In the Grip: Understanding Type, Stress, and the Inferior Function

by Naomi L. Quenk

Discover the effects of chronic stress on personality This booklet presents comprehensive information on the inferior function, what triggers it, and how it's expressed in different types. This edition also focuses on workplace issues and the effects of long-term stress on employees at all levels within an organization, based on research and the reported experiences of a stratified national sample of working adults.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction

50 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Naomi Quenk's book empower personality insights during times of stress, of being "in the grip." This helpful, brief book illustrates with stories and charts that personalities under stress display common behaviors connected to lesser preferred functions. For example, dominant, big picture thinkers, iNtuitives, under stress, revert to their inferior function, Sensing, and to a focus on the body. No wonder I work out like a mad-woman when crazy stuff is going on. A number of readers will find her examples validating their experiences under stress.

For those less familiar with the order of preference in use of the Myers Briggs Type indicator, take a look at the Personality Pathways website. It does a great job of illustrating order of preference, dominant, auxiliary, tertiary and inferior functions.

Also, at a deeper level, for those who want to better understand the shadow side of Jungian typology, Naomi Quenk's book enables understanding, especially when paired with John Beebe's work, best represented in his workshops, of the shadow functions, the mirror image dark side of the MBTI typology.


~ Deb

[Allen Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book for applying the MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) to real life!

This look at stress responses by the 16 various types was profound for my personal journey; it helped my wife and I identify our own stress reactions and to shift our issues from blaming our co-workers to owning our own difficulties.

I highly recommend this resource for anyone familiar with and using the MBTI for personal development and group dynamics: life coaches, team consultants, team leaders, mentors.

[Celina McClaran]

A great resource for learning how you respond in stress

[James Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many times I said, "that's me" or "I've done that" while reading this book. As long as you know your personality type one can make better decisions, even potentially avoid arguments when someone else is 'in the grip.' Clear and concise, the book covers all the personality types and how in relationships the inferior function in two people can emerge at the same time which leads to polarizing situations, arguments, and fights.

[Nestor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good