ISFJ

:"This article is about the Myers-Briggs personality type. For the Socionics ISFj, see Ethical Sensory Introvert".

ISFJ (Introversion, Sensing, Feeling, Judging) is an acronym used in the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) publications to refer to one of the sixteen personality types. [ [http://www.psychology.healthspace.eu/type.php Type] ] [ [http://www.hompath.net/psychology/preference.php Preference] ] The MBTI assessment was developed from the work of prominent psychiatrist Carl G. Jung in his book "Psychological Types", which proposed a psychological typology based on his theories of cognitive functions.

From Jung's work, others developed psychological typologies. Well-known personality tests are the MBTI assessment, developed by Isabel Briggs Myers and Katharine Cook Briggs, and the Keirsey Temperament Sorter, developed by David Keirsey. Keirsey referred to ISFJs as Protectors, one of the four types belonging to the temperament he called the Guardians. [ [http://www.hompath.net/psychology/temperament.php Temperament] ]

The MBTI instrument

*I - Introversion preferred to Extraversion
*S - Sensing preferred to iNtuition
*F - Feeling preferred to Thinking
*J - Judging preferred to Perceiving

Characteristics

Myers-Briggs description

According to Myers-Briggs, ISFJs are interested in maintaining order and harmony in every aspect of their lives. They are steadfast and meticulous in handling their responsibilities. Although quiet, they are people-oriented and very observant. Not only do they remember details about others, but they observe and respect others’ feelings. Friends and family are likely to describe them as thoughtful and trustworthy.

Keirsey description

According to Keirsey, ISFJs, or "Protector Guardians", are most concerned with taking care of people by keeping them safe and secure. They are modest caretakers who do not demand credit or thanks for their efforts. But while they are essentially very compassionate—and in fact exercise more patience in dealing with the disabled than perhaps any other type—their shyness with strangers can lead others to misread them as standoffish. Only among friends and family may this quiet type feel comfortable speaking freely. ISFJs are serious people with a strong work ethic, not inclined to self-indulgence. They believe in being meticulous and thrifty. They work well alone. While they may enjoy taking care of others, they do not enjoy giving orders.

Cognitive functions

*Dominant Introverted Sensing (Si)
*Auxiliary Extraverted Feeling (Fe)
*Tertiary Introverted Thinking (Ti)
*Inferior Extraverted iNtuition (Ne)

Correlation with Enneatype

According to Baron and Wagele, the most common Enneatypes for ISFJs are Perfectionists, Helpers and Skeptics. [* cite book
title= The Enneagram Made Easy
last= Wagele
first= Elizabeth
authorlink=Elizabeth Wagele
coauthors= and Renee Baron
year= 1994
publisher= HarperOne
isbn= 0-06-251026-6]

ee also

* Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
* Keirsey Temperament Sorter
* Guardian temperament
* Protector (Role Variant)

References

External links

* [http://www.personalityzone.com/view/temperament/protector.html Keirsey Guardian-Protector (ISFJ)]
* [http://typelogic.com/isfj.html TypeLogic ISFJ]
* [http://www.personalitypage.com/ISFJ.html Personality Page ISFJ]
* [http://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/mbti-basics/the-16-mbti-types.asp The Myers & Briggs Foundation: The 16 MBTI Types]
* [http://www.personalitydesk.com/isfj-type-description.php PersonalityDesk: ISFJ Profile]