The Unhealthy ISFP
Over the years I’ve gotten a lot of questions about what the 16 personality types look like when they’re unhealthy. Many articles describe the Myers-Briggs® personality types at their best, but what are they like at their worst? In today’s article, we’re taking a look at the ISFP personality type. Often called the “virtuosos” or the “adventurers”, ISFPs long for a life that is in harmony with their personal values. They crave freedom, impact, authenticity, and emotional resonance. Living in the moment and embracing the sights, sounds, tastes, and textures around them brings them a sense of satisfaction and joy. But what are these types like when they’re not at their best?
Let’s find out!
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Reasons Why ISFPs Get to an Unhealthy State:
First off, let’s take a look at why ISFPs become unhealthy in the first place. There’s not one root cause, but there are several. The first is…
One-Sidedness:
Some ISFPs grow up focusing on what comes naturally to them and avoiding anything that seems tricky, uncomfortable, or challenging. Instead of expanding their horizons, they stick within their comfort zone and spend time with like-minded people. Sometimes it’s intentional, other times it’s just the result of their upbringing. For example, maybe an ISFP had parents who always pampered them and catered to their preferences. As a result, they might feel confused or annoyed by people with different perspectives or personality types, considering their way of doing things as inherently “wrong” or irritating. These ISFPs can become one-sided, embracing the parts of their personality that come naturally and avoiding the less simple aspects. These suppressed parts might manifest later as projections, paranoia, or having an “all or nothing” mindset.
Loops:
When someone is in a “loop,” it indicates that they are predominantly favoring either the extroverted or introverted aspects of their personality, neglecting the other functions. In the case of an ISFP, it could mean that they’re valuing their Introverted Feeling and Introverted Intuitive cognitive functions, while repressing their Extraverted Sensing and Extraverted Thinking. This can result in the ISFP being overly-sensitive, paranoid, impractical, and out of touch with reality. You can find out more about loops here: What You’re Like in a Loop, Based On Your Myers-Briggs® Personality Type.
Stress:
Chronic or intense stress can make an ISFP react in ways that are atypical to their normal way of doing things. At the onset of stress, they tend to show their true colors or exaggerate their behaviors, relying on their natural way of thinking to solve problems. Yet during especially rough moments, they can experience what’s called a “grip stress” reaction. That’s when they start behaving more like an unhealthy version of their opposite type (for example, instead of acting like an ISFP, they’d behave like an unhealthy ENTJ).
Now that we know some of the reasons that ISFPs can be unhealthy, let’s look at 10 of the signs that an ISFP is unhealthy. Keep in mind, even a mature, healthy ISFP may have moments of being unhealthy if their day is especially rough or other challenging factors are at play.
10 Signs of an Unhealthy ISFP
#1 – They Avoid the Truth
Most ISFPs would say that they are truth-seekers at heart. Especially when they are healthy. ISFPs highly value authenticity, practicality, and emotional integrity. Yet when ISFPs become one-sided or unhealthy, they will reach a point where they stop listening to truth or accepting more facts or data because they are sticking so closely to a conviction or value. Their values “have” to be right and so they’ll willfully blind themselves to information that might prove their perspective is faulty. Yet they may still prize themselves as “truth seekers” all while avoiding new information or the uncomfortable truth.
#2 – They Withdraw from People and Situations
ISFPs are introverts so of course they enjoy alone time to recharge and reflect. But unhealthy ISFPs become so detached from people that “hermit” seems like an understatement. They might avoid interacting with people, feeling resistant to any kind of change or engagement. During these times, they can become so stuck in their own perspective that they can’t relate to or empathize with others. Often they feel paranoid or suspicious of people and situations, believing that they are untrustworthy or unethical.
#3 – They React to Perceived Injustice in an All-or-Nothing Way
ISFPs have deep personal values and usually have causes that they are passionate about. And when those values or causes come under real or perceived attack, ISFPs can become highly reactive, defensive, and vengeful. When unhealthy, they tend to approach the situation in an all-or-nothing way, believing that if something is worth fighting for then it must be fought for completely – even if it means going to extreme lengths or sacrificing one’s well-being. They may also disrespect people who have opposing views, dehumanizing them and using ad hominem, generalizations, or moral equivalence arguments to invalidate their position.
#4 – They Demonize People They Disagree With
When unhealthy, ISFPs tend to label people who disagree with them or cause them hardship as inherently evil and blame them for their problems and negative emotions. In these situations, they may get caught up in overthinking, trying to find ways to get back at or undermine those individuals as a way of dealing with things.
#5 – They Over-Estimate The Accuracy of Their Emotions
ISFPs are deeply emotional people, and when they’re healthy they balance their emotions and ideals with a grounded, realistic perspective. When they’re unhealthy, however, this balance can be off. They may overestimate or idealize their emotions and feelings, believing that their gut instincts are always right and overlooking any potential inaccuracies because of bias or faulty assumptions. This can lead to them making decisions they later regret, as well as lashing out at people without thinking before they act.
#6 – They Lack Flexibility
When ISFPs are healthy, they are in touch with the Extraverted Sensing (Se) side of their personality. They are open to new information and excited about exploring new experiences and ideas. Tuned into the present, they have a certain peacefulness and presence that other types are drawn to. However, when unhealthy they can become excessively rigid and inflexible, finding it difficult to consider new ways of doing things or accept alternate opinions. They may feel pulled towards a very specific vision for how things should be and be unwilling to deviate from it.
#7 – They Struggle with Self-Care
ISFPs are naturally drawn towards self-care activities such as yoga, meditation, or music. When they are healthy, these activities can help them stay balanced and grounded. Yet when unhealthy they may neglect these practices or find them difficult to complete due to negative emotions and feelings of disillusionment. This can lead to an unhealthy cycle where they become more stressed and anxious, further exacerbating their negative emotions.
#8 – They Take Things Too Personally
ISFPs are typically sensitive people who balance their sensitivity with a down-to-earth realism and sly wit. I’ve known quite a few ISFPs who are thick-skinned and tough, armed with a hilarious, offbeat sense of humor. Yet unhealthy ISFPs take things too personally and can become easily offended. They may be especially vulnerable to criticism, whether real or perceived, and often lack the ability to let it roll off their back like a healthy ISFP would.
#9 – They Struggle to Be Productive
When ISFPs are one-sided or in a loop they tend to be out of touch with their Extraverted Sensing and Extraverted Thinking sides. This results in them becoming easily overwhelmed or procrastinating, and they may find it difficult to stay on task or be productive. Their focus is so internal they find it overwhelming to deal with external tasks. They can struggle with organization as well, often lacking the necessary structure to complete projects they care about. Their goals often fall by the wayside as they get caught up in worrying, fantasizing, or ruminating.
#10 – They Have a Hard Time Letting Go
Unhealthy ISFPs tend to get stuck in past hurts and carry grudges for extended periods of time. It can be difficult for them to forgive others and themselves, and they may find it hard to repair relationships or move on from a situation. This can lead to an unhealthy cycle of inner turmoil that’s difficult for the ISFP to break out of without help or guidance.
Self-Help Tips for ISFPs:
- Balance your need for alone time with some healthy external activities. Take a walk in nature, volunteer at an animal shelter, or join a club or class related to something you’re passionate about. This will help you to veer out of one-sidedness and develop a more healthy, balanced mindset.
- Practice mindfulness and learn how to observe your thoughts and feelings without attachment or judgement.
- When you find yourself getting offended by someone, ask yourself whether what they said was constructive or mean-spirited. If you’re offended when no offence was intended, then this can be a character weakness, ego, or self-image problem that you can work on. Yes, other people could be more tactful in their delivery, but ultimately, their heart might be in the right place or their criticism might actually be honest and useful.
- Tap into your Extraverted Thinking side by looking at your goals. Pick any meaningful goal you have, then break it down into bite-sized, manageable steps. Find a way to implement those steps into your life in a sustainable way. Set alerts on your phone to remind you to complete the steps!
- Take some time out of each day to practice self-care. This could include yoga, journaling, going for a walk, listening to music, or reading an inspiring book.
- When you begin to feel stressed and overwhelmed, practice deep breathing exercises or use visualizations. Make sure to take regular breaks and allow yourself to rest when needed.
- Seek out variety to help broaden your understanding of the world. Talk to new people on occasion, visit new locations, try new foods! Adding variety to your life helps to open up the accepting, grounded, flexible side of your personality type.
- Finally, remember that it’s ok to make mistakes. We all do, and learning from our mistakes is part of growing emotionally and spiritually as individuals. Let go of the need for perfectionism and give yourself permission to accept your life where it is right now.
By taking the time to understand themselves better and develop healthier habits, ISFPs can live a more balanced and fulfilling life. Through kindness and patience with themselves and others, they can gain insight into their individual strengths and weaknesses while learning how to navigate through difficult times with grace and ease.
Conclusion
At their best, ISFPs are adaptable yet sensitive individuals who value authenticity and integrity above all else. However, when not at their best, the ISFP may find themselves struggling with one-sidedness, inflexibility, difficulty letting go of past hurts, and a general lack of productivity. By taking the time to understand themselves better and develop healthier habits, they can overcome these obstacles while unlocking their full potential. With kindness and patience with themselves and others, the ISFP can gain insight into their individual strengths and weaknesses while navigating through difficult times with grace and ease.
What Are Your Thoughts?
Do you have any experiences to share with other ISFPs or people who know them? Do you know anyone who exhibits these traits? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! Thanks for reading. 🙏🏼😊👍
Find out 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!
Other Articles You Might Enjoy:
Are ISFP Personalities Rare? Unleashing the Mystery
24 Signs That You’re an ISFP, the “Virtuoso” Personality Type
References:
The Magic Diamond: Jung’s 8 Paths for Self-Coaching by Dario Nardi (Radiance House, 2020)
Understanding Yourself and Others™: An Introduction to the Personality Type Code by Linda V. Berens and Dario Nardi (InterStrength, 2004)
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Eww I identify with this type for sure and this is so spot on