Episode 64

Sandra and Em talk about how the cognitive function of Introverted Sensing (nicknamed Preservation Sensing) shows up in parents. This function is used by people who have ISTJ, ISFJ, ESTJ and ESFJ preferences in the Myers-Briggs personality type model. 

Links and references:

Cognitive Function Cheat Sheet
Myers-Briggs Basics
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Full show notes: 

Overview of Preservation Sensing

An Introverted function: deals with the inner world

A Perceiving function: deals with how we take in information

Preservation Sensing users take in information by: Attuning to the past, valuing practical experience and preserving existing standards.

Four Facets

Routine-oriented to create stability: They find that repeating ways of doing things is the best way to learn, improve and find stability. They value comfort and familiarity. 

Value experience: Personality Hacker calls this function “Memory”. Value established ways of doing things and existing standards. Are well in touch with their past experiences – especially the “sense impressions” of their past. Tend to have a strong memory for details. 

Diligent and Process Oriented: They like things to be step-by-step and track their progress through tasks and will keep working cautiously, steadily and diligently. 

Attuned to feedback: Want guidance from respected authorities/superiors and are sensitive to feedback – taking it in and adjusting accordingly. 

Potential Struggles:

• Can have strong over-reactions to things that remind them of something from their past 
• Overly focused on certain details
• Can get stuck in past ways of doing things – maybe following a standard or process that is outdated
• Hard time keeping up with changes or be flexible to adjust or try things in new ways
• Can hoard material goods, particularly things that give them a sense memory of the past
• Can be overwhelmed when facing a problem that can’t be solved the usual way – struggling to think outside the box
• Suspicious of ideas/practices that don’t match their own experiences 

What’s the parenting style:

• Provide routine and structure – helping the home feel stable and safe
• Difficulty with being flexible and adaptable to the unpredictability of kids – feeling stressed by the lack of order 
• Good at taking care of practical needs – feeding, dressing, cleaning etc
• Have a difficult time relaxing, hard on themselves about always getting things done right and on time – but the to do list may never get finished so they may never rest
• Teaching kids how to work hard and instilling responsibility in them, whether through chores etc
• Good at establishing boundaries and having defined roles within the family
• May feel taken for granted  – always serving the behind-the-scenes and feel just like a servant or caregiver
• Have a lot of “shoulds” both internal and external and guilt over not being good enough

Write in or leave a comment: Are you a Preservation Sensing parent or do you know one? Do you notice these themes in your parenting? Tell us about that.