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Which personality type Overthinks most?

INFP and INFJ: The Overthinkers We start off with INFPs and INFJs: two Introverted personalities that often experience bouts of anxiety. When it comes to these types, their anxiety can stem from an inclination to overthinking.

truity.com - What Personality Types are Prone to Anxiety? - Truity

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As humans, we’re all susceptible to stress. After all, that’s our brain's response to potential threats. However, some of us can develop anxiety as well. Unlike stress, anxiety can linger and show up without any recognizable triggers. For years, researchers have wondered whether there’s a link between personality and anxiety. And if so, what personality types are prone to anxiety? Today we’re connecting the dots between anxiety and typology.

Personality type and anxiety: what the research says

There has been some debate about whether anxiety is a genetic condition. Most researchers agree that it can be inherited, but it’s also influenced by other factors. This means you may have anxiety, even if it doesn’t run in your family. When it comes to personality, research indicates some personality traits may predispose you to develop an anxiety disorder. A 2006 study identified the following personality traits as linked to anxiety: Social inhibition, a broad personality trait where people inhibited, tense, and insecure when with others

Low Extraversion (or high Introversion)

High neuroticism, which describes a person’s tendency to feel negative emotions like fear, guilt or shame. Now, there’s an important distinction between social inhibition, low Extraversion and anxiety. Being Introverted in itself doesn’t mean you’re an anxious individual. Often, people confuse Introversion with social anxiety, but they are different concepts. Introversion is a personality trait. It means you draw energy from spending time alone, unlike Extraverts who reenergize when surrounded by others. It’s part of who you are, not necessarily something you can change. Social anxiety, on the other hand, is a condition in which a person experiences a constant fear of being judged or rejected by others. If you have social anxiety, connecting with others could be really challenging and cause you distress. For these and other reasons, it’s difficult to make a direct correlation between specific types on the Myers and Briggs personality spectrum and their predisposition to anxiety. Nonetheless, we’ve identified some types that display personality traits that could make them more prone to anxiety than others.

Personality types that could be prone to anxiety

INFP and INFJ: The Overthinkers

We start off with INFPs and INFJs: two Introverted personalities that often experience bouts of anxiety. When it comes to these types, their anxiety can stem from an inclination to overthinking. Psychology Today defines overthinking as “an excessive tendency to monitor, evaluate, and attempt to control all types of thought,” something this INFJ knows all too well. The reality is that, as Intuitives, INFX personalities are naturally drawn to observe patterns and explore thoughts and ideas. Constantly taking in information and analyzing it may get you stuck in a pattern of overthinking, which can then lead to excessive worry and evolve into anxiety.

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If spending too much time in your head is affecting your mental health, try a mindful practice like journaling or painting. Having a creative outlet can be a helpful tool to slow down your racing thoughts and better process your emotions.

INTJ: The Perfectionist

The hardworking and diligent INTJ is a levelheaded individual who is capable of producing stellar work. However, as an INTJ, you may also have a negative perfectionist tendency. Whilst saying you’re a perfectionist may sound good in a job interview, it comes with its perils. In fact, researchers have linked toxic perfectionism with heart disease. Another study found that 70% of young people who died by suicide had extremely high standards for themselves. Multiple studies also show a correlation between anxiety disorders and perfectionism. As pragmatic as INTJs are, they can also suffer with anxiety by setting impossibly high standards for themselves. As an INTJ, your analytical mind can always come up with a way to improve something you’ve already done. This can leave an INTJ frustrated and anxious. By adjusting expectations and coming to terms with the fact that life is messy and imperfect, INTJs can curb their negative perfectionism and start giving more credit to themselves and others.

ENFJ and ESFJ: The People Pleasers

Contrary to popular belief, there’s scientific research that suggests anxiety also affects Extraverts. ENFJs and ESFJs in particular are two Extraverted types who could be more prone to anxiety. Firstly, both of these personalities lead with Extraverted Feeling (Fe). Having Fe as your dominant cognitive function means it’s the first mental tool you rely on to make sense of the world. EXFJs are tuned into other people’s emotions and moods. As an EXFJ you’re concerned with helping others, and you’re happier when everyone gets along. However, anxiety may hit ENFJ and ESFJ personalities when they develop a people-pleasing habit. After all, Fe is also about following social norms and fitting in. EXFJs can care a lot about what others think of them. This consideration for others may cause them to have ruminating thoughts about their social interactions.

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Moreover, to appease the people they love, EXFJs may find themselves agreeing to something they don’t really wish to do, or that they have no time for. If you’re an ENFJ or ESFJ, remember that, as much as you love to help, sometimes the most helpful thing you can do is to take care of yourself first.

ISFJ and ISTJ: The Traditionalists

People who suffer from anxiety often have a resistance to change. For the traditionally inclined ISFJ and ISTJ types, sudden changes can be a cause of great worry and anxiety. Like their Extraverted counterparts, ISFJs show love by being present for others. However, they can take this to an extreme and end up neglecting their own emotional needs in the process. When it comes to ISTJs, anxiety can surface when they feel a lack of structure. If plans fall through, or they have to move in a different and unexpected direction, ISTJs can become overwhelmed and blame themselves for not predicting how things would play out. My advice for anxious ISXJs? Learn to set time aside for yourself. In addition, recognize your accomplishments, even when things don’t go as smoothly as planned. Chances are, you did a good job and are just being too hard on yourself.

The bottom line

There’s no direct correlation between specific Myers and Briggs personality types and anxiety disorders so it’s safe to say that your personality type is not a ticket for the anxiety train. Research suggests your personality can influence how you respond to stress, which may trigger anxiety in some people, but there are other variables at play. Everyone’s different. The most important thing is to recognize the signs of anxiety in yourself and nip them in the bud through self-care and support.

truity.com - What Personality Types are Prone to Anxiety? - Truity

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