This article reveals the conversion process between MBTI types and Jungian cognitive functions.
MBTI Four Dimensions Explained
| Dimension | Name | Letter | Core Meaning | Manifestations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Energy Attitude | E/I | Energy Source | E: External world I: Internal reflection |
| 2nd | Perceiving | S/N | Information Intake | S: Concrete facts N: Abstract patterns |
| 3rd | Judging | T/F | Decision Making | T: Logic-based F: Value-based |
| 4th | External Attitude | J/P | Lifestyle Orientation | J: Structured (T/F) P: Flexible (S/N) |
The combination of these 4 letters creates 16 personality types like ENTP, INFJ, INTP, ENFJ, etc.
What Are Jungian Cognitive Functions?
The Jungian cognitive functions framework describes eight mental processes used in psychological activities:
| Function | Code | Extraverted Version | Introverted Version |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thinking | Te | Systematic logic | Ti: Analytical reasoning |
| Feeling | Fe | Social harmony | Fi: Personal values |
| Sensing | Se | Present reality | Si: Subjective impressions |
| Intuition | Ne | Pattern recognition | Ni: Future insights |
Conversion Guide: MBTI to Cognitive Functions
Key Conversion Rule:
- The 4th letter (J/P) determines externalized functions:
- J types: Extravert Judging function (T/F)
- P types: Extravert Perceiving function (S/N)
Conversion Examples:
INFP Case (4th letter P):
- Prioritize extraverted perceiving (N → Ne)
- Introverted judging (F → Fi)
- Adjust for introverted dominant function: Fi Ne → Ne Fi (swap)
- Function axes: Fi-Te (Judging), Ne-Si (Perceiving)
- Conscious stack: Fi Ne Si Te
- Shadow stack: Fe Ni Se Ti
ISTJ Case (4th letter J):
- Prioritize extraverted judging (T → Te)
- Introverted perceiving (S → Si)
- Maintain introverted dominance: Si Te
- Function axes: Te-Fi (Judging), Si-Ne (Perceiving)
- Conscious stack: Si Te Fi Ne
- Shadow stack: Se Ti Fe Ni
Function Axes Explained
Function axes represent the mind’s natural balancing act. This pairing system originates from our cognitive system’s built-in compensation mechanism.
- Ti-Fe axis: You can convince yourself, but can you convince others?
- Fe-Ti axis: You can convince others, but can you convince yourself?
- Si-Ne axis: You can accept reality, but can you accept possibilities?
- Ne-Si axis: You can accept possibilities, but can you accept reality?
- Te-Fi axis: You changed the world, but are you loyal to yourself?
- Fi-Te axis: You are loyal to yourself, but have you changed the world?
- Ni-Se axis: You see the future trend, but do you see the feedback the world gives you?
- Se-Ni axis: Can you grasp the feedback the world gives you, but have you seen future trends?
Quick Method
In fact, mbti does not need 4 letters to represent it, because the 4th bit is the priority of 23 bits. We only need to stipulate that the 23 bits are explicit in front, so that the fourth bit can be omitted.
For example:
- ENTP can be abbreviated as ENT (N precedes T → Ne-Ti). As the first letter is E, the extraverted function Ne naturally stays in the first position.
- ENTJ can be abbreviated as ETN (T precedes N → Te-Ni). With E as the first letter, Te remains in the leading position.
- INFJ can be abbreviated as IFN (F precedes N → Fe-Ni). Since the first letter is I, we swap positions to prioritize the introverted function: Ni-Fe.
- INFP can be abbreviated as INF (N precedes F → Ne-Fi). With I as the first letter, we adjust the order to Fi-Ne.
This pattern applies to all other types accordingly. This also serves as a quick method to derive Jungian functions from MBTI types.
Practice Questions: What’s INTJ’s function stack? How about ESFP? Share your answers in the comments!
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