Each Myers-Briggs type has a dominant cognitive function that they use to process information that they take in from their external environment. Anytime they interact with someone else or the environment, they receive information and process it through their first cognitive function. They typically also use this function to make the majority of their decisions, along with some help from the auxiliary, or secondary, function. Each MBTI type has a certain type of behavior or inputs from their environment that can cause them pain. Once each type realizes what causes them pain, they can take a look at those environmental triggers and recognize what is happening. The reason these behaviors cause pain is because the natural way of processing feels as if it is being threatened, and the person may lash out or withdraw because of the flight or fight response to the “threat”.
Extroverted Thinking (Te) – Dominant: ENTJ/ESTJ and Auxiliary: INTJ/ISTJ
Being undermined. Types who use Extroverted Thinking take data from the external environment and make decisions and processes based on that. They use facts and data to make their decisions quickly and logically. They typically don’t believe that other options can be considered. Being undermined can make them feel as if their natural decision-making process is being threatened and they may feel indignant.
Introverted Thinking (Ti) – Dominant: INTP/ISTP and Auxiliary: ENTP/ESTP
Being questioned. Types who use Introverted Thinking take data and facts from their internal environment and use these facts to assess each individual situation. They use long-term analysis in their heads to make their decisions rationally. Being questioned can make them feel as if their natural decision-making process is being threatened and they may feel angry.
Extroverted Intuition (Ne) – Dominant: ENFP/ENTP and Auxiliary: INTP/INFP
Having their ideas shut down. Types who use Extroverted Intuition find patterns in external data and facts and will take into account a lot of different sources. They enjoy big-picture theorizing and have a lot of creative ideas. Having their ideas shut down can make them feel as if their natural decision-making process is being threatened and they may feel invalidated.
Introverted Intuition (Ni) – Dominant: INFJ/INTJ and Auxiliary: ENFJ/ENTJ
Being ignored or invalidated. Types who use Introverted Intuition take patterns from the internal environment and make fairly accurate theories based on pattern recognition. They use data and internal patterns to project the future without necessarily having the facts to back up their ideas. Having their ideas ignored or invalidated can make them feel as if their natural decision-making process is being threatened and they may shut down.
Extroverted Sensing (Se) – Dominant: ESFP/ESTP and Auxiliary: ISFP/ISTP
Losing connection with the 5 senses. Types who use Extroverted Sensing experience and process the world based on their five senses. They are very engaged with the present moment, taking in everything through the five senses and making choices that align with those senses. Being deprived of using their 5 senses can make them feel as if their natural decision-making process is being threatened and they may get bored.
Introverted Sensing (Si) – Dominant: ISFJ/ISTJ and Auxiliary: ESFJ/ESTJ
Having their experiences invalidated. Types who use Introverted Sensing are very connected with their own past experiences and use an archival system of data they have collected over time through the lens of their own experience. If someone questions their choices based on their past experiences can make them feel as if their natural decision-making process is being threatened and they may feel an inner turmoil.
Extroverted Feeling (Fe) – Dominant: ENFJ/ESF and Auxiliary: INFJ/ISFJ
Someone being aggressively confrontational. Types who use Extroverted Feeling crave external harmony and prefer to be in an environment where everyone is getting along. They can handle conflict if it is presented in a way that takes into account everyone’s feelings and respect for each person. However, if someone is being aggressively confrontational, it can make them feel as if their natural decision-making process is being threatened and they may feel frightened.
Introverted Feeling (Fi) – INFP/ISFP and Auxiliary: ENFP/ESFP
Not being trusted or their advice not taken seriously. Types who use Introverted Feeling use their internal value system to analyze how they see the world and use their value system over the values of other people or society. They have a strong knowledge of what they feel is right or wrong. If someone questions their advice or doesn’t trust their motivations, it can make them feel as if their natural decision-making process is being threatened and they may lash out.
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