When Stress Takes Over: Understanding the “Grip” Through Myers-Briggs personality types 3-minute read Written by Psychometrics Stress affects everyone, but our reactions are not the same. Myers-Briggs personality types help explain why people respond to stress in different ways, and why some responses feel productive while others feel disruptive or unfamiliar. Using the MBTI® framework, we can identify stress patterns, understand what causes shifts in behaviour, and apply strategies to help individuals return to more effective functioning. This lens can be especially useful for HR and learning professionals, leaders, coaches, and team facilitators who are supporting people to navigate change and manage conflict. When Stress First Hits: The Dominant Function Takes Over According to Jung, when individuals experience moderate stress, they tend to double down on their dominant function. This is the most familiar way they process information and make decisions, so it becomes their automatic response. Think of it as slipping into “default mode.” At this stage, the person still behaves like themselves, but in a more exaggerated way. Because their dominant function is working overtime, they may temporarily lose access to their auxiliary function, which normally provides balance. When Stress Escalates: The Inferior Function Takes Over If stress escalates or continues over time, a more dramatic shift can occur where the inferior function, the least developed part of their personality, rises to the surface and begins driving behavior. This is often referred to as being “in the Grip.” “The Grip” can feel jarring both to the individual and those around them. People often describe the experience as “I didn’t feel like myself” or “something just took over.” Dominant Type Under Severe Stress, They may… Intuitive (N) Fixate on small details Sensors (S) Jump to irrational or exaggerated intuitive conclusions Thinkers (T) React emotionally or become unexpectedly volatile Feelers (F) Become unusually blunt or harshly critical In work environments, these reactions can have a significant impact on interpersonal relationships and leadership effectiveness because of their affect on communication, decision-making, and collaboration. How to Support Returning to Balance Understanding how stress interacts with personality type enables more targeted coaching and development. Once individuals recognize their patterns, they can work toward recovery sooner. 3 steps for recovery Recognize early warning signs: Self-awareness helps people notice when their dominant function is becoming exaggerated and step in before the inferior function takes over. Re-engage the auxiliary function: The auxiliary provides psychological balance. Encouraging behaviors that align with the auxiliary function helps individuals restore clarity and control. Develop and “flex” the inferior function over time: Gradually engaging with the inferior function in low-stress situations helps reduce the intensity and unfamiliarity of future reactions. Why This Matters for Organizations Understanding stress response through the lens of personality type supports: Better leadership under pressure Healthier team dynamics during conflict or change Stronger emotional intelligence and resilience More tailored coaching and development strategies Clearer communication and reduced misinterpretation of behavior When individuals understand why they respond the way they do, they are more likely to recover quickly and maintain effectiveness in challenging situations. Deepen Your Expertise in Type and Stress Professionals who support leadership development, coaching, or team performance can benefit from a deeper understanding of MBTI type dynamics and stress reactions. If you’re an MBTI Certified Practitioner, the MBTI Stress Management Report makes it easy to coach individuals or facilitate a workshop focused on dealing with stress. Not Certified yet but interested in applying this knowledge in your work? Explore Myers-Briggs® Certification with Psychometrics Canada. Our program provides practical tools and strategies to help individuals regain balance and perform more effectively under stress.
