings in an indirect way.

INFPs tend to have a soft spot for people or animals that they believe are marginalized or ignored. It is very common to find INFPs fighting for the rights of endangered species, or children, or refugees, or any group they feel is being oppressed. They tend to pour their hearts into these causes and can make great progress in advancing awareness for these groups.

“I have no right, by anything I do or say, to demean a human being in his own eyes. What matters is not what I think of him; it is what he thinks of himself. To undermine a man’s self-respect is a sin.”
– Antoine de Saint-Exupery, a rumored INFP

Authenticity, compassion, sincerity, empathy, and idealism are all hallmarks of the INFP personality. They believe in digging deeply into their core beliefs, values, identity, and desire to find their true calling in life. They’re not afraid to stand up to scrutiny or be called “oddballs” if their vision or life goal is outside the norm. What matters to them is making a difference, doing what they feel is right, and living at peace with their own inner values.

Auxiliary Function – Extraverted Intuition (Ne)

After feeling, INFPs have another preferred process called Extraverted Intuition, or “Ne” for short. While it’s not usually as strong as their dominant function, intuition has a powerful impact on the way they see the world around them. INFPs are highly imaginative, conceptual, and drawn towards future possibilities. They see interrelationships and connections between things in the outside world and find the world to be a veritable playground of creative ideas and potential.

When INFPs interact with the outside world, they’re likely to show the use of intuition even more than feeling. Because their feeling function is introverted, it is more likely to be internalized unless they are in a deep discussion with someone they trust. However, their intuition is extraverted in nature, so they’re likely to enjoy discussing possibilities, theoretical ideas, the future, and their ideal vision for tomorrow.

Many INFPs use their intuition in artistic ways; to write stories about the world in the future, to paint abstract art, to tinker on a musical instrument until just the right tune emerges. They can also use their intuition to create business plans or to work with people in creative and thoughtful ways. Many INFPs are drawn to careers in counseling or social work, where they can combine their creativity with their deeply held values and empathy for people.

Tertiary Function: Introverted Sensing (Si)

Ah, Introverted Sensing (Si)—the INFP’s tertiary function and secret nostalgia vault. This function is all about tuning into the past, pulling out meaningful moments, and using them to find comfort, wisdom, or even a little creative inspiration in the present. Think of it like an old bookshelf filled with memories—each one carefully cataloged, waiting to be revisited when the mood strikes.

Because Si is in the tertiary position, INFPs don’t take it too seriously. It has this playful, almost childlike energy for them. They don’t just remember things—they curate them. They might turn old memories into poetry, tuck them into a scrapbook, weave them into song lyrics, or paint them into something heartbreakingly beautiful. And don’t even get them started on the little rituals and traditions that make them feel safe—whether it’s rewatching a childhood movie for the hundredth time or drinking the same tea their grandmother always made when they were sick.

Want to make an INFP feel truly seen? Honor their nostalgia. Ask about their favorite childhood story. Appreciate the tiny traditions that bring them comfort. Notice the way they archive meaning in everything they do. Because for them, the past isn’t just something that happened—it’s something they carry, shape, and quietly cherish.

Inferior Function: Extraverted Thinking (Te)

Extraverted Thinking (Te) is the INFP’s inferior function. This function helps them organize the world around them and make decisions based on logic. Since it is their inferior function, they can feel a lot of vulnerability around it. They’d rather focus on their values, what’s personally meaningful, or what their heart is driving them towards. Tapping into Extraverted Thinking can feel very cold and one-dimensional in contrast. However, they still value this function.

The struggle between valuing Extraverted Thinking and feeling insecure around it can show up in many ways. INFPs often struggle to know the best logical decision to make and may get stuck in a place of indecision. Often they avoid critiquing or struggle to make an effective plan of action that can be used to achieve their goals. However, with growth and practice, they can use this function to enhance their efficiency and make their dreams and ideals a reality.