Have you ever experienced such a moment: you, who is passionate, responsible and good at cooperating on weekdays, a typical ESFJ, suddenly shows a completely different side from usual, becoming introverted, sensitive, and even a little casual, just like an ISFP possession? In fact, this is exactly your shadow function and personality is quietly playing a role.
Warm reminder: This article is for readers who have a basic understanding of the concept of Jung Eight Dimension (MBTI cognitive function). If you have not yet entered this field, you can click to read this article , or search for relevant information on the Internet to build a preliminary understanding.
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What is Shadow Function Personality?
In the Jungian eight-dimensional + MBTI theoretical system, shadow functional personality occupies an extremely critical position. From a definition, if the first letter of a personality type (representing introversion I or extraversion E) and the tail letter (representing judgment J or perceptual P) are replaced with opposite letters, the resulting new personality is the shadow functional personality of the original personality. For example, the first letter ‘E (extroversion)’ of ESFJ becomes ‘I (introversion)’ and the last letter ‘J (judgment)’ becomes ‘P (perception)’, which leads to the shadow function personality of ESFJ is ISFP; similarly, the shadow function personality of INTP is ENTJ.
Shadow function personality is like the ‘other self’ hidden deep in our subconscious. It is often suppressed, ignored or even denied by us, but in specific situations, it will suddenly erupt like a sleeping volcano, which has a significant impact on our behavior and emotions. It is not an alien strange existence, but an indispensable part of our personality as a whole, carrying our underexplored and integrated traits and potentials.
Why is ESFJ’s shadow function personality ISFP?
The shadow functional personality of ESFJ is ISFP, and the two are closely related. From the Jungian eight-dimensional functional dimension, the difference is very intuitive:
1. Leading function
The dominant function of ESFJ is extroverted emotion (Fe). This makes ESFJ pay great attention to other people’s emotional state in daily life, actively creates a harmonious interpersonal atmosphere, is an active member in social occasions, always taking care of others’ feelings enthusiastically.
The dominant function of ISFP is introverted sensation (Si). This makes ISFP focus more on its inner feelings and experiences, has a profound and unique feeling of the details in its surroundings, and is often immersed in its rich inner world.
2. Accessibility
The auxiliary function of ESFJ is introverted sensation (Si). It helps ESFJ accumulate past experience, whether it is common sense in life or work flow, and will act based on past successful cases, follow traditions and rules, and do things in a meticulous and organized manner.
The auxiliary function of ISFP is extroverted emotion (Fe). Although the dominant function is the same as ESFJ, the position is lower, which means that when ISFP establishes emotional connections with others, it is not as proactive and frequent as ESFJ, but only shows concern for others’ emotions at the right time.
3. Third function
The third function of ESFJ is extroverted intuition (Ne). It occasionally brings new ideas and possibilities to ESFJ, but is not the dominant decision-making factor.
The third function of ISFP is introverted intuition (Ni). Helping ISFP understand the deep meaning and potential possibilities behind things, with a unique spiritual pursuit.
4. Fourth function
The fourth function of ESFJ is introverted thinking (Ti). It silently conducts logical analysis behind the scenes, but has relatively weak influence.
The fourth function of ISFP is extroverted thinking (Te). Used to handle actual transactions and make decisions, but not their main behavior pattern.
Comparing the two, ESFJ is from being emotionally dominated by external forces, focusing on the harmony between others and external forces, to being internally thought-prone and logically analyzed; while ISFP is from being internally dominated by internal feelings, focusing on its own internal experience, to being externally thought-prone and handling external affairs, and the order of function is almost completely opposite. This leads to the suppressed ISFP traits that are opposite to the daily dominant mode when the ESFJ is in stress, exhaustion or special situations. The ESFJ, who was originally enthusiastic and socialized, may become taciturn and fall into the self-world, because the introversion feeling of the dominant function of the ISFP begins to work; the ESFJ, who was originally following the rules and doing things in a organized manner, may become casual and ignoring responsibilities, which is the influence of the ISFP’s extroversion emotion, making it break the routine. This reversal of the sequence of functions makes ISFP a completely different personality trait hidden in the ESFJ’s subconscious mind, which profoundly affects the behavior and emotions of ESFJ in specific situations. This is why ESFJ’s shadow function personality is the reason why ISFP.
How to live in harmony with your own shadow function personality?
Shadow function personality is by no means a ‘flood or beast’ and is not a negative or wrong existence. As the other side of our personality, it has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, and it contains huge potential power and broad space for growth. When we can face and accept our shadowy functional personality, it is like opening a door to the depth of our self-cognition, which helps us better understand ourselves and achieve balanced development of our personality.
For ESFJ, try the following methods to live in harmony with the shadow function personality:
- Exclusive time alone: Make time for yourself to be alone at the right time. Turn off the noise from the outside world, listen quietly to the voices in your heart, and explore those interests and hobbies that are covered up by your busy life. For example, pick up a brush and try painting, or immerse yourself in the world of music, so as to cultivate your creativity and perception of beauty, and nourish and relax your heart.
- Express yourself bravely: Create enough opportunities for yourself to express yourself, whether it is a long talk with your close friends or recording your mood through writing, and share your deep feelings and thoughts. In this process, seek the understanding and support of others, further clarify and establish your own value system and beliefs, and allow inner emotions to be reasonably released.
- Embraise the adventure challenge: Give yourself some opportunities for adventure in a timely manner, bravely step out of your comfort zone, and try new things. For example, learn a new extreme sport or participate in creative workshops you have never been involved in. In the process of challenging one’s own limits, explore the infinite possibilities hidden in one’s own way and truly experience the happiness and sense of accomplishment brought by hard work.
- Actively seek innovation and change: Actively seek changes in life, and flexibly adjust your life rhythm and way of doing things according to different environments and conditions. For example, change your daily commute routes, try new cooking methods, and explore different leisure activities. Discover new opportunities in the change, expand your future development space, and make life full of freshness and vitality.
If you want to have a deep understanding of ESFJ’s personality secrets, you can click to read ‘ESFJ Advanced Personality Archives’ .
4. Summary
ESFJ’s shadow function Personality ISFP is like a treasure hidden deep in its personality. It is not only an unknown hidden face, but also a potential source of power that needs to be discovered urgently. When ESFJ can truly recognize and accept this special personality part, they will further improve and enrich their personality, gain more confidence and happiness in life, and face various challenges and beauty in life with a more complete and full attitude.
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