If you have already read the post on Myers-Briggs Dominant-Tertiary Loops (for extroverts), this introduction will look familiar. Feel free to jump ahead to the eight individual type descriptions for introverts: INFP, INTP, ISFP, ISTP, INFJ, INTJ, ISFJ, ISTJ. But if you’re starting here and unsure what “cognitive functions” are, read this for a thorough description and MBTI introduction.
Stress is a human condition most of us know all too well. Input and circumstances beyond our control can negatively impact relationships, career moves, and even our health — but did you know that it can alter your personality?
According to the Myers-Briggs personality type theory, periods of high stress or unusual circumstances may cause individuals to use their cognitive functions differently. When talking about stress and personality, there are a few different theories in the type community about shadow selves and shadow functions. Before wandering down that rabbit hole, let’s look at a more universally accepted cognitive pattern: the dominant-tertiary loop.
This loop occurs when an extroverted personality depends solely on the two extroverted functions in their cognitive stack (the first/dominant and the third/tertiary) and an introverted personality depends solely on their two introverted functions. For example, an INFP’s cognitive stack is: Fi, Ne, Si, Te so a dominant-tertiary loop would be depending on Fi and Si to run the show, completely bypassing Ne. In this cognitive loop, the secondary function is always ignored, leading to a host of problems (as you can imagine).
For the eight introverted types, facing an event or situation from the outside world that’s too difficult to approach may cause them to retreat into their more comfortable internal world to handle it. Normally the second function acts as a side-kick to the dominant function, so when this process is ignored for a long period of time chaotic and unhealthy behaviors can emerge.
Here’s how the dominant-tertiary loop plays out for introverts.
INFP (Fi-Si)
An INFP’s secondary function is Extroverted Intuition (Ne). When there is an excessive amount of stress coming from an INFP’s outer environment, they may neglect Ne and turn toward their dominant Introverted Feeling (Fi) and tertiary Introverted Sensing (Si) functions for answers, support, and solutions. Particularly for these types, when possibilities and opportunities seems scare and they are unable to explore their world, they may turn inward for comfort and guidance.
The dominant-tertiary loop for an INFP causes them to obsess over their subjective values, morals, and principles. Because Si is a memory function, an INFP under significant stress might find themselves mercilessly replaying conversations or events from the past. This could lead to a sudden urge to mend broken relationships and rebuild burnt bridges. INFPs in this state often become self-critical and replay small details of previous interactions and torment themselves with things they said or did.
If an INFP hangs out in this space for too long, they may be emotionally vulnerable and experience forms of anxiety and depression. With Ne out of the picture, an INFP is unable to see future options and outer world possibilities. This can easily lend itself to feelings of doom and hopelessness as an INFP sees no way out of this spiral.
In order to break free of this toxic mental cycle, an INFP needs to begin exercising Ne again. It might feel forced as they try to get out into the world, take trips, meet new people, try new restaurants, etc., but when it’s functioning again the difference will be very apparent — it might look like random bursts of inspiration and sudden life changes. INFPs should engage with the outer world with cautious enthusiasm after long periods of introverted stress.
INTP (Ti-Si)
An INTP’s secondary function is Extroverted Intuition (Ne). Like an INFP, if there is significant stress coming from the outside environment, particularly if they are unable to explore the world around them, they may find themselves turning inward for solutions. When looping between Ti and Si, INTPs may start obsessing over their own thoughts and find it hard to land on confident conclusions.
Because Si is a memory function, an INTP under significant stress might dive even more deeply into their minds and find themselves replaying past arguments and becoming cripplingly nostalgic. The usual forward-thinking INTP becomes drowned in memories of the past in a Ti-Si loop. Because they’re drawing from what they know (Si) instead of expanding on what they know (Ne), an INTP in a dominant-tertiary loop can be rigid and inflexible with their assertions. If an INTP stays in this loop for too long, they can become paralyzed by nostalgia and confined to routine.
When an INTP comes out of this loop and begins to exercise Ne again, they may become suddenly inspired to engage with the outer world and go searching for new experiences. INTPs should seek guidance from close family and friends during this time and allow them to speak into their lives as an objective third party. Tempering their enthusiasm while still following their Ne instincts will help INTPs make less impulsive decisions.
ISFP (Fi-Ni)
An ISFP’s secondary function is Extroverted Sensing (Se). If an ISFP receives an excessive amount of stress from the outside world, they may turn inward and “hermit” in their own personal space. For an ISFP, this stress often comes in the form of sensory overload: loud sounds, excessive input, distracting visuals, or demanding physical conditions may overwork the resources of Se and cause them to bypass it in order to get through the situation. When looping between their dominant function Introverted Feeling (Fi) and their tertiary function Introverted Intuition (Ni), an ISFP may find themselves preoccupied by the meaning of life and taking a pessimistic view of who they’re going to be in the future.
Because Ni is a perspective-shifting function, an ISFP in a Fi-Ni loop might find themselves identifying patterns in things that aren’t necessarily accurate. They may read into other peoples motives and become paranoid about how someone is treating them. This “looping” ISFP might doubt a partner’s loyalty, question their own potential, struggle to see the value in things, and feel guilty for not sustaining their relationships properly. Without their auxiliary function bringing in new information, ISFPs will feel limited and even trapped inside themselves.
In order to return to a healthier mental state, ISFPs need to engage Extroverted Sensing again by going on “adventures.” Sensory experiences like planning a trip, trying a new restaurant, or going on a hike will jolt an ISFP back to life. ISFPs, like all personalities, should be cautious when coming out of a dominant-tertiary loop because their auxiliary function is starving for stimulation. It will be easy to “go over the top” with experiences due to the rush of excitement and euphoria they get from those things. Tempered enjoyment is the name of the game.
ISTP (Ti-Ni)
An ISTP’s secondary cognitive function is Extroverted Sensing (Se). Stressful events can overload Se’s ability to process, adapt, or react to new information and as a result, cause an ISTP to escape inward to their dominant Introverted Thinking (Ti) and tertiary Introverted Intuition (Ni). While in this loop, ISTPs may dwell on self-doubt and assume a dreary perspective of their future.
Healthy ISTPs are confident and sure of themselves. Without the aid of Extroverted Sensing, however, these types question their every move. Introverted Thinking relies on new information from Extroverted Sensing in order to have direction and stay focused. Without new input from Se, the ISTP will turn to Introverted Intuition (Ni) for answers. Unfortunately, Ni isn’t well developed in the ISTP so it will present incomplete and pessimistic pictures of the future. These types start to see how things could go wrong and they picture only negative outcomes playing out. This pessimistic spiral is internal, but usually noticed by loved ones.
In order to break free of the Ti-Ni cognitive loop, the ISTP needs to actively engage Extroverted Sensing. At first this won’t feel comfortable or natural, but by purposefully trying to take action on their ideas, even if the outcome is unsuccessful, they’ll find themselves in a more productive and healthy space. By trying to repair that car that’s been sitting in the garage, attempting a new trick on the dirt bike, or going on a new weekend trip to a scenic location, ISTPs will find hopeful horizons.
INFJ (Ni-Ti)
An INFJ’s secondary function is Extroverted Feeling (Fe). This function helps an INFJ interact with the outside world in a way that brings harmony, sustains relationships, and skillfully navigates the world of people. If significant stress taxes this function, like a relationship going sour or feeling detached from loved ones, INFJs may bypass Fe and turn to their dominant Introverted Intuition (Ni) and tertiary Introverted Thinking (Ti).
INFJ’s looping between Ni and Ti will cause them to be incredibly lost in thought. An introverted loop is difficult to discern from the outside because, by nature, it’s invisible to others… but the INFJ will feel particularly affected as if they can’t escape their own mind. In this loop, Ni plays around with new theories, gives that information to Ti to investigate, and Ti returns it to Ni to expand on and churn out even more abstract thoughts. In this process INFJs can get so caught up in analyzing every tiny detail that they end up in a very anxious and debilitating state. When Ti provides the answers Ni is looking for instead of Fe, the INFJ will feel dissatisfied with the conclusion and begin self-loathing.
INFJs will feel particularly stressed by the amount of mental activity that’s going on during this loop. The longer an INFJ stays here, the harder it’s going to be to get out. In order to exit their Ni-Ti loop, they’ll need to trust and engage with their relationships again. By utilizing compassion and empathy, their focus will turn again to other people. But INFJs may need the help of a loved one to exit this cycle since Ni-Ti can perpetuate so much self-doubt and helplessness that they may not have the perspective to recognize their need for change. Although it is not easy, it is possible to get back to a healthier place cognitively if intentional effort is made to strengthen and engage Extroverted Feeling again.
INTJ (Ni-Fi)
An INTJ’s secondary cognitive function is Extroverted Thinking (Te). Periods of high stress and emotionally heavy situations, like trauma or severe loss, will spark a need to retreat into their more comfortable introverted functions. Extroverted Thinking will initially try to cope with the pain and come up with satisfactory conclusions, but if it is unable to do so, INTJs will abandon it and consult Introverted Feeling for a variety of answers to deep questions.
The usually logical and balance INTJ becomes quite impulsive in a Ni-Fi loop. This introverted loop makes them more prone to act on emotions quickly and clumsily without taking the proper time to sort them through. INTJs are normally very confident and decisive, but an INTJ in a Ni-Fi loop will be hesitant and even afraid to make a decision. This fear paralyzes them and lines between what’s right or wrong become unusually blurred. If the dominant-tertiary loop is sustained for a significant amount of time they might become paranoid and restless.
An INTJ in this loop will feel particularly unsettled and want to return to their confidence and quick decision-making. In order to exit their Ni-Fi loop, they’ll need to trust and engage Extroverted Thinking again. By introducing external thoughts and opinions and by visualizing their own thought processes again, they will slowly begin to trust the reliability of that function. Things like listening to speakers, reading books, or writing out their plans will help INTJs regain use of this function.
ISFJ (Si-Ti)
An ISFJ’s secondary cognitive function is Extroverted Feeling (Fe). If relationship dynamics become particularly stressful for this type or if they feel their usual ways of handling things aren’t working, they may be more prone to enter into a dominant-tertiary loop relying on their dominant Introverted Sensing (Si) and tertiary Introverted Thinking (Ti) to run the show.
Like INFJs, these types are prone to becoming lost in thought while in their Si-Ti loop. But instead of becoming anxious about the future, ISFJs will become obsessed by mistakes of the past. A healthy ISFJ will naturally have Si bring past experiences to the forefront and use Fe to introduce compassion to those memories. A looping ISFJ will bypass that sympathetic Fe response and use Ti instead. Introverted Thinking is a function that likes logic and hard facts, but because it isn’t well-developed in an ISFJ, the strengths of this function will be misapplied and the ISFJ will feel like they can’t come up with any real solutions to anything. This critical analysis will be a sharp difference from the typical warm nature of an ISFJ.
The longer an ISFJ stays in a Si-Ti loop, the harder it’s going to be to get out. They’ll need to trust and engage with their relationships again to stimulate Extroverted Feeling. By utilizing compassion and sympathy, their focus will turn again to other people. Activities such as volunteering for a charity can help shift their focus back on other people and make an ISFJ feel more at ease in their own mind.
ISTJ (Si-Fi)
An ISTJ’s secondary cognitive function is Extroverted Thinking (Te). They may be prone to neglect Te and withdraw into their more comfortable introverted functions if circumstances from the outside world become particularly challenging or require a more sensitive, empathic approach. Their tertiary Introverted Feeling (Fi) function will try to take over in Te’s place, but will operate as a very incomplete and clumsy secondary function.
ISTJs are known for their reliability and steadiness. In a Si-Fi loop, however, these types become more fearful and unsure of themselves; they may start to doubt their own abilities and hesitate moving forward. This lack of confidence seeps into every aspect of their lives: personally and professionally. They spend a lot of timing using Si to examine the past and because Fi may not be well-developed, their sense of self-identity is fragile and will cause them to be uneasy about their future prospects.
To come out of this loop, ISTJs will need to start relying on Te again and use it to introduce rational decision-making. To do this they’ll need to actively research topics, engage in stimulating conversation, and focus on the things they can change in their situation. They may feel a bit uncomfortable with the shift (as often happens if someone is stuck in a dominant-tertiary loop for extended periods of time), but doing so will help them feel more grounded, confident, and healthy.
Introverts Looping
If you’ve read through all the types in this article, you may have recognized a pattern when it comes to introverts falling into and emerging from a dominant-tertiary loop. Introverts by nature feel more comfortable in the internal world of feelings, logic, intuition, and memory. In times of stress, it is understandable that they would shift to total reliance on these internal means to solve tough problems and help them navigate stressful life seasons. But in order to be complete and well-rounded as people, extroverts and introverts alike need to balance the world outside and inside themselves. By intentionally engaging and trusting the less natural world, every MBTI will be journeying toward personal wholeness and peace.
Personality City 