INTJs and INTPs are both inwardly focused abstract thinkers. This results in the two types having many overlapping interests and behaviors. However, if you look beyond superficial common interests, the thinking processes are very different.
J vs P
Misunderstanding the differences between J/P is one reason many people mistype. Many assessments and descriptions use environmental factors to differientiate Js from Ps. This often leads to inaccurate results. Having a messy room and putting off tasks to the last moment does not make one a P type. Many INTJs report being messy; probably a result of not placing a high priority on the external environment. Any type can put off tasks when they don’t find value in them or find them tedious.
The main difference between Js and Ps for is the desire closure or flexibility. INTPs value keeping their options open and find deadlines restrictive; it’s cutting them off from bringing in more possibilities. INTJs value coming to a conclusion so they can put their ideas in action and efficiently move on to the next task.
Cognitive Functions
The cognitive functions for INTJs and INTPs are completely different and should be taken into consideration if you are still confused about your type.
| INTJ | INTP |
| Cognitive Functions: Ni, Te, Fi, Se | Cognitive Functions: Ti, Ne, Si, Fe |
| Gain knowledge so it can be applied. Once the knowledge is applied to something that works, INTJs may lose interest in gaining additional knowledge on the subject. | Knowledge is the end goal. It doesn’t have to be applied to be worth pursuing, and INTPs usually don’t want to bother “applying stuff” anyway. |
| Explores possibilities and finds potential (Ni) then interacts with the environment to realize those possibilities and potential (Te) | Pieces information together and draws conclusions (Ti) then interacts with the environment to find additional possibilities (Ne) |
| Perfectionists of action. | Perfectionists of thought. |
| Desire to control the world around them | Spontaneous and adapt to the world around them |
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I am an INTP married to an INTJ. This is a wonderful breakdown of the differences between the two thinking styles. It is easy to see how the two types can work well together, but also why they sometimes clash.