Confused about whether you are an ESFJ or an ISFJ? You have come to the right place! This post will illustrate the differences between ESFJ vs ISFJ. Being sensory feelers who are also judges, these two share many similar traits, including the top four cognitive functions!
ESFJ cognitive functions
Extraverted Feeling (Fe)
Introverted Sensing (Si)
Extraverted Intuition (Ne)
Introverted Thinking (Ti)
ISFJ cognitive functions
Introverted Sensing (Si)
Extraverted Feeling (Fe)
Introverted Thinking (Ti)
Extraverted Intuition (Ne)
ESFJs and ISFJs are sensitive, caring and altruistic. While ESFJs and ISFJs simply have a slightly different ordering of cognitive functions, the slight difference does result in important differences between the two types.
1. ESFJs are more extraverted than ISFJs
ESFJs are likely to score higher on the big five’s measure of extraversion compared to ISFJs. ESFJs are likely party animals with a big circle of friends, whereas ISFJs are more likely to enjoy time alone reading a book or having conversation with a few close friends. Social activity is likely to drain ISFJs, while social activity energizes ESFJs.
2. ISFJs have better memory than ESFJs
Both ESFJs and ISFJs have Extraverted Feeling (Fe) and Introverted Sensing (Si) as their top two cognitive functions. This means that they naturally put in the effort to know the little details of those around them. However, as ISFJs have Introverted Sensing (Si) as their dominant function, they tend to be better at recalling the details of their friends. With a larger circle of friends, ESFJs are less competent at doing so compared to ISFJs.
3. ESFJs are more expressive compared to ISFJs
ISFJs are great friends once they get to know you. However, they may be slow to open up to others initially, and may keep the details of their personal lives closely guarded. In contrast, ESFJs more readily share about their troubles and aspirations.
4. ISFJs are more independent compared to ESFJs
While both ISFJs and ESFJs tend to place much importance on social norms and what others around them would think, ISFJs are more likely to exhibit independence when it comes to making decisions. As a result of Introverted Thinking (Ti) being higher on their functional stack, ISFJs often think clearly through the pros and cons of every decision. Due to Extraverted Feeling (Fe) being lower on their functional stack, ISFJs are also less likely to be affected by the values of others when making decisions.
While ISFJs and ESFJs share many traits, they do differ in important ways. What do you think? Do share your thoughts in the comments.
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