Most descriptions you read about personality types are about the healthy versions. They focus on the positives, and that’s great. It’s important to know what you’re striving for.
But it’s also important to be aware of the unhealthy versions of each personality type. After all, not all INFJs are kind, giving, and thoughtful. Equally, not all ESFPs are fun-loving, carefree, and adventurous. And so forth.
Once you’re aware of the unhealthy traits of each personality type, you can be on the lookout for them in yourself and others.
In this post, we’ll take a look at the unhealthy versions of all 16 personality types. We’ll explore what traits they possess and how they differ from the healthy versions.
Keep in mind that none of us are purely one type or another. We all have a mix of unhealthy and healthy qualities to varying degrees. But it should be clear whether someone shows more healthy or unhealthy traits.
What is an unhealthy personality type?
Before we dive in, let’s define what we mean by an unhealthy personality type. Of course, everyone has times when they act out of character or exhibit unhealthy behavior.
What we’re referring to is a personality type that is severely imbalanced. This can be due to unresolved trauma, toxic environments, or other factors. These individuals often have trouble functioning in day-to-day life.
It’s important to remember that we all have the potential to act in unhealthy ways. We all have a “shadow self” that contains the qualities we dislike in others. The goal is not to completely repress and rid ourselves of these qualities. Rather, it’s to become aware of them and work on keeping them in balance.
Unhealthy versions of the 16 personality types
With that said, let’s take a look at the unhealthy versions of each personality type.
Unhealthy INFPs
Healthy INFPs are deeply in touch with their ethics and values. They are open-minded and creative individuals. However, unhealthy INFPs are self-righteous. They believe that their way is the only way and that everyone else is wrong. Unhealthy INFPs can also be passive-aggressive, sulky, and resentful. They may withdraw from others and refuse to communicate their needs. In addition, they may also be prone to self-pity and self-destructive behavior. Arthur Fleck AKA Joker, from the movie Joker, is one of the few famous unhealthy INFPs.
Unhealthy ENFPs
Healthy ENFPs are enthusiastic, creative, and spontaneous. They are great at generating new ideas and love to have fun. However, unhealthy ENFPs can be impulsive and reckless. They may act without thinking of the consequences. They may also become easily bored and restless. Unhealthy ENFPs can be undisciplined, disorganized, and scattered. In addition, they may have difficulty following through on their commitments. Harley Quinn, from Suicide Squad, is a perfect example of an unhealthy ENFP.
Unhealthy INFJs
Healthy INFJs are compassionate, thoughtful, and insightful. They have a strong sense of intuition and are often able to see things that others miss. However, unhealthy INFJs can be extremely critical. They may find fault with everything and everyone. Unhealthy INFJs can also be closed-minded and resistant to change. They may become so focused on their own perspective that they fail to see other points of view. In addition, they may become withdrawn, isolating themselves from others. Amy Eliott Dunne, from the book and movie Gone Girl, is an unhealthy INFJ.
Unhealthy ENFJs
Healthy ENFJs are sociable, generous, and highly attuned to the needs of others. They are often natural leaders with a strong sense of vision. However, unhealthy ENFJs can be domineering and manipulating. They may be control freaks who try to micromanage everything around them. Unhealthy ENFJs can also be overly dramatic and may seek out conflict and drama. In addition, they may also become codependent, sacrificing their own needs for the sake of others. Hans Westergaard, from the movie Frozen, is a good example of an unhealthy ENFJ.
Unhealthy INTPs
Healthy INTPs are logical, objective, and curious. They love to explore ideas and ask questions. However, unhealthy INTPs can be cynical, arrogant, and pessimistic. They may believe that they are always right and that everyone else is wrong. Unhealthy INTPs can also be cold, aloof, and unemotional. They may be uninterested in other people’s lives and dismissive of their feelings. In addition, they may withdraw from the world around them and become lost in their own thoughts. The Riddler, from the movie Batman, is an unhealthy INTP fictional character.
Unhealthy ENTPs
Healthy ENTPs are innovative, resourceful, and quick-witted. They are excellent at problem-solving and are always full of new ideas. However, unhealthy ENTPs can be manipulative and deceptive. They may use others to get what they want. Unhealthy ENTPs can also be reckless and impulsive. They may take unnecessary risks without thinking of the consequences while seeking out new stimulation. In addition, they may also be scattered, disorganized, and always on the go. This means they can have difficulty finishing what they start. James Moriarty, from the movie Sherlock, is a perfect example of an unhealthy ENTP.
Unhealthy INTJs
Healthy INTJs are independent, analytical, and strategic thinkers. They are often able to see the big picture and develop long-term plans. However, unhealthy INTJs can be cold, calculating, and insensitive. They may use others for their own gain and have a hard time empathizing with others. Unhealthy INTJs can also be rigid and inflexible. They may be resistant to change and slow to adapt to new situations. In addition, they may also be excessively critical and judgmental of others. Hannibal Lecter, from the movie Silence of the Lambs, is a highly intelligent yet psychopathic INTJ.
Unhealthy ENTJs
Healthy ENTJs are assertive, confident, and decisive. They are natural leaders with a clear vision. However, unhealthy ENTJs can be domineering, bossy, and abrasive. They may try to micromanage everything and everyone around them. Unhealthy ENTJs can also be impatient and insensitive. They may steamroll over others in order to get their way. In addition, they may also obsess over achieving a certain goal and they can be closed off to new perspectives. Sauron, from the book and movie Lord of the Rings, is one of many fictional unhealthy ENTJs.
Unhealthy ISFJs
Healthy ISFJs are gentle, compassionate, and supportive. They have a strong sense of duty and are often the glue that holds families and groups together. However, unhealthy ISFJs can be codependent, needy, and suffocating. They may need excessive amounts of external validation and approval. Unhealthy ISFJs can also be overly sensitive and may take everything personally. In addition, they can have difficulty asserting themselves and their needs. Norman Bates, from the TV series Bates Motel, is one of the very few famous unhealthy ISFJs.
Unhealthy ESFJs
Healthy ESFJs are warm, compassionate, and outgoing. They are natural nurturers who enjoy taking care of others. However, unhealthy ESFJs can be smothering, overprotective, and controlling. They may try to get their own way through manipulation and guilt trips. Unhealthy ESFJs can also be very sensitive to criticism. In addition, they may also have difficulty saying “no” and setting boundaries. Unhealthy ESFJs are also known for being gossips and spreading rumors. Mother Gothel, from the movie Tangled, is a great example of an unhealthy ESFJ.
Unhealthy ISTJs
Healthy ISTJs are responsible, reliable, and hardworking. They have a strong sense of duty and follow rules and regulations to the letter. However, unhealthy ISTJs can be inflexible, rigid, and dogmatic. They may be too set in their ways and resistant to change. As a result, they may be unwilling to see other people’s points of view. Unhealthy ISTJs can also be cold, unemotional, and insensitive. In addition, they may have difficulty expressing their feelings and they may bottle up their emotions. Darth Vader, from the series Star Wars, is arguably the most famous unhealthy ISTJ.
Unhealthy ESTJs
Healthy ESTJs are practical, efficient, and organized. They have a natural head for business and are often highly effective managers. However, unhealthy ESTJs can be aggressive, demanding, and overbearing. They may try to control everything and everyone around them through intimidation and fear. Unhealthy ESTJs can also be inflexible and resistant to change. In addition, they can be insensitive to the needs and feelings of others, which can make them seem cold or uncaring. They can also be closed-minded and rigid in their thinking. Professor Umbridge, from the Harry Potter series, is an example of an unhealthy ESTJ.
Unhealthy ISFPs
Healthy ISFPs are gentle, compassionate, and sensitive. They enjoy exploring their own inner depths and they are in tune with their emotions. However, unhealthy ISFPs can be self-destructive, escapist, and codependent. They may turn to drugs, alcohol, or other addictions in order to numb their pain. Unhealthy ISFPs can also be extremely sensitive and may take everything personally. In addition, they may have difficulty asserting themselves and their needs. Sweeney Todd, from the movie Sweeney Todd, is a highly dangerous unhealthy ISFP.
Unhealthy ESFPs
Healthy ESFPs are outgoing, fun-loving, and spontaneous. They enjoy being the life of the party and they are natural entertainers. However, unhealthy ESFPs can be shallow, materialistic, and attention-seeking. They may be more concerned with appearances than substance. Unhealthy ESFPs can also be impulsive and irresponsible. They may make rash decisions without thinking things through. In addition, they can be constantly seeking sensory pleasures which can lead them down a dark path. Villanelle, from the TV series Killing Eve, is a sociopathic unhealthy ESFP.
Unhealthy ISTPs
Healthy ISTPs are independent, resourceful, and analytical. They enjoy exploring The world around them and they are constantly seeking new experiences. However, unhealthy ISTPs can be cold, detached, and unemotional. They may seem uncaring or even callous. Unhealthy ISTPs can also be impulsive and careless. They may take risks without thinking things through which can lead to dangerous consequences. In addition, unhealthy ISTPs often find it hard to empathize and connect with others, which can lead to them withdrawing. Mystique, from the movie X-Men, is a perfect example of an unhealthy ISTP.
Unhealthy ESTPs
Healthy ESTPs are outgoing, charming, and persuasive. They are natural salespeople and they enjoy being the center of attention. However, unhealthy ESTPs can be manipulative, superficial, and insincere. They may use their charm to get what they want without regard for others. Unhealthy ESTPs can also be impulsive and reckless. They may neglect their responsibilities in favor of immediate gratification, which can mean they end up in dangerous situations. In addition, they may be insensitive to the needs and feelings of those around them. Ramsay Bolton, from the TV series Game of Thrones, is one of the most sadistic unhealthy ESTP characters ever created.
Final thoughts on the unhealthy versions of each personality type
So there we have it, an overview of the unhealthy versions of each personality type. Some of these unhealthy versions are more dangerous than others. In fact, we have a post that delves into the most dangerous personality types ranked.
Anyway, now you know exactly what to look out for when it comes to unhealthy personality types. Be sure to share this post with others so that they can be aware of the unhealthy versions of each personality type as well.
