The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a psychological framework that divides people into 16 types based on their inclinations for four sets of cognitive processes. Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F) is one of the combinations, which relates to how people make choices and process information.
Thinkers (T) make decisions based on reasoning and objective analysis, whereas Feelers (F) base their choices on personal beliefs and emotional factors. When it comes to coping with emotions, the two types may take a distinct strategy.
Thinkers (T) may find it difficult to communicate their feelings because they depend on reasoning and may regard emotions as irrelevant or irrational. They may prefer to analyse their feelings rather than experience them, and they may find it difficult to comprehend and sympathise with others who are emotionally disturbed. This is not to say that Thinkers are emotionless or that they do not feel emotions; they simply process and communicate them differently.
Feelers (F) on the other hand, are more in touch with their own feelings as well as the emotions of others. They may value harmony and interpersonal connections, which makes them more likely to freely share their feelings and empathise with others. They may find it difficult to make choices that may hurt the emotions of others, and they may sometimes favour the needs of others over their own.
It’s essential to note that these are typical patterns, and people’s emotional expression and control may differ regardless of their MBTI type. Ultimately, despite of their natural tendencies, both Thinkers and Feelers can learn to build emotional intelligence and successfully control their feelings. This basically rational vs emotional thinking.
Who is correct? Assessing Thinkers’ vs. Feelers’ Emotional Approaches
Because emotions are complicated and subjective experiences that differ from person to person, there is no “right” or “wrong” way to handle them. When it comes to coping with feelings, both Thinkers and Feelers can have distinct strengths and flaws.
Thinkers (T) may be proficient at analysing their feelings and making logical decisions, which can assist them in making reasonable, emotion-free decisions. They may also be less susceptible to emotional prejudices, making them good problem solvers in emotionally fraught circumstances.
Feelers (F) on the other hand, may be more sympathetic and sensitive to the emotional requirements of others. They may be proficient at establishing an environment of emotional harmony, as well as expressing their own feelings and connecting emotionally with others.
Finally, the best way to deal with emotions is determined by the circumstance and the person concerned. A rational and analytical strategy may be more successful in some circumstances, while an emotional and empathetic approach may be more suitable in others. The key is to strike a balance between these two methods and to be conscious of their respective strengths and limitations.
Feelers with a growth mindset will easily flow in the opposing way. They may opt to reduce a few of their proclivity for extensive or intense emotional engagement. Feelers are susceptible to overextending themselves in terms of meeting the emotional requirements of others, frequently settling for second highest standards with regard to self-reflection, self-care, or career growth. Setting emotional commitment limits is thus an essential step in integrating their T side.
Some emotional types, like the Enneagram 4, could be prone to emotional excess and ego. Every attitude or sensation, no matter how self-defeating, is completely praised under the pretense of emotional honesty. If left unchecked, the above proclivity can lead to a variety of negative outcomes, including melancholy, relationship failure, self-sabotage, job ineffectiveness, and so on. Development for feelers with this bent could entail embracing definite cognitive or behavioral tactics used by thinkers.
This involves acknowledging that, at least in some instances, there really are healthier alternatives to ruminating on negative emotions (e.g., going for a run). Rather than addressing poor emotions with queries like, “What’s happening with me?” recognising and adopting known mood-lifting actions might prove more helpful.
Conclusion:-
To what degree are we supposed to be ready to pause and attend to our own (or others’) feelings? Thinkers & feelers generally respond to this query in very different ways, as indicated by their personality types. However, as we have seen, nobody has a simple response to this issue because it is dependent on the desired outcome.
Thinkers are more likely to be emotionally detached, whereas feelers are more likely to be emotionally involved. More intriguing are the difficulties they each encounter in one‘s type growth. If development is the objective, the choice is no longer between distance and participation, but rather between finding the appropriate balance of both.
It may be difficult to know where to begin with this change because our type’s behaviors are so profoundly ingrained. As a result, discovering and establishing novel growth paths could indeed take years of research. And that’s fine. After all, a lot of the excitement is located in the studying and battle, in addition to the expectation of what we may encounter as we approach the “both these side” of yourself.
