Before we begin, it is important to understand that one’s mood is not the same as a personality trait, emotion, or temperament. Mood refers to a temporary state or a potentially enduring attitude, but not a long-term or permanent condition. That being said, chronic gloomy moods can indicate deeper emotional issues or mental illness. These deeper issues, however, are not within the scope of this article.
What will be discussed, in splendid detail, is the relationship between personality types and mood. To determine which personality types may be more prone to negative moods, we asked our readers to agree or disagree with the statement “In general, your mood is more often glum than pleasant.”
The results indicated that there are two traits that play a pronounced role in the responses – Mind and Identity. Introverts (43%) were substantially more likely to agree than Extraverts (16%). The difference between Turbulent types (41%) and Assertive types (14%) was equally pronounced. These results play out most markedly between the Strategies. For your reading pleasure, the results will be discussed in greater detail below.
Roles
Analysts (43% agreeing)
Although the Mind and Identity traits showed the greatest variance, Nature and Energy traits played a considerable role in the responses as well. 39% of Thinking personality types agreed that their mood is more often glum than pleasant, while only 25% of Feeling types agreed. Intuitive types (34%) were also more likely to agree than Observant types (24%). The combination of Thinking and Intuitive traits may result in a problem that is best described as, “I rationalize too much and then put myself in a bad mood.”
Logicians (INTP) had the highest rates of agreement, with 62% of Logicians agreeing and Turbulent Logicians (INTP-T) coming in at an exceptionally high 71%. The synthesis of traits that make up the Logician type often manifests as a personality that is focused on theories and ideas, with little desire to engage in anything other than intellectual conversation with people who they believe can keep up with them.
Often highly intelligent (famous brilliant minds such as Albert Einstein and Rene Descartes belonged to this personality type), Logicians prefer objectivity to feelings and emotions, which often seem to be utterly meaningless to them. The result is poor communication that can be downright rude at times. This doesn’t mean that Logicians don’t feel, but rather that they can be less capable of articulating their feelings or empathizing with the feelings of another. Add in a dose of self-consciousness based on their indecisiveness (especially the Turbulent types), and these personalities are very likely to feel misunderstood, which could result in the aforementioned glum moods.
Architects (INTJ) share many of the same traits as Logicians, and it’s not surprising that they scored similarly (with 56% of Architects agreeing). Their Judging trait may counteract the lack of self-confidence that can plague Logicians, making Architects slightly less apt to feel glum.
The difference in responses among the remaining Analysts is quite pronounced, with only 26% of Commanders (ENTJ) and 27% of Debaters (ENTP) agreeing. Assertive Debaters, in fact, drop down to only 14% agreement, showing the extreme effect that both the Mind and Identity traits have on mood. Extraverted Analysts have not only greater self-confidence, but also the ability to connect and communicate more effectively than their Introverted counterparts. The energy that Extraverts receive from social interactions also appears to have a marked impact on their mood.
Diplomats (29%) and Explorers (27%)
Diplomats and Explorers were less inclined to agree that their mood is more often glum than pleasant. For Diplomat personality types, the Feeling trait provides greater emotional awareness and empathy. Rather than bottling up their feelings, Diplomats express and communicate them, allowing them to receive support and reciprocated empathy from others. These connections can provide serious mood-boosting benefits.
Mediators (INFP) (45%) were the most likely Diplomats to agree, due to their combination of Introversion and Prospecting traits. While Mediators are very compassionate and idealistic, they are also quite reserved and self-conscious. These qualities can lead to loneliness and burnout, which is likely the cause for a greater reporting of glum moods than other Diplomats.
Protagonists (ENFJ) (14%), on the other hand, are a naturally optimistic personality type. Idealistic and compassionate, like their Introverted counterparts, Protagonists have a strong drive to connect with and please others. A prime example of this personality type would be Leslie Knope of Parks and Recreation. She has a perpetually cheerful demeanor, is a relentless champion for her causes, and to call her a devoted friend would be a serious understatement. This blending of altruism, passion, and self-confidence keeps Protagonists, especially Assertive Protagonists (ENFJ-A, only 6% agreeing) in a nearly permanent pleasant mood.
Explorers are pleasure seekers who make it their mission to seek out excitement and avoid boredom at all costs. Virtuosos (ISTP) (48%) were the most likely to feel glum, with 61% of Turbulent Virtuosos (ISTP-T) agreeing. Their Extraverted associates, the Entrepreneurs (ESTP) (20%), were much less prone to a glum mood, which emphasizes the impact of the Mind on mood. Both personality types are bold and generally optimistic; however, the Entrepreneurs may benefit from their affable nature and their increased ability to enjoy social interactions.
Sentinels (22%)
A rational and cooperative group, Sentinels, especially the Consuls (ESFJ) (9% agreeing) are the most likely personality types to be in a pleasant mood. Assertive Consuls (ESFJ-A) barely even registered an agreeing response, with only 3% reporting glum moods most of the time. This is not surprising, as Consuls live to create happiness and harmony. One of their key strengths is being in tune with the emotions of the people around them, and these personalities use this strength to create a positive, cooperative environment. The desire to please others can take its toll on Consuls, but in general, it brings them great satisfaction.
Introverted Sentinels, as with the other Roles, were more prone towards glum moods, with Logisticians (ISTJ) (46%) most apt to agree. Logisticians are self-sufficient types, preferring to go it alone to the point of overwhelming themselves when they take on the responsibilities of others (usually because they believe that they will achieve better results). This tendency to focus on their responsibilities above all else leaves Logisticians with little time or energy to sort through their own feelings or make meaningful connections with others – which, unbeknownst to them, may play a role in dampening their moods.
What is especially interesting about the Sentinels being the least likely group to agree is that they don’t appear to be the most optimistic or sociable types. Sentinels thrive on reliability, structure, logic, and cooperation, and that may be why they are less prone to glum moods. As long as they have structure and cooperation in their lives, these personality types are perfectly pleasant. When things are not running so smoothly, Sentinels are usually the ones who get a situation back on track, so a glum mood wouldn’t last for long.
Strategies
Constant Improvement (52% agreeing)
Far and away, the most likely Strategy to agree was Constant Improvement. This Strategy is composed of Turbulent Introverts. As mentioned earlier, the Mind and Identity factors had the greatest disparities (with a 27% difference between both Introverts/Extraverts and Turbulent/Assertive types). Both Mind and Identity impact how we respond to our environment by influencing our focus, our self-confidence, and ultimately, our moods.
There are many possible reasons that Introverts reported themselves as more likely to be glum. One of the most likely explanations is that many Introverts do not receive adequate time to recharge after engaging in social interactions, such as in the workplace or at school. The carryover from numerous interactions can be overwhelming, causing a glum mood. In fact, Introverts are more sensitive to all forms of external stimulation, such as loud noises and bright lights, which further impacts their moods.
Turbulent personality types are more emotional, less self-confident, and more prone to stress and anxiety. This is caused by their perfectionist tendencies and their passion for self-improvement. While these are noble desires, Turbulent types are more prone to negative moods as a result of the stress. Turbulent Logicians (INTP-T) (71% agreeing), who are Constant Improvers, were the most likely of all personality types to agree that their moods are more often glum than pleasant. Logicians in general tend to be exceptionally private and may often lack self-confidence; a Turbulent Identity would only serve to increase these tendencies.
Turbulent Defenders (ISFJ-T) (36%) were the Constant Improvers least apt to agree, likely due to their sensitive and good-natured demeanor. The Feeling trait increases their sensitivity towards others, and the Judging trait provides them with the structure to follow through with their altruistic tendencies.
Social Engagement and Confident Individualism (25% and 24%)
Social Engagers and Confident Individualists are much less prone to negative moods due to their Extraverted and Assertive traits, respectively. Both Strategies benefit greatly from the self-confidence they receive from these traits, and this confidence is exhibited in their greater abilities to maintain congenial moods.
While Social Engagers can fall prey to their perfectionistic impulses and fluctuating emotions, their Extraversion brings them the confidence needed to maintain a (usually) positive mood. A Turbulent Campaigner (ENFP-T) (23%) fares much better than their Introverted counterpart, the Turbulent Mediator (INFP-T) (52%), due to the increased confidence and energy that Extraverts possess.
Confident Individualists receive a significant boost from their Assertive Identity and the emotional stability it provides. People’s opinions have little bearing on their mood, and they are highly confident in their own abilities. Assertive Defenders (ISFJ-A) (11%) and Assertive Advocates (INFJ-A) (12%) derive measurable mood-enhancing qualities from their Feeling and Judging traits as well, which gives them additional emotional sensitivity and confidence.
People Mastery (8%)
People Masters appear to have truly mastered feeling good. Extraverted and Assertive, People Masters are both socially competent and confident in their abilities, making them unlikely to be affected by external situations or the opinions of others. They are usually calm and communicate extremely well, which prevents them from becoming overwhelmed or anxious.
Assertive Consuls (ESFJ-A) (3%), Protagonists (ENFJ-A) (6%), and Entertainers (ESFP-A) (8%), are rarely glum, as they are also buoyed by their strong Feeling trait. These personality types exude confidence, lightheartedness, and sensitivity, bringing them great popularity and morale. People Masters Bill Clinton and Pope Francis exemplify the charisma and confidence found within this group.
Conclusions
Mind and Identity have an unquestioning impact on mood, for better or worse. It is important to avoid generalizations, however, to ensure that Introverts and Turbulent personality types are not unfairly characterized as glum or unpleasant individuals. While they may be more susceptible to glum moods, it is more likely a reaction to environmental stressors than their actual nature.
Extraverts and Assertive types gain a tremendous amount of confidence from these personality traits, which can help them to weather the storms that life sends their way while still retaining an optimistic outlook. It is entirely possible that the empathetic connections Extraverts (especially those with the Feeling trait) establish with others play a powerful part in their ability to retain a pleasant mood. Connection with others and a feeling of being understood are helpful during trying situations and may be more readily available to Extraverts.
Alas, moods can change on a dime; they are impermanent. They are not personality traits or emotions and should not be treated as such. If a glum mood endures, it could indicate deeper psychological issues and professional help should be sought. Otherwise, there are many resources for remedying a glum mood, such as meditation, writing, walking, yoga, etc. Perhaps the greatest remedy of all is understanding.
Do you feel that your personality type directly influences your mood? Or do you feel other factors play a bigger role? Let us know in the comments!