INTROVERTED FEELING TYPE - FI - IN DIFFERENT TYPOLOGICAL MODELS
Descriptions of the Introverted Feeling Type can be found under different names in different typological models:
• Psychoanalytic character structure: perfectionistic (Horney)
• Type 1 – Enneagram
• Type Fi – Carl Jung
✅ Psychoanalytic character structure
• The perfectionistic type - Karen Horney (book "Neurosis and Human Growth")
The type of the second subgroup, moving in the direction of perfectionism, identifies himself with his standards. This type feels superior because of his high standards, moral and intellectual, and on this basis looks down on others. His arrogant contempt for others, though, is hidden-from himself as well-behind polished friendliness, because his very standards prohibit such "irregular" feelings… As confirmation of his opinion of himself, he needs respect from others rather than glowing.
He does make strenuous efforts to measure up to his shoulds by fulfilling duties and obligations, by polite and orderly manners, by not telling obvious lies, etc. When speaking of perfectionistic people, we often think merely of those who keep meticulous order, are overly punctilious and punctual, have to find just the right word, or must wear just the right necktie or hat. But these are only the superficial aspects of their need to attain the highest degree of excellence. What really matters is not those petty details but the flawless excellence of the whole conduct of life. (Chapter 8. The expansive solutions: the appeal of mastery)
Perfectionist works methodically and attends rather too meticulously to details. But he is so cramped by what he should do and how he should do it that there is no room left for originality and spontaneity. He is therefore slow and unproductive. Because of his exacting demands on himself he is easily overworked and exhausted (as is well known of the perfectionistic housewife) and lets others suffer as a result. Also, since he is as exacting on others as he is on Himself, his influence on others is often cramping, especially if he is in an executive position. (Chapter 13. Neurotic Disturbances in Work)
Last updated 12.10.2026