The Myers-Briggs® Personality Types Most Likely to Absorb Your Emotions, Ranked

Have you ever walked into a room and instantly felt the weight of someone else’s emotions, like their sadness, excitement, or anxiety just wash over you? It can feel exhausting to feel like your mood is constantly affected by the moods of everyone else.

Or maybe you’ve noticed that while others seem deeply affected by the emotions of those around them, you remain relatively untouched. The way we absorb—or don’t absorb—others’ emotions can tell us a lot about our personality types.

Over the last month I’ve conducted an anonymous survey of the 16 Myers-Briggs® personality types. The topic of the survey was how each of the types respond to emotions in themselves and others. One of the questions I asked was, “Do you naturally absorb other people’s emotions, to the point of confusing them with your own?”

After receiving at least 100 responses from each type (3,182 responses total) I’ve decided to explore the results with you today! Let’s find out why some types are emotional sponges, soaking up the feelings of everyone they meet, while others seem to have a natural shield that keeps those emotions at bay.

Not sure what your personality type is? Take our new personality questionnaire here. Or you can take the official MBTI® here.

The Myers-Briggs Personality Types Most (and Least) Likely to Absorb Others’ Emotions

#1 – The INFJ – 82.14%

82.14% of INFJs said answered “Yes” or “Most of the time” to the question, “Do you naturally absorb other peoples’ emotions?” Their status as empaths is hard to deny given this data. If you’re an INFJ, you probably find yourself deeply attuned to the emotional undercurrents in any situation. Thanks to a combination of Introverted Intuition (Ni) and Extraverted Feeling (Fe) you have an ability to perspective-shift in order to get into other people’s perspectives. You also have the gift of noticing and adjusting to others’ emotional worlds and sensing how they feel in an in-depth, insightful way. But it’s not just about picking up on emotions—you feel them as if they were your own. This can be both a gift and a challenge, as it allows you to connect deeply with others but also leaves you vulnerable to emotional overwhelm. You can find out more about this in my article, INFJs and ENFJs and Empathy Burnout.

#2 – ENFJ – 76.93%

ENFJs, you’re right up there with the INFJs when it comes to absorbing emotions, thanks to your dominant Extraverted Feeling (Fe). Without trying, you naturally sense people’s emotions and moods, and adjust in order to create an atmosphere of connection and harmony. You’re the natural empaths and leaders, always aware of how others are feeling and often taking it upon yourself to manage the emotional atmosphere. This makes you incredibly persuasive and supportive, but it can also be draining if you’re not careful. You might find yourself carrying the weight of others’ emotions long after an interaction has ended, especially if those feelings are unresolved.

#3 – ISFJ – 70.37%

As an ISFJ, you naturally notice the details that affect others on an emotional level. Your eye for detail means that any slight change in body language is evident to you, any vocal inflection, and every emotional nuance. Add your Extraverted Feeling side to that, and you easily adjust to, and sense, the emotions of the people around you. While you may be quiet and reserved, you notice far more than most people realize. Your deep sense of duty and care for others makes you especially prone to taking on the emotional burdens of those you love. While this makes you a compassionate and reliable friend, it’s important to find ways to protect your own emotional health.

Find out more about ISFJs: 10 Things ISFJS Crave Every Day

#4 – INFP – 64.59%

INFPs, your absorption of emotions is a bit different from the FJ types. Your primary function, Introverted Feeling (Fi), means that when you pick up on someone else’s emotions, you immediately put yourself in someone else’s shoes. You instantly can sense how you would feel if you were going through what the other person is going through. This means that you can empathize in a deeply personal way because your inner database of emotional experiences is so rich and nuanced. While others go through emotions and never think of them again, you tend to hold on to every emotional memory, scanning it for wisdom, knowledge, and growth. This makes you incredibly empathetic, often understanding others on a level they don’t even understand themselves. But it also means you need to be careful about the emotional energy you allow into your space, as it can quickly become overwhelming.

Discover more about INFPs: 24 Signs That You’re an INFP, the Dreamer Personality Type

#5 – ENFP – 46.67%

As an ENFP, you’re highly perceptive of emotions, but you experience them with a bit more detachment than your INFP counterparts. Your Extraverted Intuition (Ne) allows you to explore and understand the emotional landscape without getting too bogged down in it. This means you can be very empathetic and supportive, but you also have the ability to step back and see the bigger picture, which helps you avoid being completely absorbed by others’ emotions. For many ENFPs, empathy comes naturally, but they can also tell the difference between their own emotional world and that of another persons.

#6 – ESFJ – 45%

ESFJs, like ENFJs, have a strong Extraverted Feeling function, making you naturally attuned to the emotions of those around you. However, your focus on practical caregiving and maintaining harmony in your immediate environment gives you a more grounded approach to emotions. You’re deeply empathetic, but you’re also pragmatic, which helps you to care for others without getting completely overwhelmed by their feelings. Still, 45% of ESFJs feel others’ emotions as their own, with one saying, “I have spent many years in therapy for codependency because I can’t separate others’ wants from their “needs.” I feel like I have to do everything to “fix” everyone’s emotions, and I take on what I perceive are their emotional struggles and carry that weight every day.”

#7 – INTP – 34.38%

INTPs, you might not be the first type people think of when it comes to emotional absorption, but you’re surprisingly sensitive to how other people feel. While you’re usually more focused on logic and analysis, you can’t help but pick up on the emotions around you, especially in close relationships. You’re intuitive and deep, with a quiet nature that many underestimate. Even though you may not say a lot, you’re more aware of people’s emotional states than most realize. This doesn’t mean you naturally know how to respond to emotions, however. You probably wish everything emotional could be handled with logical insight, creative brainstorming, or curiosity. But you know the world doesn’t function this way most of the time. “I feel other’s emotions easily,” one INTP said, “but this doesn’t mean I know what to do with them.

Discover more about INTPs: 21 Hobbies That INTPs Love

#8 – ENTP – 33.33%

As an ENTP, you’re similar to INTPs in that your Extraverted Feelign side is more of a background player. You’re usually more focused on ideas and possibilities than emotions, but you’re not immune to picking up on the feelings of those around you. When you do, it’s often more of an intellectual exercise than a deeply felt experience. You’re curious about emotions, but you don’t necessarily let them seep into your own emotional state, which helps you maintain your usual light-hearted, exploratory approach to life.

#9 – ESFP – 30.77%

ESFPs, you’re all about living in the moment and enjoying life’s experiences, so when it comes to emotions, you tend to feel them strongly—but you don’t necessarily absorb them from others. Your Extraverted Sensing (Se) function keeps you focused on the tangible world in the here and now, which can sometimes act as a buffer against absorbing too much emotional energy from those around you. You’re empathetic and caring, but you’re also good at knowing what your feelings are versus the feelings of others.

#10 ISTP – 23.81%

As an ISTP, you’re much more focused on logic and practicality than emotions, which is why you’re less likely to absorb others’ feelings. Your dominant Introverted Thinking (Ti) function helps you to analyze and understand situations without getting too caught up in the emotional side of things. You’re more interested in figuring out how things work than how emotions work; and you’d usually rather tinker on your own than get into a deep heart-to-heart with someone. This doesn’t mean you’re not empathetic—you just have a more natural ability to separate your emotions from those of others, which helps you stay grounded.

Tied for 11th place – ISFP & ISTJ – 21.74%

ISFPs and ISTJs, you both tie in your likelihood of absorbing others’ emotions, but for different reasons. ISFPs, with their dominant Introverted Feeling (Fi), are deeply in touch with their own emotions, but this can sometimes create a natural barrier that prevents them from fully absorbing others’ feelings. They’re empathetic, but they prefer to understand emotions on their own terms. That said, ISFPs are amazing listeners with an ability to fully open themselves up and pause, deeply listening to what the other person is saying. Dario Nardi, a neuroscience expert at UCLA, says that ISFPs and INFPs are the “consummate listeners” and the best types at fully listening and being present with another person.

ISTJs, on the other hand, are more focused on logic and practicality, using their dominant Introverted Sensing (Si) and auxiliary Thinking to maintain stability and get tasks done. This practical approach to life means they’re less likely to get swept up in the emotions of others, preferring to deal with things in a more straightforward, logical way.

#12 – INTJ – 16.57%

INTJs have a complex blend of strengths. You are more focused on ideas and systems than on emotions. But thanks to Introverted Intuition you also have a powerful ability to perspective-shift and understand many different points of view from a meta perspective. While you might pick up on the emotional atmosphere around you, you’re much more likely to analyze it than to absorb it. This allows you to maintain a clear boundary between your emotions and those of others, helping you stay focused on your goals.

Find out more about INTJs: What It Means to be an INTJ Personality Type

#13 – ENTJ – 9.74%

As an ENTJ, your focus is usually on efficiency, results, and tasks, not emotions. Your Extraverted Thinking (Te) function drives you to take charge and make decisions, often leaving little room for emotional absorption. You might notice others’ emotions, but you’re more likely to set them aside to focus on what needs to be done. This pragmatic approach helps you to stay on track, even in emotionally charged situations.

#14 – ESTP – 6.67%

ESTPs, you’re all about action and experience, living in the moment and grasping opportunities on the fly. This makes you more focused on what’s happening around you than on the emotional undercurrents. You’re not immune to emotions, in fact you tend to notice them in others right away. You often use charm, humor, and friendliness to help people through their emotional situations. Often people come to you to make them laugh or smile when they’re down. But you’re less likely to absorb people’s emotions, preferring to focus on problem-solving and moving on to the next adventure.

#15 ESTJ – 1.33%

Lastly, we have the ESTJs, who are the least likely to absorb others’ emotions. As a Sensing Thinking type, you’re a pragmatist and a realist. You’re focused on structure, efficiency, and getting things done. Emotions might be something you notice, but they don’t usually interfere with your ability to stay on task. This clear, practical approach means you

maintain a solid boundary between your emotions and those of others, which helps you stay focused and effective in any situation. For you, emotions are something to be managed, not absorbed, which keeps you grounded and in control.

What Do You Think?

There are good and bad sides to absorbing others’ emotions (or not doing so). People who naturally soak up everyone else’s emotions can be deeply empathetic, insightful, and emotionally supportive. But they can also find themselves overwhelmed with others’ feelings and struggling to prioritize their own needs. People who don’t absorb others’ emotions may be able to keep a healthier distance, but may lack the empathic support and insight that others can provide. There is no “better” or “worse” personality type; just 16 different types with a myriad of strengths and talents to bring to any situation.

What do you think? Do you struggle with absorbing other people’s emotions? Do you have advice for others that do? Do you have any specific stories, experiences, or tips you’d like to share with others who have your personality type? Let us know in the comments!

Discover even more about your personality type in our eBooks, Discovering You: Unlocking the Power of Personality Type,  The INFJ – Understanding the Mystic, The INTJ – Understanding the Strategist, and The INFP – Understanding the Dreamer. You can also connect with me via Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter!