Levels of the ISTP

Ideal:

  • Learned how to be responsible and self-disciplined
  • Learned how to be reliable – Keep their commitments and appointments
  • Able to interact well enough with others without appearing aloof and detached
  • Enjoys mentoring and passing on knowledge to close family members and friends
  • Able to respond to conflict instead of avoiding it altogether and being passive
  • Fun-loving and likes to make appropriate jokes
  • Built a good support system and network of trusted friends
  • Tries to avoid making insensitive comments, especially with those of a more feeling preference
  • Able to listen to others viewpoints even though they may not agree
  • Makes an effort to stay present emotionally even when they do not feel like it

Moderate:

  • Somewhat decent at keeping their commitments and adhering to rules but struggles from time-to-time depending on the specific event or topic
  • More withdrawn and reserved – has a smaller circle of friends and most likely less engaged socially
  • Difficulty solving conflict but will make an attempt until it becomes too emotionally challenging to continue
  • Displays more incongruent behaviors and can come across as a hypocrite if not careful
  • Not the best listener but can be attentive when they focus
  • Will help others as they see fit
  • Not very sensitive towards others and has a hard time connecting with people emotionally
  • Difficulty seeing things objectively and would rather stick to what they think is correct rather than learning different viewpoints

Unhealthy: More likely to be a hermit

  • Extreme difficulty with follow-through
  • Very withdrawn and difficulty socializing with people
  • More likely to stay at home and play video games or watch t.v.
  • Comes across as uncaring and insensitive
  • Passive and refuses to address conflict altogether
  • Can become stuck in the past even though on the surface it appears like a lack of motivation when they’re really need to address unresolved conflict or trauma
  • May come across as being very hypocritical although if they’ve become a hermit and stopped talking to people altogether no one will really notice