Who are ISFJs? (aka Defender)

Cognitive functions:

Si-hero

Fe-parent

Ti-child

Ne-inferior

Interaction styles: Informative, Responding and Control (Background type)

Temperaments: Concrete, Affiliative and Systematic (SJ type/Guardians)

Characteristics:

• Si hero means ISFJs has super high capacity of long-term memory. They are really good at reciting things and recalling them, which means they usually perform well in primary and secondary school. And they are very detailed-oriented. They are good at spotting small details and mistakes. Si also means they are duties based. They usually do not do what they want, but do what the obligations lead them to. They are very responsible people, very good employees.

• Fe parent means they have high level of empathy. They are able to absorb and understand other’s feelings instantly. It’s like their  gut feelings/six senses on automatic mode. That’s why they are caring and good at taking care others. Nurse and social workers is some of the occupations that they thrive on. However, the combination of Si hero and Fe parent, has one crucial danger. They are too kind and would easily get burnt or manipulated by others. They can be in burn out mode very quickly as they don’t know how to protect their kindness and generosity.

• Ti-child means that logical thinking is not their strong suit. But definitely can be developed.

• Ne-inferior means that they are afraid of choosing different pathways. They are afraid being different. Safety is very important to them, so they seldom take risks and accept challenges.

• ISFJ is one the most common types. It is estimated 20% female are ISFJs, 8-10% males are ISFJs. In total, they contribute 13.8% of the population.

• Their hobbies usually are gardening, petting animals, making artworks, cooking, etc. They enjoy their alone time. They are usually quiet and polite. However, when they find someone who is capable to understand them, they surely can talk and talk for hours.

• Their stress coping mechanisms usually is suppression.  They bottle up stress after stress after stress, and eventually they burnt out, left out depressed, anxious… They must learn how to express themselves and find ways to alleviate their stress, anxiety and other negative emotions. Otherwise, it will become a huge problem in their lives.