Personality Traits

The puzzler's mind, or what your jigsaw hobby reveals about your personality. In an age saturated with personality tests, from Myers-Briggs to online quizzes, it's natural to wonder: what kind of person truly loves jigsaw puzzles? Do certain personality types gravitate towards them, and what does this beloved pastime reveal about you? Let's dive into the fascinating psychology behind puzzling.

16 Personality Types

The 16 personality types, often associated with the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), are a framework that categorizes individuals into distinct personality profiles based on four dichotomies: 

• • Introversion/Extroversion

  • Sensing/Intuition

  • Thinking/Feeling

  • Judging/Perceiving

Each combination of these four preferences results in one of the 16 distinct personality types. 

Breakdown of the 16 Types

Analysts (Intuitive & Thinking)

• • INTJ (The Architect): Strategic, independent, and decisive.

  • INTP (The Logician): Analytical, innovative, and original thinkers.

  • ENTJ (The Commander): Bold, strategic, and natural leaders.

  • ENTP (The Debater): Creative, intellectually curious, and resourceful.

Diplomats (Intuitive & Feeling)

• • INFJ (The Advocate): Idealistic, insightful, and passionate about their beliefs.

  • INFP (The Mediator): Imaginative, empathetic, and value-driven.

  • ENFJ (The Protagonist): Charismatic, inspiring, and focused on others' well-being.

  • ENFP (The Campaigner): Enthusiastic, imaginative, and freedom-loving.

Sentinels (Sensing & Judging):

• • ISTJ (The Logistician): Practical, detail-oriented, and dependable.

  • ISFJ (The Defender): Warm, responsible, and dedicated to helping others.

  • ESTJ (The Executive): Organized, efficient, and decisive in their actions.

  • ESFJ (The Consul): Popular, empathetic, and focused on social harmony.

Explorers (Sensing & Perceiving)

• • ISTP (The Virtuoso): Independent, practical, and skilled problem-solvers. 

  • ISFP (The Adventurer): Artistic, sensitive, and enjoy exploring the world around them. 

  • ESTP (The Entrepreneur): Energetic, action-oriented, and enjoy taking risks. 

  • ESFP (The Entertainer): Outgoing, spontaneous, and enjoy being the center of attention. 

These 16 types are often used as a tool for self-discovery, career development, and understanding interpersonal dynamics. 

Jigsaw Puzzles and the Myers-Briggs Connection: ISFJs and INFJs

According to 16personalities.com, a prominent Myers-Briggs resource, ISFJ and INFJ personality types are particularly well-suited for puzzling. While both types share "Introversion" and "Judgment," their distinct characteristics offer unique advantages in the world of jigsaws.

The ISFJ: "The Defender"

The ISFJ personality type, known as "The Defender," is characterized by kindness and a reserved demeanor. Though seemingly quiet, ISFJs are keen observers, excellent at remembering small details – a crucial skill for any puzzler. Their appreciation for order and routine means they excel at habitual tasks and following instructions.

Key ISFJ skills that make them natural puzzlers include:

• • Reliance on logic and facts.

  • Being highly organized.

  • A knack for finding patterns.

  • A love for assembling small details into a bigger picture.

Beyond these traits, ISFJs possess a unique ability to stay rooted in the present moment, rather than constantly rushing to the next task. Since puzzling is an immersive activity demanding concentration, this mindful presence comes naturally to them, making it a perfect fit for their personality. ISFJs often thrive in professions like bookkeeping, counseling, or teaching.

The INFJ: "The Advocate"

The INFJ personality type, often called "The Advocate," brings a compelling blend of creativity and analytical thinking to the puzzle table. Their idealistic nature might even inspire them to tackle exceptionally challenging puzzles. As introverts, INFJs value solitude for recharging their minds, yet they also cherish deep relationships, making them wonderful puzzle partners when they choose to collaborate.

Despite their sometimes contradictory nature, puzzling offers INFJs an opportunity for mental relaxation and introspection, helping them to "get out of their heads."

Key INFJ skills include:

• • Being artistic.

  • Being well-organized.

  • Strong intuition.

  • Sensitivity to the emotions of others.

INFJs are often drawn to fields like entrepreneurship, writing, and art. While ISFJs and INFJs may particularly excel at jigsaw puzzles, they are by no means the only personality types who enjoy them.

What Loving Jigsaw Puzzles Says About You

Regardless of your specific Myers-Briggs type, a fondness for jigsaw puzzles often reveals a set of common, admirable traits. Did you know that people who love puzzles are formally (though unofficially) called dissectologists?

You might be a dissectologist if you are:

• • Observant: You notice intricate details and patterns in the world around you.

  • Detail-oriented: You have a natural ability to remember and process small elements.

  • A Problem-Solver: You enjoy looking at situations from multiple angles to find solutions.

  • Highly Organized: You appreciate structure and often employ methodical sorting systems.

  • Patient: You're comfortable with a slow, deliberate pace and aren't easily rushed to the finish.

  • Goal-Oriented: You embrace challenges and are driven by the satisfaction of completion.

  • Analytical: You enjoy formulating strategies and applying logical thought to achieve success.

  • Visual: You have an appreciation for art, imagery, and how visual components fit together.

Does this sound like you or a puzzle-loving friend? If there are characteristics on this list you aspire to develop, engaging with jigsaw puzzles can be a beneficial practice!

Puzzles for Every Personality Type

While ISFJs and INFJs might be archetypal puzzlers, the hobby's versatility means many other types find enjoyment, sometimes in unique ways. Some may even prefer them as a social activity rather than a solitary pursuit.

Here's a quick look at how other personality types typically engage with puzzles:

• • ENFJ and ENTP: These excellent problem-solvers can bore quickly. They'll likely enjoy puzzles most when framed as a competitive group challenge to complete it fastest.

  • INTP: Known for seeing people as complex "puzzles," INTPs also appreciate a good jigsaw. Their imaginative nature makes abstract puzzles particularly appealing.

  • ENFP and INFP: Always up for a challenge, they excel at difficult puzzles. Because they bore easily, the puzzle must be sufficiently complex to engage their problem-solving skills and maintain their interest.

  • ISTP and ESTP: As analytical thinkers, these types have a natural knack for puzzles. However, their dislike for prolonged stillness means completing a puzzle might take them longer.

  • INTJ: Focused on personal growth, INTJs see puzzles as a way to sharpen their skills. Mind-bending challenges, such as solid color puzzles, often appeal to their desire for mental stimulation.

  • ISFP and ESFP: While capable puzzlers, their tendency to prioritize living in the moment can make committing to a long puzzle difficult. They might find more enjoyment in puzzling as a relaxed social activity.

  • ISTJ: This type values alone time and relaxation. For them, puzzling isn't a competitive sport; it's a cherished form of self-care.

  • ENTJ and EST: These types, driven by efficiency and productivity, are generally less inclined toward puzzles. While they enjoy a challenge, their participation in a puzzle might be limited to a brief, focused five-minute burst.

  • ESFJ: Valuing practicality and the satisfaction of ticking off a to-do list, ESFJs might find committing to a puzzle challenging. However, it can be an excellent way for them to practice slowing down and engaging in a mindful activity.

Final Thoughts

So, what kind of person enjoys jigsaw puzzles? Ultimately, puzzles truly are for everyone, regardless of personality type. They offer a unique blend of mental engagement, relaxation, and accomplishment that can appeal to a wide spectrum of individuals.

If you consider yourself a true dissectologist and are always on the hunt for your next challenge, explore puzzle rental programs. These services provide access to a vast array of puzzles from various brands, allowing you to personalize your difficulty level and continually discover new experiences.