Stress and the vulnerable/polr function

**tempus** · 12-11-2005, 07:36 PM

I noticed today that whenever people are under an incredible amount of stress, the weakest part of their personality suddenly manifests itself. I then related this observation to socionics and I thought that perhaps the 4th function becomes prominent in times of stress. For example, as an INFp, whenever I am under great stress I become very practical and responsible. I meticulously fulfill all of my chores and duties. An ENFj friend of mine will become quite health conscious, eating only healthy foods and exercising. I was wondering if anyone could corroborate my observations.

**tempus** · 12-11-2005, 07:45 PM

As I was writing this I thought about something else. Everyone theoretically uses all of their functions of course, even people whose 4th function is so weak that they claim it doesn't influence them. But I think that as stress increases, the more we start to use our weaker functions. Under good healthy stress, the 2nd function might become pronounced. Under moderate stress, the influence of the role function appears. And under severe stress, the 4th function manifests itself. I don't really know how this works for the subconscious functions.