INTP Personality Types and Their Cognitive Functions

INTP Personality Types and Their Cognitive Functions

Most estimates put the number of INTPs at between 3% and 5%, which means they have one of the rarest personality types in the world. INTP is often referred to as the Architect personality type because they like to use their intellect and logical thinking skills to come up with solutions to problems. When it comes to making decisions, they approach the task by using logic rather than emotion.

In this post, we discuss the cognitive functions of the INTP personality type.

What does INTP stand for?

Let’s start by explaining what INTP stands for. Each personality type has four key traits, which help to explain how the person with that personality type thinks and acts. The INTP personality type is made up of the following four personality traits:

• Introverted (which means they like their independence and alone time)
• Intuitive (which means they like to come up with new ideas and concepts)
• Thinking (which means they think logically and factually)
• Perceiving (which means they like to act spontaneously)

INTP cognitive functions

The INTP’s cognitive functions are:

• Introverted Thinking
• Extraverted Intuition
• Introverted Sensing, and
• Extraverted Feeling.

INTPs are described as “Thinkers” or “Architects” as they have a high level of intellect and love to solve problems. When it comes to interacting with other people, they’re known to love their independence and many could be described as loners. When INTPs are trying to find a solution to a problem, they like to think through the options logically and thoughtfully and don’t let emotions play any part in their decision-making process.

When interacting as part of a team, the INTP loves to have control over the direction of the group, and when they perceive the direction of the group isn’t working well, they quickly lose interest in the project that’s being worked on. They can also be very self-conscious and are prone to overanalyzing situations, which can cause them to develop anxiety.

INTPs are very thoughtful when making decisions, but they’re also prone to act spontaneously and don’t seek out the advice of other people. When they make good decisions, this can lead them to achieve great things, but when it doesn’t work out, it can cause problems—especially when working in a group situation.

Cognitive function stack

According to Carl Jung, people have an order in which they use their cognitive functions. He calls this the cognitive function stack. The cognitive function stack includes:

Primary Function. The most natural cognitive function, which is the first one to show/develop at a young age.

Auxiliary Function. The supporting function plays a large role in the type of job a person chooses. It’s also shown at a young age when a person starts to make simple decisions.

Tertiary Function. The function that people use to make decisions and take steps to improve a situation. This is usually developed in the person’s teenage years as they start to have to make their own life decisions.

Inferior Function. Activated when someone is under stress and needs to protect themselves.

INTPs and emotion

INTPs are known to be logical thinkers who use facts to make decisions. This helps them make good decisions most of the time, but one area they’re not good at is understanding emotions. When they have negative thoughts, they struggle to understand why, which can lead to them developing anxiety and depression. However, when INTPs understand their lack of emotional intelligence (EQ) they’re able to develop techniques to deal with it.

Because of their lack of EQ, many INTPs like to have control over their surroundings, which leads them to want to work independently as opposed to working as part of a group.

Even though INTPs aren’t very good at recognizing their own emotions, they’re good at understanding and recognizing the emotions of other people—especially people close to them, like partners.

The problem for them is they aren’t very good at reacting to them, which can cause conflicts in all areas of their lives. For example, if an argument develops between them and a coworker, they usually try to rationalize the problem using logic rather than recognizing their coworker's emotional reaction to it.

How other people view INTPs

INTPS are often viewed by other people as brash and arrogant. They find little interest in mundane things and hate small talk, so you’ll often find them working or spending time alone. This can often cause INTPs issues in their life when they need to work as part of a group. However, when they’re engaged in discussions on interesting topics and ideas, they do engage with other people—especially when these are one-on-one discussions.