Rethinking Judging & Perceiving: Part II: Convergence & Closure
In Rethinking Judging and Perceiving in IPs and IJs, I described how the J-P dimension can be confusing for IPs and IJs because the J-P nature of their dominant function is actually opposite that of their type’s J-P designation. I went on to suggest that, because of their dominant Judging function (Ti or Fi), IPs may in some respects function more like J-types while IJs, because of their dominant Perceiving function (Si or Ni), may in some ways function more like P-types. I also surmised that IPs, because of their dominant Judging function, are apt to be intentional and willful in initiating work toward a goal, while IJs, because of their dominant Perceiving function, are naturally more content and comfortable remaining in a purely perceptive state. Unfortunately, this nuanced understanding has not been incorporated into the MBTI, which continues to ascribe stronger willfulness or goal-orientation to J-types across the board.
Having recently been inspired to revisit the J-P dimension, I still feel the above assertions are generally sound. I did realize, however, that my original post failed to address an equally important element of the J-P dimension, which I will generally refer to as convergence. Historically, the Myers-Briggs community has used a similar term, that of closure. While closure and convergence certainly overlap in terms of their connotation, closure may take on a more negative connotation if associated with closed-mindedness, making convergence a better option in some respects. As we will see, convergence seems to be a consistent feature of all J-types. In this post, we will explore how convergence and closure relate to J and P-types respectively.
Judging Types & Convergence
Since the J-P dimension was originally formulated to reflect a type’s outer presentation, J-types, by definition, are more outwardly convergent in their expressions. They exude a sense of closure, firmness, and directness in their communication and mannerisms. This is particularly evident in EJ types.
In my view, there is also a sense in which the inner world of J-types is more convergent than that of P-types. While SJs and NJs may conceive of the world quite differently, they are similar in their tendency to see one view or one answer as correct or appropriate. Unlike Se and Ne, functions which are characteristically divergent, open-ended, and less discriminating, Si and Ni are more convergent, producing what amounts to a singular vision of things. Si effectively takes the entirety of an individual’s past experiences and condenses them into a single worldview or lifestyle. This is why SJs are notorious for being creatures of tradition and habit. They see the past as a blueprint for the present.
Introverted Intuition (Ni) also functions convergently. It synthesizes past and present information into a single intuition or “impression.” Since Ni does not rely on past precedent, there is a sense in which Ni seems more open than Si. But there is still a sense in which Ni builds a stable worldview over time, one that seems less susceptible to drastic shifts or “crises of knowing” than that of NPs.
The above may explain why J-types seem less wishy-washy and better at “staying the course” than P-types. It may be that the inner clarity and convergence of Si/Ni beget consistency and predictability in both thought and action.
Since their ideation seem less susceptible to significant perturbations or fluctuations, J-types seem to have an easier time typing themselves. They also seem less sensitive to or concerned with potential exceptions or inconsistencies in their beliefs. Unlike P-types, whose beliefs can be seriously shaken by a single exception or contradiction, J-types seem more resilient and steadfast in their convictions.
Perceiving Types: Doubting & Diverging
P-types generally experience less inner clarity, conviction, and convergence than J-types do. NPs, in particular, find it difficult not to see many matters as grey or ambiguous (including their personality type designation, career paths, relationships, etc.). This can be attributed to their Extraverted Intuition (Ne), which specializes in injecting uncertainty into things. Ne sees multiple explanations and possibilities for nearly everything (“The possibilities are endless!”). Consequently, granting top and consistent priority to a single vision or version of reality can prove difficult for NPs, especially in the first half of life.
SPs also exhibit diminished convergence compared to their SJ counterparts. While SPs may not fluctuate philosophically as much as NPs, they often show significant uncertainty with respect to practical matters, such as settling on a career or romantic partner.
The primary means by which P-types move toward convergence is trial-and-error experimentation. For NPs, this involves trying on new ideas, while for SPs, the focus is on seeking new sensory experiences. Either way, P-types need ample time before they can authentically arrive at anything resembling a firm conclusion. This of course assumes they have not “jumped the (functional) stack,” which can lead them to draw conclusions before surveying all the options.
Do Judging Types Prefer Closure? External Structure?
Having established that J-types achieve convergence or closure more readily than P-types, let’s now consider whether J-types actually prefer closure. Historically, Myers-Briggs folks have suggested that J-types do in fact prefer closure. In my view, this is primarily true of EJ types, but not necessarily IJs. Since IJs dominant function is a Perceiving function, it seems contradictory to suggest they are preoccupied with closure, at least not inner closure. (This Personality Junkie post is continued on the next page.)
