Self-Awareness: MBTI Jung CognitiveFunction Descriptions
Adapted from:
Berens, L.V. (1999). Dynamics of personality type: Understanding and applying Jung’s Cognitive Processes. Huntington Beach, CA: Telos Publications.
Rev. Date: 3/18/10
Extraverted Introverted
Se – extraverted Sensing
Focused on the “here and now”
When Se is a preferred process, there is a sense of fully
participating in the immediate context to the point of
“oneness” with whatever is going on; being energized by
being very in touch with the tangible environment and “what
is” is appreciated for what it is and nothing beyond that. There
is a quality of realism, noticing what really exists in all its
sensory richness and liking lots of stimulation and variety.
There is attention to the rapidly shifting information in a
constantly changing scene in all its randomness, attending to
what is most relevant at the time and ignoring the rest.
Si – introverted Sensing
“Comparing present to past & future experiences”
When Si is a preferred process, there is a tendency to
continually compare what is against what was before and then
against what will be. Information from the past come as a
“knowing” that is rich in detail and everything that is
connected with that memory comes forward in sequence.
Such experiences are truly energizing in their familiarity.
What registers is this vast internal database is that which is
somehow intensely experienced. There is a triggering of a
whole host of past associations, which are reviewed before
current information is accepted as worthwhile.
Ne – extraverted iNtuiting
Brainstorming & “Connecting the Dots”
When Ne is a preferred process, there is much reading
“between the lines.” It is as if potential possibilities and
meanings are “revealed” and must be explored. There is a
sense of fully engaging in emerging new approaches to doing
things and being energized by discovering other perspectives
on things and people in an ever-shifting succession of ideas or
insights triggered by the particular situation, much like
brainstorming. This is often experienced as a flight of ideas
that bring relevant pieces of information from one context into
another. “What is” is not seen for what it is, but for its
relationship to other things. As everything is perceived in a
context of a web of relationships, nothing stands alone or
disconnected.
Ni – introverted iNtuiting
Flashes of Insight & Focus on the Future
When Ni is a preferred process, there is often a certainty
about what is going to happen, often without detail and
without being able to trace the actual data that would support
the prediction. There is often an experience of being
energized by transformational visions of how someone can
grow or of a completely original approach and being drawn to
make those visions manifest. There are often experiences of
flashes of insight that present themselves as conceptual
wholes or profound symbols are a frequent. Very broad
themes and complex whole patterns or systems of thought
often present themselves without being triggered by external
events. Inner images come as a knowing with certainty that
they are true and often universally significant.
Te – extraverted Thinking
A Place For Everything & Everything In Its Place
When Te is a preferred process, organizing space, things, and
ideas comes easily. Putting things in order is an energizing
activity in and of itself and satisfaction is felt from “a place
for everything and everything in its place.” There is even a
tendency to create some sort of organizing system if one
doesn’t already exist and a great deal of comfort in using
conventional ones like alphabetizing, numerical sequences,
pert charts, organizational charts, matrices, tables, etc.
Information is assessed based on the “laws” of either science
or society and logical explanations are sought for everything.
Ti – introverted Thinking
Analyzing & Problem Solving
When Ti is a preferred process, naming and categorizing is
second nature and almost impossible to avoid. There is often a
refined categorization scheme that is not necessarily made
public until something doesn’t fit. Delineating categories and
articulating principles can be as energizing as analyzing and
critiquing what is wrong with something. There is a tendency
to get at the root of things and to try to make sense of them,
often reporting only the essential characteristics rather than
explanatory detail. If something doesn’t fit the existing
frameworks, much thinking through is in order and the whole
framework may be revised.
Fe – extraverted Feeling
Being Thoughtful of Others
When Fe is a preferred process, much attention is given to
creating and maintaining harmonious relationships, often
using social conventions to keep harmony and make people
feel comfortable and included and to keep the group in tact.
There is often ease with social conversations and knowing just
the right thing to say to someone. Time, space, and things are
all organized in relation to the effects on people. Sometimes
there is a sense of having to take care of everyone or even
whole groups, either physically or emotionally, yet meeting
the needs of others is energizing.
Fi – introverted Feeling
Living by What is Right
When Fi is a preferred process, there is often a gut feeling
about whether personal, group, or organizational behavior is
congruent with values. Behavior is often checked for
authenticity and against beliefs to maintain inner harmony and
when that harmony exists there is a sense of peace.
Fundamental truths are often the basis for actions and
standing up for these truths is energizing and compelling.
Often, the values and beliefs are not put upon others or shared
publicly until they are violated. These values can be highly
specific to the individual or such universals as freedom,
loyalty, goodness, etc.
