How you Behave When You’re Angry, Based on your Myers-Briggs Personality Type

Everyone experiences anger sometimes, but how you deal with it reveals a lot about your personality type. For example, some types feel little wrath and more emotional regret, while others feel unprecedented fury! Because every personality type handles anger differently, it can be helpful to examine how each type behaves when dealing with this complicated emotion. 

So how do you behave when you’re angry? Let’s take a look at how each Myers and Briggs personality type reacts.

INFP: Won’t Cause a Scene

If you’re an INFP, you avoid reaching a place of anger and will do your best to hold everything inside to avoid making a scene in public. But when someone challenges your core values or accuses your actions of being false or flawed, it won’t be too long before you start getting cynical and sarcastic – when pushed enough, you may eventually blow up and engage in a conflict. These sensitive types are hyper-aware of the outward persona they project into the world and are vulnerable, so criticism or sensitive questions don’t bode too well.

Because INFPs internalize their emotions, their anger tends to simmer beneath the surface rather than explode outright. This can lead to passive-aggressive behavior, subtle resentment, or even withdrawing from the person who caused them distress. INFPs value harmony and deep emotional connections, so when they feel misunderstood or dismissed, it can create long-lasting emotional wounds. They may find solace in writing, journaling, or expressing their emotions through creative outlets like poetry or music.

Additionally, INFPs struggle with direct confrontation, preferring to process their emotions in solitude. They might replay conversations in their minds, imagining better ways to have responded or wishing they had defended themselves more assertively. When an INFP does reach a breaking point, their anger can manifest as an intense emotional outburst, followed by deep regret and a need to make amends. They value authenticity and kindness, so they strive to reconcile conflicts in a way that aligns with their values.

ENFP: The Silent Treatment

ENFPs have a powerful conscience, so an explosive reaction may occur when someone questions how they operate. Most ENFPs will avoid addressing their anger, however, and focus on activities that make them feel good. Since ENFPs are often hypersensitive, others might unknowingly step on their toes. A threatened ENFP will let their stress and anger come out upon conflict, or they won’t express their emotions, so they’ll bottle up their anger by engaging in silent treatment or avoidance tactics.

Although ENFPs are typically expressive and open, they often struggle with processing negative emotions like anger. They may distance themselves from the person who upset them, retreating into their own world rather than dealing with the issue head-on. This can be confusing for those around them, as ENFPs are usually energetic and engaging. When their behavior suddenly shifts, it often signals deeper unresolved emotions.

Another hallmark of an angry ENFP is their tendency to seek distractions. They might immerse themselves in social activities, creative projects, or spontaneous adventures to avoid dwelling on the conflict. However, if left unresolved, their anger can build up and lead to an emotional explosion. ENFPs benefit from having safe spaces to express their feelings openly, whether through deep conversations with trusted friends or through artistic self-expression.

INTJ: Stays Carefully Contained

The intellectual INTJ will avoid taking their anger out on others. Rather, they’ll internalize the emotion before finding something else to focus on to divert their attention. For example, an INTJ might ignore their anger and try exercise, research, hobbies, or even sleep to deal with it in a rational way. Once an INTJ feels they have overcome their anger, they may not bring it up with the person(s) involved—they’d prefer to forget about it and move on. 

Instead of reacting impulsively, INTJs prefer to analyze the situation and determine whether the anger is justified. If they conclude that the issue is trivial, they will let it go without further thought. However, if the situation is significant, they will carefully strategize how to address it in a way that ensures their point is made without unnecessary drama.

Despite their composed exterior, INTJs are not immune to frustration. When their patience runs out, they can become sharp-tongued and brutally honest, cutting through nonsense with icy precision. While they rarely yell or lose their temper, their words can be devastating. For INTJs, the best way to manage anger is to channel it into productive problem-solving, ensuring that emotions do not cloud their judgment.

ENTJ: Cool Confrontation

ENTJ, “The Commander,” doesn’t like exposing their emotions to others or feeling vulnerable. At the same time, the ENTJ will not be afraid to confront someone or the situation which has upset them. However, they’ll avoid blowing up. Instead of appearing angry, ENTJs will face the conflict with a cool and confrontational air and won’t divulge their personal feelings about how something injured them. ENTJs also spend a lot of time analyzing their feelings, but they aren’t afraid to engage in a conflict when necessary and can erupt when pushed.

Because ENTJs thrive in structured environments, they see anger as something to be dealt with methodically. When confronted with a frustrating situation, they will approach it like any other challenge—gathering facts, formulating a plan, and executing a solution. This makes them appear assertive, but also intimidating to those who are unaccustomed to their direct nature.

One of the few times an ENTJ might truly lose their temper is when they encounter incompetence or inefficiency. They have little patience for people who waste time or fail to follow through on commitments. While their anger may be controlled, it can be fierce, and they will not hesitate to call out those they see as obstacles to success. However, once the issue is resolved, ENTJs move on quickly, with little desire to dwell on past frustrations.

INFJ: Finds a Creative Outlet 

If you’re an INFJ, you suppress your anger. “The Counselor” type will avoid addressing their feelings of frustration because they hate conflict, and the idea of confronting someone might break them out in hives. INFJs will spend a lot of time reflecting on the situation alone, and they’ll decide whether it is worth addressing or forgetting. An INFJ will often choose to push the issue aside and leave it, releasing their anger through art, creative hobbies, or exercise. 

INFJs don’t like to lash out impulsively, but if they feel deeply betrayed or misunderstood, they may react with sharp, cutting words that expose their deep understanding of the situation. An INFJ’s anger is rarely about trivial matters—it’s usually tied to a core value or a sense of injustice. If someone they trust breaks that trust, an INFJ may completely cut ties or act cold and distant. 

To cope with anger, INFJs benefit from introspective activities like journaling or deep conversations with a trusted confidant. They need to feel heard and validated before they can fully move on from an emotional wound.

ENFJ: Vents (and Vents) to a Friend 

The selfless ENFJ won’t be the first to address a problem but may spend time discussing the issue with friends and venting. An angry ENFJ will pace the floor, wondering what they did to deserve the development and how they can make it change. Although they’re not confrontational people, ENFJs may react by displaying their anger if they feel overwhelmed. If they don’t, they’ll lean on others to chat about what happened. ENFJs won’t bottle up their feelings—they need to discuss things to feel better and rely on close friends to help them release their stress and anger.

ENFJs want the people involved to understand their perspective, and they may go to great lengths to explain why they are upset. While they generally avoid harsh confrontations, if they feel someone has truly crossed a line, they won’t hesitate to speak their mind.

Since ENFJs are naturally empathetic, they often feel guilty about being angry and may overcompensate by trying to repair relationships quickly. To process their anger in a healthy way, they need to give themselves space to reflect rather than rushing to smooth things over too soon.

INTP: Pushes Anger Away

“The Architect” type, INTP, will avoid talking to others when they’re angry. These personality types will suppress their emotions. Because INTPs aren’t great at handling their feelings or the emotions of others, it’s easier for them to forget about it, push it away, and move on. However, the most healthy version of this coping mechanism is when an INTP uses logic and problem-solving skills to analyze the situation. In most cases, the INTP still won’t talk to another person about their feelings. Instead, they’ll take a deep breath and move forward or let it remain on their internalized emotions list. At some point, the INTP might address the problem and have a good talk, but that will take a lot of effort.

The INTP’s tendency to internalize anger stems from their introspective nature. Their self-sufficiency can help them avoid conflict, but it can also lead to unaddressed feelings that may resurface later. INTPs might occasionally struggle with bottling up emotions, which could cause them to feel misunderstood or disconnected from others, especially in close relationships where communication is key.

As they mature, INTPs may learn that addressing their anger in a more open, direct way is more productive. While they still prefer to process things alone, they can come to recognize the value of sharing their feelings with those they trust. They might need to make a conscious effort to become more comfortable with emotional vulnerability, recognizing that doing so doesn't diminish their intellectual capabilities. I

ENTP: Faces It Head On

An ENTP won’t be the first person to explode in anger, but they’re not afraid of facing the problem head-on. ENTPs prefer to use logic to talk through the problems with whoever is involved and will address their fury without losing their temper. Unless a situation begins to turn sour, a calm discussion is easiest. ENTPs may also decide to pull away from others who have angered them to be alone for a while. But, in most cases, they prefer to sort out the issue right away.

The ENTP’s approach to anger reflects their preference for rational thinking and direct confrontation. They enjoy debating and discussing ideas, so when anger arises, they might treat the issue as a challenge to work through rather than an emotional outburst to avoid. While they won’t shy away from heated conversations, they tend to focus on resolving the issue through logical arguments instead of engaging in petty arguments or emotional flare-ups. This approach is often effective, but it can sometimes come across as overly blunt or dismissive of others’ feelings.

Despite their love for debate, ENTPs are not immune to emotional exhaustion. Prolonged conflict or unresolved anger can lead them to shut down or withdraw temporarily. During these moments, they might retreat to recharge and reassess their feelings. Once they’ve had time to cool off, they will return to the situation with a fresh perspective, eager to continue working through the issue at hand. 

ISFJ: Gets Resentful

ISFJs tend to take things personally—and this can lead to pent-up anger and resentment when others don’t recognize their sensitive nature. Most ISFJs will stay away from conflict, preferring to keep their feelings to themselves. They won’t talk to someone who has hurt them, but they might decide to confide in another close friend or relative. If they don’t choose to confide in someone, they may deal with anger through prayer, meditation, hobbies, or alone time. Since ISFJs often work too hard, they may decide to take some vacation time to cope with their negative feelings.

The ISFJ's desire to avoid confrontation often stems from a strong sense of duty and loyalty to others. They don't want to rock the boat or create tension, which leads them to suppress their anger until it grows into resentment. Over time, this buildup of unresolved feelings can take a toll on their emotional well-being. ISFJs may find themselves withdrawing from those who have hurt them, but this can leave them feeling isolated and unappreciated, as their needs go unmet.

In healthier expressions of their emotional response, ISFJs may learn the importance of speaking up in a calm, non-confrontational way. They could benefit from expressing their feelings early on, rather than waiting until resentment has set in. Through open communication, ISFJs can avoid unnecessary emotional build-up and maintain healthier, more balanced relationships. By learning to voice their needs and concerns, ISFJs can strike a balance between their nurturing tendencies and self-care, preventing resentment from clouding their judgment.

ESFJ: Calm on the Surface But…

“The Provider” personality type is hyper-aware of how they present themselves, so they will keep their behavior in check when they're angry. Rather than exploding, they prefer to remain calm—although they aren’t afraid to let someone know they’re upset. An ESFJ will withdraw to prevent the situation from escalating, but if someone pushes them too far, they may release their pent-up aggression on whoever is involved. These caring personalities will try to calm themselves by engaging in activities such as reading or relaxation, or they may call a close confidant to vent.

ESFJs are deeply attuned to the emotions of others, and they often prioritize the feelings of those around them, sometimes at the expense of their own. This desire to maintain harmony can cause them to suppress their anger until it reaches a boiling point. While they may appear composed on the surface, their frustration builds beneath the surface until they can no longer contain it. In these moments, they might find it difficult to manage their emotions, especially if they feel misunderstood or unappreciated.

As they grow emotionally, ESFJs may learn to express their anger more openly and constructively. This could involve setting boundaries with others and communicating their needs more assertively. By acknowledging and addressing their feelings early on, they can prevent emotional blowups from occurring and maintain the positive, supportive relationships they cherish. Developing this balance between caring for others and taking care of their own emotional health will help ESFJs avoid long-term frustration and resentment.

ISFP: Highly Unpredictable

Because of the ISFP’s bold and spontaneous nature, the personality type is somewhat unpredictable when it comes to anger. The ISFP may switch between suppressing their emotions and showing they’re mad, unwilling to curb their attitude toward someone who is either the inciting party or the bystander. ISFPs like to relieve stress through their artistic passions, but their reactions depend on the situation.

ISFPs are deeply connected to their emotions and may find it difficult to suppress their anger, but they also value personal freedom and independence. This combination can make their responses to anger unpredictable, sometimes appearing detached or impulsive. Their reactions often vary based on their mood or the context of the situation, leading them to express frustration in ways that might surprise others. Whether it’s through physical activity, creative expression, or retreating into solitude, ISFPs use their preferred outlets to cope with difficult emotions.

In more healthy expressions of their anger, ISFPs may learn to recognize their triggers and find consistent ways to process their feelings. By channeling their frustration into productive activities, such as art or journaling, they can release pent-up emotions without lashing out at others. As they mature, they may also develop more effective communication skills, allowing them to express their anger in ways that are less volatile and more aligned with their personal values. 

ESFP: Quick to Blow Off Steam

Dynamic ESFPs let their passions and whims rule them, so it isn’t too surprising they’re reactive when it comes to anger. ESFPs are quick to react to anger and other emotions, even if they regret it later. But after their initial release of frustration, ESFPs will not dwell on the problem that incited their ire. If they don’t react right away, they may call a close friend to talk about it or seek out adrenaline-raising activities to get their mind off of it.

Once they've vented or distracted themselves, ESFPs usually don't hold onto the anger for long. Their natural optimism and love of fun make it easier for them to let go of negative feelings and move on to the next exciting thing. This tendency can be healthy in many ways, as it allows them to avoid festering bitterness or resentment, but it also means they may sometimes overlook deeper issues that need resolution.

In relationships or social settings, ESFPs may benefit from learning to pause before reacting, especially in tense situations. This would allow them time to process their emotions more fully and avoid impulsive decisions they might later regret. While their instinct to quickly move on from conflict can be helpful, it’s also important for ESFPs to recognize when they need to address underlying issues before they’re left unresolved. 

ISTJ: Keeps Themself in Check

The ISTJ personality type isn’t quick to anger (at least not visibly). An ISTJ will try to think through the event with logical thinking instead of springing to the defense or exhibiting frustration. They’ll keep to themselves before talking out the scenario because they prefer to expend their energy remaining calm, dissecting the event, and coming to a conclusion about what happened. 

While they may not show it outwardly, ISTJs can still experience anger, but they prefer to channel that energy into resolving the problem in a constructive way. They are more likely to take time to process their emotions privately and rationally rather than react impulsively. This logical approach helps them to avoid unnecessary drama or confrontation, as they prioritize practical solutions over emotional outbursts. Their tendency to focus on the facts allows them to stay grounded even when they feel angry, but it can also make them seem detached or unemotional to others.

However, this strategy of keeping emotions in check can sometimes lead to the ISTJ bottling up their anger, which might cause it to build up over time. If they don’t find a way to release this emotional tension, they could eventually experience burnout or resentment, especially if they feel their concerns are being ignored. To ensure their emotional well-being, it’s important for ISTJs to practice expressing their feelings, even if it's just with a trusted friend or colleague. Learning to balance their need for logic with emotional expression can help them achieve a more fulfilling, balanced approach to handling anger.

ESTJ: Frank and Confrontational

ESTJs prefer efficiency and understanding. When their actions are misunderstood, they feel terrible. Common misinterpretations of their attitude make ESTJs appear confrontational or aggressive when they want to talk it out and move on. But when an ESTJ feels defeated or disrespected, they are quicker to react to anger, even if they want to pull away and keep the peace.

An ESTJ’s anger often stems from frustration with inefficiency or lack of accountability. As natural leaders, they have high expectations of themselves and others, and when things don’t go as planned, they can become irritated. However, this frustration doesn’t usually last long, as ESTJs tend to approach problems directly. They want to understand what went wrong, correct it, and move forward as quickly as possible. This results-driven mindset can make them appear blunt or overly direct, but they ultimately want to find solutions rather than dwell on the problem.

Despite their pragmatic nature, ESTJs sometimes have to learn to temper their directness with emotional sensitivity. When their anger is triggered, they can come across as too harsh or uncompromising, which can strain relationships. By practicing active listening and allowing others to share their perspectives, ESTJs can foster better communication and resolve conflicts more effectively. 

ISTP: Long Fuse with Big Explosions

The impatient “Craftsman” personality type struggles to refrain from reacting when someone angers them. The ISTP doesn’t enjoy talking about feelings or emotions, and they’ll feel attacked if someone tries to make them have a heart-to-heart about something. Because of this, the ultra-reactive ISTP can suddenly explode and come off as rude and intolerant when facing someone who has angered them.

While they can tolerate a fair amount of frustration before reacting, once their patience reaches its limit, ISTPs can have explosive outbursts that may seem disproportionate to the situation. Their need for autonomy and their dislike of feeling cornered or pressured makes it difficult for them to address anger in a calm, measured way. When this happens, their frustration can spill over in the form of blunt, sometimes harsh, responses.

To manage their reactions, ISTPs may benefit from developing strategies to release tension before it builds up too much. This might include engaging in physical activities or finding time alone to process their emotions in a way that doesn’t involve conflict. ISTPs could also try communicating their feelings in a more constructive manner, especially when they feel misunderstood or overwhelmed. 

ESTP: Keeps Their Distance

“The Dynamo” ESTP prefers to keep their distance from uncomfortable feelings and enjoy all the thrills life offers. An ESTP isn’t quick to anger unless they feel like people are wasting time or being disrespectful. Although ESTPs have a habit of being judgmental of others, they don’t enjoy it when others judge them. This type will leave an uncomfortable or unhealthy situation, preferring to seek out recreational fun to relieve their frustration.

ESTPs value personal freedom and hate feeling trapped in negative emotions, which makes them less inclined to engage in deep emotional processing. Rather than dwelling on the issue, ESTPs would rather distract themselves with an exciting new challenge, a spontaneous adventure, or hanging out with friends.

However, ESTPs need to recognize that running from conflict or suppressing their anger can sometimes lead to unresolved issues that resurface later. While their ability to bounce back quickly is one of their strengths, they may also benefit from learning how to address difficult emotions head-on. This could involve taking a moment to evaluate the situation calmly and acknowledging their feelings before moving on. 

The takeaway

Each of the 16 personality types deals with anger differently, and how a person behaves may be a clue as to what type they are. Although everyone processes anger in their own way, each type can learn to improve and communicate better to avoid future conflicts. Frustration is a part of life, and there’s something to learn for every personality type, whether you tend to bottle up your anger or let it out.