About Cognitive Functions, Most MBTI Enthusiasts Get This Wrong

If personality types are stable, why does the same person test differently in their 20s and 40s? The answer lies not in test reliability, but in something Carl Jung called 'individuation.'

Myth #1: Cognitive Function Loops Are Just Overthinking

Many people mistake cognitive function loops—those frustrating moments when we get stuck in our heads for too long—as mere overthinking. This is understandable; we've all been there, caught in a mental whirlpool. But that's not the whole story.

Cognitive loops aren't just about spiraling thoughts; they signal a failure to engage our auxiliary function, which can lead to stagnation. Take my student Marcus, an INTP. He became so fixated on perfecting a project that he completely ignored the collaborative insights his Fe auxiliary could provide, paralyzing his progress. It wasn’t just overthinking; it was a disconnect from the very tools that could help him.

The Real Danger of the Loop

Research suggests cognitive function loops are more intricate than simple overthinking. Dario Nardi's work, particularly in his book 'Neuroscience of Personality' (2011), indicates that cognitive functions play a crucial role in our interactions with our environments. When we neglect these functions, we risk spiraling into loops that hinder our growth.

Cognitive function loops indicate a deeper cognitive struggle, not just overthinking.

What to Do About It

If you find yourself in a loop, try setting a 5-minute timer and reach out to someone for feedback. Engaging your auxiliary function can provide the perspective you need to break free.

Myth #2: Grip States Are Just Temporary Stress

A grip state feels like your personality has been hijacked. It's not just stress; it's a full-blown emotional takeover. This is a common misconception, likely because stress is something we all experience. But that assumption is wrong.

Grip states can lead to profound distress, leaving individuals feeling utterly lost. Susan Storm's research with over 120,000 individuals indicates that these states can unearth vulnerabilities specific to each personality type, transforming a momentary reaction into a significant emotional event.

More Than a Bad Mood

The evidence is compelling. Storm’s findings underscore that grip states expose vulnerabilities unique to each MBTI type, showing that these experiences can have lasting psychological ramifications.

Grip states reveal deeper vulnerabilities tied to personality types.

What to Do About It

When in a grip state, pause and reflect on the emotions that surface. Consider journaling about these feelings or speaking to a trusted friend who can help you process them. Recognizing and addressing these vulnerabilities can be a powerful step toward regaining control.

Myth #3: Anyone Can Experience Loops or Grips Equally

Do we all fall apart the same way? An ESTJ's meltdown looks nothing like an INFP's. There's a prevailing belief that loops and grips affect everyone in the same way. This perspective likely emerges from our shared struggles with psychological states. But the reality is, it’s not so straightforward.

Different MBTI types experience loops and grips in unique ways, depending on their cognitive stack. For instance, an ESTJ might express a grip state as authoritarianism, while an INFP could retreat into a deep emotional abyss. The cognitive functions at play shape how these experiences manifest.

The Unique Experience of Each Type

Dario Nardi's research highlights the nuanced ways cognitive functions influence behavior. This means loops and grips aren’t just personal quirks; they are intricately linked to the psychological frameworks of personality types.

Loops and grips manifest uniquely across different personality types.

What to Do About It

To better understand your unique experience during loops and grips, consider taking a moment to journal about how these states manifest for you. What patterns do you notice? Engaging with your type's cognitive functions may help you develop strategies tailored to your experiences.

The Bigger Picture

Understanding cognitive function loops and grips forces us to rethink our approach to personality psychology. It encourages a move beyond simplistic interpretations of personality types.

For the MBTI community, this recognition emphasizes the complexity of our experiences and the importance of engaging with all cognitive functions. It invites deeper self-awareness and promotes growth rather than stagnation.