Shadow Process (Shadow Function): Psychological Functions 5-8 – MBTI

This article is aboutThe psychological functions of Yin and Yang: Functions 1 through 8This section will explain the 5th to 8th psychological functions.

Each type consciously utilizes four psychological functions, using them in the order of first, second, third, and fourth psychological functions based on their dominance and degree of differential development.

You might be left wondering how the remaining four of the eight psychological functions are used.

for example,INTP (Researcher Type)Then

↑The remainingextraverted thinking Te, Introverted Intuition Ni, Extroverted Sensing Se, introverted feeling Fi You might be wondering where he went.

The remaining four functions are rarely used intentionally and do not strongly characterize the type, so they are rarely discussed.

Furthermore, because individuals rarely consciously utilize these functions, and they are less suitable for research compared to the first to fourth psychological functions, there is relatively little knowledge about them.

However, if we consider mutual understanding and development, we need to think about the remaining four psychological functions that operate within ourselves.

They are,Shadow process I work as a [profession/job title].

Shadow process

These psychological functions are usually unconscious, but they come to the forefront in special situations. Because we are not accustomed to using them, when we are forced to bring them to the forefront, they often have negative effects.

However, understanding the characteristics of each psychological function and accepting and utilizing its strengths can bring about very positive effects.

And there seems to be a school of thought in 16-type psychology (or MBTI) that lists the remaining four psychological functions in a continuous sequence: fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth.

The sequence of psychological functions that are in a mirror image relationship continues from the fifth to the eighth.

In response to this, there may be various differences in perspective and questions regarding its validity.

However, the following has also been proposed and discussed.

type	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
ENFJ	Fe	Ni	Se	Ti	Fi	Ne	Si	Te
ENFP	Ne	Fi	Te	Si	Ni	Fe	Ti	Se
ENTJ	Te	Ni	Se	Fi	Ti	Ne	Si	Fe
ENTP	Ne	Ti	Fe	Si	Ni	Te	Fi	Se
ESFJ	Fe	Si	Ne	Ti	Fi	Se	Ni	Te
ESFP	Se	Fi	Te	Ni	Si	Fe	Ti	Ne
ESTJ	Te	Si	Ne	Fi	Ti	Se	Ni	Fe
ESTP	Se	Ti	Fe	Ni	Si	Te	Fi	Ne
INFP	Fi	Ne	Si	Te	Fe	Ni	Se	Ti
INFJ	Ni	Fe	Ti	Se	Ne	Fi	Te	Si
INTP	Ti	Ne	Si	Fe	Te	Ni	Se	Fi
INTJ	Ni	Te	Fi	Se	Ne	Ti	Fe	Si
ISFP	Fi	Se	Ni	Te	Fe	Si	Ne	Ti
ISFJ	Si	Fe	Ti	Ne	Se	Fi	Te	Ni
ISTP	Ti	Se	Ni	Fe	Te	Si	Ne	Fi
ISTJ	Si	Te	Fi	Ne	Se	Ti	Fe	Ni

Arranging them in this way might lead to the misconception that the psychological functions develop sequentially from the first to the eighth, but that doesn't seem to be the intention.

Once the first and second psychological functions are fully developed, it is beneficial to train and utilize the fifth and sixth psychological functions. There is no need to wait for the third and fourth psychological functions to develop before doing so.

Certainly, each type excels at its first and second psychological functions, so it's understandable that they might be drawn to psychological functions that are the opposite in terms of introversion and extroversion. However, the third and fourth psychological functions tend to be pushed to the sidelines and are less differentiated and developed, so it's unclear whether it's appropriate to list the even more opposite psychological functions as the seventh, eighth, and so on. Nevertheless, this is how it's described from the fifth to the eighth type.

The fifth psychological function is the opposite of the first psychological function in terms of introversion and extroversion.

The fifth psychological function is the one that is attracted to others because it is similar to the first function.

To explain what aspects are similar, for example...

• The first function FIf i then → The fifth function Fe
• The first function NIf it's e → The fifth function is Ni…

Therefore, they share the characteristics of being emotional (F type), thinking (T type), sensing (S type), and intuitive (N type).

However, these psychological functions tend to clash because they are opposite in terms of introversion (Type I) and extroversion (Type E).

Therefore, this is a psychological function in which a constant tug-of-war occurs between "attraction" and "repulsion" with the first psychological function. (Attraction ← Mind → Repulsion)

In reality, the fifth psychological function is very useful for better utilizing the first psychological function. It lies in the shadow of the first psychological function, and together the two can create a more holistic picture.

When you reach a point of equilibrium by overusing your primary psychological function, or when the degree of confusion increases, using this psychological function can help you find a solution and move on to the next step.

Furthermore, it is necessary for effectively utilizing what is guided by the primary psychological function. As the shadow process, it adds nuance to the primary psychological function, giving it a deeper and more nuanced character.

It's like introversion and extroversion reach their extremes, then reverse, leading to this point.

If you consciously utilize this psychological function (the fifth psychological function), you can enhance its function. However, because it is the fifth psychological function, its scope of use is limited, and it requires a considerable amount of energy to activate.

The sixth psychological function: The role of the critical parent

This is a second psychological function that is the opposite in terms of introversion and extroversion. Therefore, there are aspects that are both appealing and repulsive.

A tug-of-war may occur here as well. However, this tug-of-war will likely be less noticeable than it was with the fifth psychological function.

The sixth psychological function plays a role in pointing out weaknesses in the second psychological function. This can lead to weakening or suppressing the excessive and inappropriate functioning of the second psychological function. You may also feel this way when you observe others using this function.

It can be used spontaneously and unexpectedly when under stress or in critical situations.

Once you start to notice it, you'll continue to use it relentlessly within a narrow scope. However, if you don't accept the positive aspects of this psychological function, it can have negative consequences. Therefore, it's important to acquire knowledge about this psychological function, understand its benefits, and accept it.

The sixth psychological function can also be relatively easily utilized and developed consciously. This is largely due to familiarity with the second psychological function.

If you embrace the strengths of the sixth psychological function and discover how you can utilize its positive aspects, you can arrive at wonderful experiences and profound wisdom.

The seventh psychological function: The role of causing misunderstandings.

The seventh psychological function is the one that causes us to mistakenly believe something is important (even though it is not actually important) when we are doing something or paying attention to something.

Furthermore, there is a tendency to distrust the workings of this psychological function and to dismiss it as not worth paying attention to. As a result, whether the seventh function is perceptual or judging, errors frequently occur in perception and judgment.

This isn't really evil yet.

The seventh psychological function is an unconscious, mischievous function that brings about a collapse from an orderly state to a state of disorder. Whether this will turn out to be good or bad is not something to expect much from.

However, if we acknowledge and accept the positive aspects of this psychological function, it seems to have the effect of making us laugh at ourselves, alleviating anxiety, and refreshing ourselves.

The eighth psychological function: Demon, devil, guardian spirit, role of bringing about change through leaps and bounds.

In most cases, it has a negative impact.

When this psychological function is at work, it seems to have destructive effects on both oneself and others.

This psychological function leads people to believe that destructive actions are right and to try to impose them dictatorially. They will later regret it.

Although we are not very familiar with using this psychological function, we may suddenly feel the urge to use it, or unconsciously force ourselves to use the eighth psychological function.

When we need to break free from something, sometimes we can move on to the next step by betraying our own characteristics. Perhaps that's why this world has a hidden, almost devilish mechanism.

Accepting this devilish psychological function can bring about significant positive changes. While it may involve sacrificing much, experiencing grief and hardship, overcoming these challenges and moving to a new stage will lead to a creative and happy life.

The archetypes of the first to eighth psychological functions

Myers Briggs and others considered only the order of the first to fourth psychological functions for each type, but John Beebe and Linda Berens added the order of the fifth to eighth functions as well.

In doing so, we've assigned the following archetypes, or roles, from the first to the eighth.

In the case of John Beebe

first	Hero or heroine	Hero/Heroine
second	Good parents	Good Parent
third	Child, girl, boy	Puer/Puella
fourth	Anima or Animus	Anima/Animus
Fifth	Opposite personality	Opsize Personality
Sixth	Wise old witch	Senex/Witch
Seventh	Con artist, trickster	Trickster
Eighth	Daimon, evil spirit, goddess	Daemon

In the case of Linda Berens

first	dominant	Leading/Dominant
second	support overprotection	Supporting/Overprotecting
third	Rescue, distraction, relief	Relief/Unsetting
fourth	Longing, aspiration, projection	Aspirational/Projective
Fifth	Opposition, conflict, backup, support	Opposing/Backup
Sixth	Criticism Discovery	Critical/Discovery
Seventh	Deceptive comedy	Deceiving/Comedic
Eighth	Demons, those who transform.	Devillish/Transformative

Using knowledge of psychological functions to promote personality development

All psychological functions can be utilized if you are conscious of them.

Indeed, without understanding psychological functions, one might push oneself too hard without knowing what or how to train. Furthermore, relying on psychological functions that are usually unconscious can lead to undesirable results. However, since we now have the opportunity to learn about them, there should be solutions.

By honing your skills, you will be able to succeed in relationships and at work, reach a deeper understanding, and wield greater influence.

Although there are only 16 personality types, even people of the same type can differ considerably depending on their level of development, the influence of their surroundings, and their life experiences.

This time, we discussed the fifth through eighth psychological functions, which are rarely used consciously. These psychological functions operate unconsciously, but they are only particularly noticeable in "special situations" or "when interacting with other types of people who consciously utilize these psychological functions."

While the first to fourth psychological functions, which we consciously use, primarily determine personality traits, the fifth to eighth psychological functions also seem to influence a person's character and life.

If you are unaware of the fifth through eighth psychological functions, you tend to react negatively without intending to, which can have undesirable effects. However, by accepting their positive aspects, you can utilize them effectively and acquire flexible personality traits.

Skills can be honed through training. In particular, using the fifth and sixth psychological functions will be beneficial for effectively utilizing the first and second psychological functions. Furthermore, it may allow for a greater appreciation of positive aspects and provide intellectual enjoyment.