When it comes to introversion and extraversion, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) categorizes personality types based on where they fall on this spectrum. Of the 16 MBTI types, some are clearly more introverted than others.
The MBTI Preferences
The MBTI consists of 4 preferences pairs that make up a personality type:
- Extraversion (E) vs Introversion (I)
- Sensing (S) vs Intuition (N)
- Thinking (T) vs Feeling (F)
- Judging (J) vs Perceiving (P)
Each preference pair describes a scale between two dichotomies. For introversion vs extraversion, the scale ranges from highly introverted to highly extraverted.
Most Introverted MBTI Types
Based on where they fall on the introversion-extraversion scale, here are the most introverted MBTI personality types:
INTJ
The INTJ is considered the most introverted of the MBTI types. This type tends to be very independent, introspective and insightful. They enjoy spending time alone to think and process information. INTJs enjoy developing theories and critiquing ideas more so than socializing with others.
INFJ
INFJs are also highly introverted, focused inward on their thoughts and feelings. This type tends to be reserved and private. While they enjoy meaningful relationships, INFJs need a lot of alone time to recharge their mental energy. They have rich inner lives and a strong sense of intuition.
INFP
INFPs are led by their internal values and ideals more so than external motivations. This type is thoughtful, imaginative and often absorbed in their own world. INFPs like spending time alone to reflect on ideas and how they see the world.
INTP
INTPs are very analytical and intellectually curious. This type enjoys theoretical ideas more so than casual socializing. INTPs often get lost in thought, mentally absorped in logical systems and concepts. They like having time and space to theorize and ponder hypotheticals.
Moderately Introverted Types
The following MBTI types are also introverted but fall more towards the middle of the introversion-extraversion scale:
ISTJ
ISTJs are practical and fact-oriented. They prefer familiar routines over new experiences. This type works steadily behind the scenes and doesn’t crave social attention. ISTJs like living by their inner rules and standards.
ISFJ
ISFJs tend to be reserved yet warmly devoted to the people close to them. They focus on providing support in understated ways. This type generally prefers predictability rather than spontaneity. ISFJs live in a thoughtful, modest inner world.
ISTP
ISTPs are analytical and observant, gathering facts and data from their environment. This type is fairly relaxed until a challenge sparks their interest. ISTPs don’t mind being social but they ultimately prefer to process things internally.
ISFP
ISFPs live in a colorful, sensual inner world and are often shy about sharing it. They are modest, unassuming people focused on their own passions. While friendly, ISFPs choose to reveal themselves little by little to those they trust.
Conclusion
In summary, the most introverted MBTI types are INTJ, INFJ, INFP and INTP. They strongly prefer their inner mental landscape focused on ideas, theories, values and impressions. Moderately introverted types include ISTJ, ISFJ, ISTP and ISFP. While social, they ultimately feel energized spending time alone drawing from their inner worlds.