The Antagonistic block is the weakest and most stress-inducing of all the function blocks, as these functions directly oppose those of the Characteristic block. An individual’s use of the antagonistic block is limited to moments of stress, and these functions applications are generally seen as limited to serving the needs of the characteristic block. The antagonistic block is recognized by individuals as their weakest points and will often try to strengthen them, yet they’re completely unable to utilize these functions long enough to achieve any purposeful result. External input from the antagonistic functions tends to cause distress and disappointment, or even guilt and more serious negative feelings if the individual sees the development of these functions as a measure of their self-worth.

Amusingly, individuals often tend to enjoy having their antagonistic block traits praised, but will quite often aggressively or vehemently defend any criticisms made against this aspect of their personality; due to their self-consciousness associated with it. The functions of the antagonistic block are the vulnerable and opposing functions.

7th Function, the Vulnerable

The vulnerable (also known as the point of least resistance or the deceiving) function is the weakest of all eight functions. Input from this function is not trusted or is seen as unworthy of attention, as when it is engaged, it tends to cause mistakes in information-gathering or decision-making. These mistakes create feelings of inadequacy in the individual which leads to severe stress and frustration if they have to tolerate further input from this function.

Individuals generally misunderstand information coming from this function, and don’t understand the importance of the function itself. This often leads to painful consequences if the individual has no external support, but that itself can also lead to issues; as the individual loathes external pressure from personalities who value their vulnerable function. Generally, individuals will rely on the strength of their characteristic functions to cover the weakness of their vulnerable function. Or when possible rely on other types whose use of this function is their demonstrative; types who have strength and confidence in this function, yet keep it in the background.

8th Function, the Opposing

The opposing function is also known in Socionics as the role function, due to the fact that this function directly opposes the individual’s dominant and utilization of it makes the individual feel like they are “playing a role”. Individuals are generally aware of their inadequacies regarding the positive traits of this function, and will occasionally try to work to fix them because they see those traits as important – this importance is what separates the opposing and vulnerable functions.

Nevertheless, attempts at strengthening this function always fail – due to the opposition from their natural lifestyle and worldview – and will yield severe disappointment if focused on too much. Utilization of the opposing function is situational; being triggered when under direct and severe stress or when the individual is forced into situations that oppose their dominant function.

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Appendix: Example of the Function Stack

Now that we’ve explained the Function Stack to you, we’re going to give a simple example of the Function Stack, just to help you get an idea.

ISFP

Dominant Function (Strong, Valued): Introverted Feeling

Auxiliary Function (Strong, Valued): Extraverted Sensation

Tertiary Function (Weak, Valued): Introverted Intuition

Suggestive Function (Weak, Valued): Extraverted Thinking

Ignoring Function (Strong, Unvalued): Extraverted Feeling

Demonstrative Function (Strong, Unvalued): Introverted Sensation

Vulnerable Function (Weak, Unvalued): Extraverted Intuition

Opposing Function (Weak, Unvalued): Introverted Thinking

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That’s all folks! This topic of discussion is over. The next sixteen articles will be brief overviews of the personality types, with a specific focus on traits that make them recognizable. These might be sporadic over the festive period but will wind back up again after the New Year.



We here at TBMPT wish all of you Happy Holidays!