Most Empathetic MBTI Types: 16 Personalities Ranked

Out of the 16 Myers-Briggs personality types, some stand out as the most empathetic MBTI. 

Many people associate individuals with the xxFx type as the most conventionally caring. Still, the truth is that all types have the potential to be empathetic.

It’s a common stereotype to assume that thinkers lack empathy when in reality, we all can choose between feelings and logic.

This article will explore which personality types are considered the most empathetic and what factors contribute to their empathetic capabilities.

01 – ENFJ

ENFJs possess a remarkable degree of empathy that can sometimes prove challenging for them. 

Their ability to sense when someone is upset and their willingness to do whatever it takes to solve the problem can be overwhelming. 

ENFJs prioritize the happiness of those around them and work diligently to achieve it. 

However, this heightened empathy may make them feel responsible for solving other people’s problems. 

ENFJS need to remember to check in with their own emotional needs, even as they focus on the needs of others.

02 – INFJ

INFJs possess a natural talent for empathy and have a strong connection to the emotions of others. 

They often intuitively understand what someone is feeling even before it is expressed, simply by being in their presence.

INFJs have a unique ability to read people, quickly piecing together their behavior to understand what may be bothering them. 

They are excellent listeners, able to put themselves in the shoes of others and offer support and understanding. 

However, this heightened sense of empathy can sometimes make INFJs overwhelmed, particularly when trying to connect with individuals struggling with deep emotional issues. 

03 – INFP

INFPs possess a unique approach to empathy. 

Their powerful imaginations allow them to envision themselves in various situations, which can help them understand the experiences of others. 

While they may not have a natural awareness of the emotions of others, INFPs are capable of mentally putting themselves in other people’s shoes. 

When someone shares their situation and sadness with an INFP, they take the time to imagine what it might feel like for them personally. 

This ability to empathize through imagination helps INFPs be compassionate and understanding. 

04 – ENFP

ENFPs are caring and open-minded individuals, which allows them to exhibit unique empathy. 

They are more attuned to their own emotions than the emotions of others. ENFPs possess a strong imagination that enables them to put themselves in the shoes of others.

They enjoy exploring new experiences and broadening their horizons, which makes them adept at understanding different perspectives. 

05 – ISFJ

ISFJs are very capable of comprehending the sentiments and experiences of other people, thanks to their high level of empathy.

They have a kind and compassionate nature, and their primary goal is to bring joy to the people in their immediate environment. 

They can detect when someone they care about is angry; when they do, they move fast to make things right however they can.

They want to make others they care about happy, which typically entails discovering solutions to address the psychological challenges their loved ones face as well. 

ISFJs may be competent at turning off their empathy when the situation calls for it. Still, they are also quite good at imagining what it would be like to be in the position of another person. 

Because of their innate capacity for sympathy and emotional comprehension, you can automatically feel comfortable confiding in them with your deepest thoughts and feelings.

06 – ESFJ

People with the ESFJ personality type are naturally highly empathic and adept at understanding the feelings of others around them. 

Those of the ESFJ personality type are likely to pick up on the fact that those around them are upset long before the other person is even aware of their own emotions. 

The fact that they can pick up on the feelings of those in their immediate environment makes them exceptionally empathic. 

When an ESFJ makes the conscious effort to do so, they are exceptionally capable of understanding why other people feel the way they do and placing themselves in the position of those other individuals.

07 – ISFP

ISFPs have outstanding listening skills and are willing to wait for long periods only to hear someone vent their frustrations. 

They are very good at empathizing with others and will always be there for those they care about. 

They experience things profoundly, but they are not always particularly good at conveying this to others. 

They are frequently able to put themselves in the position of others. Still, it does not guarantee that they will always be able to provide words of solace to those they care about. 

It generally depends on the circumstances, but the ISFP is known for having a profound ability for feeling. 

This may sometimes help them sympathize with others. They may not be inherently good at empathy, but they frequently can develop it.

08 – ESFP

The ESFP has profound feelings yet might not be particularly good at empathizing with others. 

When an ESFP has personally gone through something another person is going through, they are excellent at exhibiting sympathy toward that person. 

There are specific roadblocks, however, in which an ESFP might not be able to completely grasp why the other person is so frustrated if they have not been in that position themselves. 

Despite this, they are kind people who prioritize providing assistance to the people they care about.

09 – ISTJ

People with the ISTJ personality type are compassionate and good at demonstrating sympathy toward others.

They can assess the circumstance and rationally comprehend why the one involved might feel unhappy; thus, this motivates them to offer assistance. 

ISTJs, on the other hand, may not be very good at empathy since they do not naturally value emotions more than reasoning and pragmatism. 

People with the ISTJ personality type are often trustworthy confidantes who are also eager to provide their undivided attention to struggling loved ones. 

They might not be great at understanding why that person is emotional. Still, they will surely be eager to support them no matter what makes them feel that way.

10 – ESTJ

Since ESTJs place a higher value on rationality and pragmatism than they do on their feelings, they are frequently unable to demonstrate empathy. 

If an ESTJ has not had the same experience as the person they are trying to empathize with, it may be difficult for them to comprehend why the other person is actually upset. 

ESTJs are concerned about meeting the logistical requirements of those they care about. Still, they lack the skills to meet their loved ones’ emotional needs. 

They tend to be quite loving people, but they are not by nature people who can empathize with others.

11 – ENTP

ENTPs possess a surprising level of self-awareness. They are capable of empathy, although they may choose to focus on logic over emotions. 

When ENTPs take the time to connect with the feelings of others, they exhibit a remarkable ability to understand and empathize with them. 

ENTPs approach situations logically, often prioritizing rational decisions over emotional ones.

While this approach can be practical, it may also lead ENTPs to appear less compassionate toward others. 

Despite this, ENTPs possess a unique ability to understand the emotions of those around them and to put themselves in other people’s shoes. 

ENTPS need to balance their logical decision-making with an awareness of the emotional needs of those around them.

12 – INTP

INTPs may be perceived as lacking empathy, but this is a misconception. 

INTPs tend to focus on logical understanding, but they can empathize with others when they allow themselves to tap into this side of themselves. 

They often have a natural awareness of when someone is upset. However, they may not always know how to respond to these situations. 

As highly intelligent individuals, INTPs possess a unique ability to empathize with others and understand their emotions.

INTPS need to remember to check in with their own feelings, even as they prioritize logical understanding and problem-solving.

13 – ENTJ

ENTJs are often perceived as lacking in empathy, prioritizing efficiency and logic over emotions. 

While ENTJs acknowledge the importance of emotions, they prefer not to let them dictate their decision-making. 

If someone becomes overly emotional, ENTJs may quickly interrupt the conversation and encourage a more logical approach. 

This can sometimes make ENTJs appear less empathetic towards others unless they can logically understand why someone behaves a certain way. 

While their analytical mindset can be effective in problem-solving, it’s vital for ENTJs to also consider the emotional needs of those around them and strive for a balance between logic and empathy.

14 – INTJ

Because they place such a high premium on logic above everything else, INTJs aren’t exactly known for their capacity for empathy. 

They frequently can comprehend the rationale behind an individual’s anger in response to a particular circumstance.

Nonetheless, this does not imply that they acknowledge the individual’s emotional reaction as the appropriate answer. 

Their insatiable thirst for information can sometimes drive them to be quite self-aware. 

Still, it can also cause them to lack emotional empathy in certain circumstances. 

When dealing with someone who is too emotional, an INTJ could suggest that the other person take a deep breath and try to be more sensible. (oh, really?).

15 – ESTP

Many ESTPs can empathize but are also skilled at inhibiting this ability in themselves and others. 

They place a higher value on reason and action than they do on their feelings, which frequently leads them to neglect the sentiments of others. 

Yet, the ESTP’s immediate circle of friends and family will almost always react differently. 

If an ESTP genuinely cares for another person, they will almost always try to empathize with that person. 

This is simply because they appreciate the other person’s presence in their lives. 

Most of the time, however, ESTPs do not perceive the value in continuously relating to other people’s emotions.

16 – ISTP

It’s true that ISTPs are good at empathizing with other people, but that doesn’t imply they have a burning desire to do anything about it. 

ISTPs can frequently comprehend why another person is experiencing a specific emotion.

However, they do not believe it is important for them to make an effort to resolve the emotional problems of another person. 

They usually understand why someone is unhappy, but they think that the person who is upset should be the one to deal with the situation. 

While ISTPs tend to be entirely self-reliant and frequently take care of their own personal requirements without requiring assistance, they often anticipate the same autonomy from other individuals.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, empathy is a complex and multifaceted concept not limited to certain personality types. 

While certain Myers-Briggs types may possess a greater natural propensity for empathy, any individual can develop and cultivate their empathetic abilities through practice and self-awareness. 

It’s important to remember that empathy is not a one-size-fits-all concept and that individuals may exhibit empathy differently.

By understanding the strengths and limitations of each Myers-Briggs type, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity of empathetic experiences and work towards building more meaningful and compassionate relationships with those around us.

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