Naturally, both INFJs and INFPs will experience similar Temperament stresses, although their precise reactions will be different. But they will experience Interaction Style stress and Cognitive Process (Type) stress in very different ways.
I'm sure you're familiar with the ole "fight or flight" stress reaction. We've all heard about that since we started grade school. Of course, this leaves out two other stress responses that we often see in the animal kingdom: freeze and flurry. So what do they look like? Well, "freeze" is what a possum does when they sense danger. You've surely heard the phrase "playing possum"? And then "flurry" -- stories abound of birds who will make a fuss in order to take attention off their young. They will flap their wings and draw your attention toward themselves that will distract you from approaching their nest.
As usual, I'm only going to focus on two of these stress responses as befits INFJ and INFP.
When the INFP is in a stressful situation, their initial reaction is to "freeze." How they do this is by "adapting" to the situation, usually accommodating others until they can adjust and be effective. They will let the situation play out and just go with what's happening. To others, it may look as though they are doing *nothing*. After they adjust to the situation, they will "flow." When there is conflict, the emotion they tend to express is "sad."
When the INFJ is in a stressful situation, their initial reaction is "flight." How they do this is by "distancing" themselves from the situation, usually separating from the problem while buying time. They need to step back and consider what's going on. They tend to move away from what isn't liked, and sometimes even *stay* away from that. To others, it may look as if they are detached or are fleeing from the problem. But after they adjust to the situation, they will "face" the problem with a solution in hand. When there is conflict, the emotion they tend to express is "afraid."
More to come...
