How Personality Types Experience Doubt and Regret: A Study

Introduction

Everyone doubts themselves sometimes. Whether it’s replaying an awkward conversation, revisiting an old decision, or bracing for someone’s disappointment, doubt is woven into everyday life. But our survey data reveals that how deeply people experience these feelings depends significantly on personality type.

We surveyed over 27,000 respondents across all personality types on a range of doubt-related topics. The questions spanned second-guessing past choices, dwelling on regrets, fearing others’ disappointment, struggling to defend opinions, and experiencing impostor syndrome. We also explored related experiences like noise sensitivity, the emotional effects of color, and when during the day people feel most confident.

The results reveal striking divides. Some personality types carry their doubts for years, replaying mistakes and questioning their worth long after the moment has passed. Others brush off errors and look ahead with steady self-assurance. What follows is a detailed look at the data – and the personality traits that help explain these differences.

Second-Guessing Past Choices by Personality

Looking back on past choices and wondering "what if?" is an extremely common experience – but some personality types feel this pull far more than others. INFP personalities (Mediators) led the survey at 93%, followed closely by INFJ personalities (Advocates) at 90% and INTP personalities (Logicians) at 89%. All three share the Introverted and Intuitive traits, a combination that fuels deep introspection and a habit of mentally revisiting past decisions. For these personality types, the past isn’t simply behind them – it’s a landscape they continue to explore long after the moment has passed.

At the other end of the spectrum, ESTP personalities (Entrepreneurs) were the least likely to second-guess themselves, though even they agreed at a notable 60%. ENTJ personalities (Commanders) came in at 69%, consistent with their decisive, forward-looking nature. Overall, Extraverted types showed lower rates of retrospective doubt, suggesting that the tendency to replay past choices is closely tied to the inward focus that defines Introverted personality types. Still, even among the lowest-scoring types, a clear majority reported second-guessing their choices – hinting that some amount of retrospective doubt may simply be part of the human experience.

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Which Personalities Fear Disappointing Others?

Receiving praise or admiration can feel complicated for certain personality types – especially those who immediately wonder how long it will last. INFPs were the most likely to anticipate disappointing others, with 77% agreeing. INTPs followed at 70%, and INFJs at 69%. All three are Introverted Intuitive types – personalities known for deep self-reflection and a tendency to question whether they truly measure up. The Feeling trait seems to amplify this further, as INFPs outpaced even their Thinking counterparts.

At the opposite end, ENTJs agreed at just 30% – the lowest of any type. ESTJ personalities (Executives) and ESFJ personalities (Consuls) were similarly unbothered, both landing around 35%. This makes the anticipation of disappointing others one of the most polarizing items in the survey. For personality types near the top of this list, the habit of bracing for disappointment can create distance in the very relationships they value most.

Dwelling on Regrets by Personality Type

Regret is a familiar feeling for many, but few personality types sit with it as long as INFPs – 83% said they think a lot about the regrets they have. INFJs and INTPs followed in the low 70s, reinforcing a broader pattern: Introverted Intuitive types tend to revisit their regrets most often. But even more practical, Observant personality types weren’t immune – ISFJ personalities (Defenders) agreed at 66%, showing that Introversion can be a driving factor regardless of other traits.

ESTJs reported the lowest agreement at just 37%, with ESTPs not far behind. These types share an outward, action-oriented focus that may help them process setbacks and move on more quickly. The wide gap between the highest and lowest scorers highlights just how differently personality types experience regret. For some, it’s a passing thought; for others, it’s a recurring companion that shapes how they evaluate their past decisions and, ultimately, themselves.

Replaying Conversations Long After They End

The urge to replay conversations and think of the "perfect" response is something most personality types experience – but for some, it’s a near-constant habit. A full 94% of INFPs said they often rethink what they should have said, one of the highest agreement rates in the entire survey. INFJs and INTPs both scored around 90%. Even ESTPs and ENTJs – the lowest-scoring types – still agreed at about 62%, a clear majority. This broad consensus suggests that conversational replay is nearly universal, though Introverted types feel it most intensely.

What stands out here is the sheer universality of this experience. No type scored below 62%, and most landed well above 70%. ENFJ personalities (Protagonists) and ISTJ personalities (Logisticians) – types not typically associated with social rumination – agreed at about 80% and 82% respectively. The data suggests that mentally editing past conversations is one of the most widely shared forms of doubt across all personality types, even if it varies in frequency and intensity.

Standing Up for Your Opinions

Unlike most items in this survey, this one asks about confidence – specifically, whether it’s easy to stand up for your opinions when challenged. ENTJs led decisively at 94%, with ENTP personalities (Debaters) close behind at 93%. These Analyst types share the Thinking trait, which tends to provide firm logical grounding when defending a position. INTJ personalities (Architects) also showed strong confidence but scored noticeably lower than their Extraverted peers, suggesting that Introversion tempers even Thinking types’ readiness to push back.

At the bottom of the list, ISFP personalities (Adventurers) found it hardest to defend their opinions, with just 34% agreeing. ISFJs and INFPs were close behind, both just above 40%. The Feeling trait, especially when paired with Introversion, seems to make pushing back much harder. ENFP personalities (Campaigners), however, showed that Extraversion can help bridge the gap – at 71%, they were far more comfortable standing their ground than their Introverted Feeling peers.

Do Past Mistakes Still Haunt You?

For some personality types, mistakes made years ago still carry real emotional weight. An overwhelming 87% of INFPs said they’re still bothered by old mistakes – the highest of any type. INTPs and INFJs both scored near 79%, and even ISTJs – known for their pragmatism – agreed at 70%. For Introverted types across the board, past errors aren’t simply lessons learned but remain active sources of discomfort.

Extraverted Thinking types were far less affected. ESTPs scored the lowest at just 46%, with ESTJs close behind. Their action-oriented, present-focused outlook seems to help them process mistakes and move on. Even ENTJs landed at just 50% – low for this survey but still indicating that roughly half of this decisive type carries old mistakes with them. The data reveals a meaningful divide: for some personality types, the past fades quickly, while for others, the sting of a mistake lingers for years.

Worrying About First Impressions

Making a good first impression matters to most people, but some personality types worry about it far more than others. INFPs led at 83%, with INFJs close behind at 78%. ISFPs and ISFJs both landed around 74%, rounding out the top of the list. A clear pattern emerges among these personality types: the Feeling trait, combined with Introversion, seems to fuel extra mental energy spent replaying first meetings and wondering how they came across.

ESTPs and ENTJs were least likely to worry, both scoring around 47%. Interestingly, ESFP personalities (Entertainers) – who share the Feeling trait with many of the top scorers – still reported relatively high concern at 71%. This suggests that Feeling personality types may be attuned to social perception regardless of whether they’re Introverted or Extraverted. For those who do worry, this isn’t vanity but reflects a genuine desire to connect with new people on the right foot.

Mistakes and Self-Doubt by Personality

Faced with the choice between brushing off a mistake and doubting themselves, most personality types leaned toward self-doubt – but the degree varied widely. A striking 85% of INFPs said mistakes trigger doubts about their abilities, the highest of any type. ISFJs (78%) and INFJs (77%) weren’t far behind. Introverted Feeling types dominated the top of this list, suggesting that deep internal reflection and emotional sensitivity make it especially hard to shrug off errors.

ESTPs and ENTJs were the most likely to brush mistakes off, both at about 66%, though ENTPs also leaned toward shrugging off errors rather than doubting themselves. The patterns here may echo qualities associated with the Assertive Identity trait – a steady self-confidence that holds up even after setbacks. Conversely, the high self-doubt among INFPs and INFJs aligns with qualities often seen in the Turbulent Identity trait, such as heightened self-criticism and perfectionism. Though this survey didn’t break results down by Identity variant, the type-level data strongly suggests that how personality types process mistakes is shaped by far more than just the error itself.

How Personality Types Experience Fear

Are there many things that genuinely scare you? The answer depends heavily on personality type. INFPs were the most likely to say yes, at 62% – the only type where a clear majority agreed. ISFPs scored in the mid-to-high 50s, and ISFJs landed just above the midpoint. These types share the Feeling trait and Introversion, suggesting that emotional sensitivity and an inward focus can make the world feel more threatening. Compared to other items in this survey, though, even the highest scores were moderate – widespread fear, it seems, is more personal and varied than other forms of doubt.

ENTJs stood out as the least fearful, with only 20% saying many things scare them. ENTPs and ESTPs scored similarly low, at or under 25%. The combination of Extraversion and the Thinking trait appeared to offer the strongest buffer against widespread fear. Even INTJs, who share the Thinking trait but are Introverted, agreed at just 33% – well below their Feeling counterparts. The wide gap between the top and bottom scorers reveals how differently personality types experience vulnerability and may help explain their contrasting attitudes toward risk.

Looking Back on Past Events

Asked whether they rarely look back on past events, INFPs were the least likely to agree – just 11% said they don’t often revisit the past. INFJs (15%) and INTPs (18%) were similarly reflective. These results align with every other finding in this survey: Introverted Intuitive types are the most likely to keep their past alive in their minds, whether through revisiting choices, regrets, conversations, or mistakes. For these personalities, the past isn’t a closed chapter – it remains an active part of their inner world.

ESTPs were the most forward-looking, with 46% saying they rarely reflect on past events – though even among them, the majority still looks back. ENTJs and ESTJs also scored relatively high but still fell well short of a majority. In fact, no personality type produced a majority agreeing that they rarely look back. The data paints a clear picture: virtually everyone reflects on their past to some degree. The difference is one of frequency and intensity, with Introverted personality types – especially those with the Intuitive trait – revisiting the past far more than their Extraverted and Observant counterparts.

Which Personalities Feel Too Busy?

Feeling overwhelmed by a packed schedule is hardly unusual, but some personality types experience it more than others. INFJs were the most likely to say they often feel too busy, at 69%. ENFJs followed at 62%, and ENFPs were close behind. A couple of patterns stand out: types with the Judging trait, who tend to carry a strong sense of duty, generally scored higher – as did Feeling types, who often invest deeply in other people’s well-being. INFJs sit at the intersection of both traits, which may help explain why they led this list by a clear margin.

ISTPs were the least likely to feel too busy, at just 43%, with ESTPs close behind at 47%. Both are Explorer personality types who share the Prospecting trait – a trait linked to a more flexible, easygoing approach to obligations. These types tend to balance work with rest more naturally rather than pushing through every task before allowing themselves a break. The results suggest that feeling stretched thin isn’t only about workload – it’s also shaped by how your personality type relates to commitments and the expectations you place on yourself.

Colors and Calm: A Personality Link

The idea that certain colors can promote a sense of calm may sound subjective, but a large share of respondents agreed – though some personality types were far more attuned to the effect than others. INFJs led at 76%, with ENFJs close behind at 74%. INFPs and ENFPs both scored above 70% as well. All four are Diplomat types who share the Intuitive and Feeling traits, a combination that may give them a heightened awareness of how their surroundings affect their mood.

ESTPs were the least likely to report a calming effect from colors, at 42%. ISTPs scored similarly at 45%, and ISTJs weren’t far behind. These types tend to share the Observant and Thinking traits – a pairing that generally prioritizes practical, tangible concerns over subtler sensory impressions. More than 30 percentage points separate the highest and lowest scorers here, making this one of the wider gaps in the survey. The data suggests that sensitivity to color is one more way the Feeling and Intuitive traits shape how personality types interact with their everyday environment.

Colors That Seem to Increase Stress

While many people find certain colors soothing, fewer report that colors actively add to their stress. INFJs were again the most responsive, with 54% agreeing that some colors increase their stress levels – the only type to produce a clear majority. INFPs and ENFJs also hovered near the 50% mark. Once again, Diplomat types led the way, consistent with their greater sensitivity to environmental cues. For these personality types, the same emotional attunement that makes calming colors feel restorative may also make harsh or jarring hues feel unsettling.

ESTPs reported the lowest agreement at just 29%, followed by ISTPs at 33%. Compared to the calming-colors question, agreement dropped noticeably across every type – suggesting that people are more likely to notice when a color soothes them than when one adds to their stress. The personality patterns, however, were nearly identical: Feeling and Intuitive types were consistently more affected than their Thinking and Observant counterparts. For those who do experience color-related stress, the data is a reminder that environmental factors can shape well-being in ways that vary dramatically by personality.

When Do You Feel Most Confident?

For most respondents, confidence doesn’t seem to rise or fall with the clock. The most common answer was that time of day has no impact, though this response ranged from about 49% among INFPs and INFJs to 65% among ENTJs. In other words, INFPs and INFJs were the most likely to feel their confidence shift throughout the day. Among those who noticed a pattern, Judging personality types – particularly ESTJs and ESFJs – tended to peak in the morning, aligning with their structured, plan-ahead approach to daily life.

Prospecting types told a different story, with many reporting peak confidence in the evening. INTPs led this trend at 28%, and INFPs were close behind. ENTPs and ISTPs also gravitated toward evening hours. For Introverted types especially, the quieter, less demanding nighttime hours may provide a setting where they can think and act more freely. The afternoon, meanwhile, was consistently the least popular option across all types, seldom exceeding about 13%. Whether your confidence peaks early or late, the data suggests that personality traits may help explain when you feel most at ease with yourself.

Noise Sensitivity Across Personality Types

Sudden, unexpected noises can jolt anyone, but for certain personality types, the reaction goes well beyond a simple startle. INFPs and INFJs both reported high noise sensitivity, with 77% of each type agreeing. ISFPs and ISFJs were close behind at roughly 70%. All four types are Introverted and share the Feeling trait – a pairing associated with deeper sensitivity to environmental stimuli. For these personalities, sudden noises may feel not just surprising but genuinely disruptive, breaking the inner focus they work hard to maintain.

ESTJs were the least noise-sensitive at 44%, with ESTPs and ESFJs scoring in the same range. Extraverted types, who generally thrive on active engagement with their surroundings, may simply be less rattled by sudden auditory disruptions. That said, even among these lower scorers, around four to five in ten reported high noise sensitivity – a reminder that this is far from a niche experience. Overall, the data paints noise sensitivity as closely linked to the Introverted and Feeling traits, pointing to personality types who absorb their surroundings more deeply – sometimes at the cost of their own comfort.

Re-Reading Messages Before Sending Them

How many times do you re-read an important message before hitting send? For INFJs and INFPs, the answer is often three or more – 52% and 51%, respectively, chose this option. ISFPs and ISFJs also reported high rates of multiple re-reads, both landing above 40%. These personality types share the Feeling trait and Introversion, which may heighten their concern about how their words will be received. For them, sending a message isn’t just about accuracy – it’s about making sure the tone and intention come across exactly right.

ESTPs stood out in the opposite direction: 18% said they don’t re-read important messages at all, the highest rate of any type. Their "three or more times" rate was just 19% – roughly a third of the INFJ rate. ENTPs and ENTJs also showed lower re-reading habits, with their "three or more times" rates landing at about 20% each. The wide gap between these types and the Introverted Feeling types speaks to fundamentally different communication styles. Some personality types treat every message as something to fine-tune, while others hit send and move on, trusting that their intent will come through without extra polish.

How Often People Google Themselves

Self-searching – regularly looking up your own name on a search engine – is something the vast majority of respondents simply don’t do. No personality type reached 23% agreement, and most fell in the range of 14% to 22%. INFPs came the closest at nearly 23%, but even that represents less than a quarter of respondents. Unlike most items in this survey, this habit doesn’t appear to be strongly tied to any particular personality trait. Curiosity, professional concern, or simple vanity may drive it, but personality type doesn’t seem to be a decisive factor.

ISTJs were the least likely to look themselves up, at just 9% – the lowest agreement of any type on this item. ISFJs and ISTPs also scored well below the survey average. While Introverted Observant types appear slightly less inclined toward self-searching, the differences are modest at best. In a survey full of dramatic gaps between the highest and lowest personality types, this item stands out for how uniform the results are. Whatever motivates people to Google themselves, it seems to operate largely independently of the personality patterns that shape doubt, regret, and self-consciousness.

Impostor Syndrome by Personality Type

Feeling as though others overestimate your abilities – often called impostor syndrome – is common among certain personality types. INFPs led at 70%, followed by ISFPs and INTPs, both at 66%. Several other Introverted types also scored above 60%, making Introversion a clear contributing factor. For these personalities, a rich inner life can be a double-edged sword: the same depth of self-reflection that drives growth can also make them question whether they truly deserve the recognition they receive.

ENTJs reported the lowest agreement at just 32% – less than half the INFP rate. ESTPs and ESTJs also scored in the low 40s. The combination of Extraversion and the Thinking trait appears to serve as a particular buffer against impostor syndrome, creating a self-assurance that holds up even when others set high expectations. For Introverted personality types, especially those with the Feeling trait, the gap between how others perceive them and how they perceive themselves can be wide and persistent. This makes impostor syndrome one of the most personality-driven experiences in the entire survey.

Conclusion

Across nearly every item in this survey, one pattern stood out with remarkable consistency: Introverted, Intuitive personality types – especially INFPs, INFJs, and INTPs – reported the highest levels of doubt, regret, and self-questioning. Their deep inner lives and constant self-reflection, while valuable in many contexts, clearly come with a cost. These types revisit past choices, replay conversations, and question whether they truly measure up far more often than most.

On the other end of the spectrum, Extraverted Thinking types – particularly ENTJs and ESTPs – showed far lower rates of rumination and self-doubt. Their forward-looking, action-oriented approaches seem to offer a natural buffer against persistent self-questioning. Yet even among these confident personalities, significant minorities still reported lingering doubts – a reminder that no one is entirely immune.

Perhaps the most important finding is that doubt isn’t necessarily a flaw. For the personality types who experience it most, it often reflects the very qualities that make them empathetic, thoughtful, and self-aware. The challenge lies not in eliminating doubt but in keeping it from becoming paralyzing – and understanding how personality shapes these patterns can be a meaningful first step.