INFP-T and INFP-A: What’s the Difference?

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INFPs are really sweet and incredible people. They are probably the one personality type that most people won’t harbor a grudge against. However, did you know that there are two variations of the INFP? That is the INFP-T and INFP-A. They are also known as the assertive INFP and the turbulent INFP.

While both variations have the core traits of an INFP, there are some variations between both personality types. These traits will help you figure out if you are turbulent or assertive.

INFP-T and INFP-A: Understanding the Differences

Both variations are both INFP and have the same core cognitive functions. These functions are the introverted feeling (Fi), extroverted intuition (Ne), introverted sensing (Si), and extroverted thinking (Te).

The cognitive functions refer to the way that INFP relates with the world and processes information. Thus, both variations have the same cognitive functions. The only difference though is in the last letter.

INFP-T and INFP-A differ in the way they respond to things and situations in life. To understand this better, I have broken down into categories their attitude and responses across various aspects of their life.

You will immediately notice that the INFP-A takes on a braver outlook in life while the INFP-T might be a little laid back in their approach.

INFP-A and INFP-T: Emotions

Emotions are one area that takes up a large part of the INFP life. At their very core, the INFP are feelers. Their first response to things is introverted feeling. This means that they feel very deeply and will have an emotional response to many situations.

This is going to be very obvious when you are dealing with INFP-A. They are not going to be afraid to express themselves or how they feel about an issue. They are going to state how they feel and they are going to show a lot of confidence doing so.

While they might be outspoken about how they feel, they will often not cry in public and will seem stronger emotionally.

However, the turbulent INFP will be more laid back about how they feel. However, this can often lead to accumulated anger and resentment. When the INFP-T does express themselves, it will often see them breaking down in tears.

However, both the INFP-T and the INFP-A will be able to express how they feel clearly.

Confident and Self-worth

The INFP-A like most assertive variations of the MBTI will show more inclination towards confidence. This is because their assertive nature will push them to express their thoughts about issues.

This does not mean that INFP-T will not be confident. On the contrary, the INFP-T can be very confident people. However, it is easier not to notice the quiet confidence of the INFP-T and hard to miss the assertive confidence of the INFP-A.

When Stressed or Facing Hard Times

Stress and hard times come with the full package of being alive. When both variations of the INFP are faced with stress and hard times, a clear difference can be seen.

The assertive INFP is more likely to be optimistic about things getting better than their turbulent counterparts. They will also be confident that they have the right skills to get themselves out of any challenging situation.

The INFP-T is going to be less optimistic than the INFP-A. They will often see mistakes they make as their faults or as signs that they are failures.

This can take a toll on their self-esteem and leave them feeling highly discouraged.

Relationship

INFP-T and INFP-A are going to take similar approaches to their relationship. This type is naturally idealistic and will tend to hold their partners in high regard.

The difference though will be seen in the way they approach the relationship. INFP-A are going to be more straightforward with what they want from a relationship. They might also take an active role in discussions. This might make a relationship better especially if they are also with an introvert.

The INFP-T, on the other hand, will be more laid back in a relationship. They will also naturally want their partners to take the lead in conversations and discussions. They might also be a bit hesitant to express themselves fully in a relationship.

However, both variations are still INFPs at heart and will show the natural traits of an INFP who is in love.

INFP-T and INFP-A: Opinions

The INFP is an introvert. Therefore, they might not be as expressive as super extroverts. They might also be very quiet. However, the INFP-A is going to be more inclined to state how they feel about certain matters.

The INFP-T is going to be more laid back when it comes to stating their opinions. This might be to avoid conflict. Whatever the reasons are, you are more likely not to hear the thoughts and opinions of the INFP-T.

Self-Image

INFPs will also have to deal with their self-image. The INFP-A is more likely to be carefree about their public image than the INFP. This is because of their usually high confidence in themselves.

The turbulent INFP, on the other hand, is going to be concerned about how they appear to others. This is because a small dent in their self-image can make them suffer from a loss of confidence.

INFP-A and INFP-T: Enneagram Type

These two variations are also going to differ when it comes to enneagram types. The two most popular enneagram types for the INFP are type 4 and type 9.

The INFP-A is more likely to be a type 4. This is down to their need for independence. They are not necessarily afraid of conflict. They will actually like conflict if it finally allows them to be independent.

The INFP-T, on the other hand, is more likely to be an enneagram type 9. Often called peacemakers and mediators (the INFP is also called a mediator), enneagram 9 is all about making sure everything remains in harmony.

This is a perfect fit for the INFP-T who is not as outspoken as their counterparts.

Career choices

These two variations would typically want the same things that an INFP wants in a workplace or a career. They would want autonomy, flexibility, and a friendly workplace.

If you want an in-depth description of the INFP career choices, then you should click that link.

The INFP-A will do better with jobs that require an INFP to talk more. This is because they are assertive by nature. The INFP-T won’t do as well not just because they are turbulent but because of their core traits. Remember that the INFP is still very much an introvert. This means they will also naturally struggle in some types of jobs.