i-s-f-j:

So I’m sure some of you are wondering how functions come into play when talking about personality types. I know I certainly was when I started to learn about Myers Briggs types. I thought I’d make a post explaining how the functions work and what that means for ISFJs

Here’s how this website explains functions:

“Each type consist of 4 main functions that comprise most of their personality. They are as follows:

Dominant Function - This is the function that most strongly governs the personality. It holds the strongest influence and is the function that one is most comfortable using.

Auxiliary Function - This is the second strongest preference and helps assist and balance the dominant function.

Tertiary Function - This function can be a handicap early in life, but as one grows will develop into a helpful and eye-opening asset.

Inferior Function - This function is a point of weakness. It is mostly unconscious and often the cause of misunderstanding and stress.”

So that’s their definition of functions. For us ISFJ folks, the functions are

Si (Introverted Sensing)

Fe (Extroverted Feeling)

Ti (Introverted Thinking)

Ne (Extroverted iNtuition)

For ISFJs, our dominant function is Si. This means we take in information from the world around us, and process it internally. We gather knowledge from trusted sources (usually close friends and family or our own senses) and store that information away. This then becomes a reference point, and we begin to build up a directory or database of past experiences and knowledge which we use to understand the world around us.

Our secondary function is Fe. This comes into play when we interact with others around us. ISFJs are characterized as sweet, loyal, caring, etc. This comes from our secondary function. It’s not as strong in ISFJs as in an extrovert type, like say an ESFJ, because it is our secondary functions and ultimately falls behind our Si. Where ESFJs will expend this function on many people, ISFJs tend be a bit more reserved; however, it is this function that allows ISFJs to care so fully for their close friends and family.

I think a better definition for a tertiary functions is a “last resort”. When ISFJs are presented with information that conflicts with what is already set in the database that our Si has developed, ISFJs first rely on our Fe. We’ll talk to close friends and family, who’s opinions we trust, and try to rectify the problem. When that doesn’t work, our Ti comes into play. The Ti functions allows us to step back and rationally examine the information presented. It is what allow us to mend, change and fix information we have that is incorrect.

The inferior function is what makes each type crazy. For ISFJs, our inferior function is Ne. ISFJs like comfort. We like routine, knowing how to do things and knowing what to expect. That is the opposite of Ne. Ne is about new experiences and jumping into the unknown. This conflicts with our dominant function, and leads us to imagine in any given scenario everything that could go wrong and to fear the unknown. We see the possible failures, the mistakes, and the worst that could happen. This is why ISFJs are often seems as “worriers”- because our inferior function forces us to worry about what could happen, and to fear what we don’t know. Good news though. When we take what we know from our database (and our dominant function) and apply it to our Ne, we’re able to wipe away some of the mystery and fear of the unknown, because we’re able to see the patterns from past experiences and apply it to the future.

If anyone has any questions about anything here or anything they’d like to add, please feel free to message me!