The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is often used to understand how people think, make decisions, and interact with the world. But when it comes to emotional intelligence — the ability to understand and manage emotions — some MBTI types naturally shine.
So which personality types tend to have the highest EQ? And why?
First, a Quick Refresher on EQ
EQ (emotional intelligence) includes five key components: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. People with high EQ are emotionally balanced, good communicators, empathetic, and able to build strong relationships.
Top MBTI Types With High Emotional Intelligence
1. ENFJ – The Protagonist
ENFJs are warm, empathetic, and socially attuned. They often sense others' emotions quickly and respond with care. With their natural charisma and drive to help others grow, ENFJs often have a strong grasp on their own emotions too — making them one of the most emotionally intelligent types.
2. INFJ – The Advocate
Though introverted, INFJs are deeply empathetic and emotionally aware. They tend to think deeply about their values, understand their emotional triggers, and can read between the lines in social situations. Their combination of intuition and empathy gives them a quiet but powerful emotional intelligence.
3. ENFP – The Campaigner
ENFPs are emotionally expressive and naturally in tune with both their own feelings and those of others. They thrive in emotionally rich environments and are often great at diffusing tension, offering support, and connecting with people on a deep level.
4. ESFJ – The Consul
ESFJs are people-focused, reliable, and emotionally observant. They excel at noticing the emotional needs of others and often go out of their way to maintain harmony. While they sometimes neglect their own needs, their social awareness and empathy are off the charts.
5. ISFJ – The Defender
ISFJs are nurturing, loyal, and emotionally thoughtful. They may not wear their emotions on their sleeve, but they care deeply and show it through action. Their sense of responsibility to others often translates into strong emotional intelligence — especially in one-on-one relationships.
Why These Types Tend to Score High on EQ
- They lead with Feeling (F): All the types above have “F” in their code, meaning they make decisions based on empathy and values rather than cold logic.
- They prioritize relationships: Whether extroverted or introverted, these types care deeply about how others feel — and work to maintain emotional harmony.
- They reflect inward: Types like INFJ and ENFP are especially introspective, which helps build self-awareness — a key EQ trait.
Can Thinking Types Have High EQ Too?
Absolutely. While “F” types may have a natural head start, anyone — including “T” (Thinking) types like INTJs or INTPs — can build high emotional intelligence through practice. EQ isn’t fixed. It’s a learnable skill. The most important factor? Willingness to grow.
Takeaway: MBTI types like ENFJ, INFJ, ENFP, and ESFJ often show high emotional intelligence thanks to their empathy, self-awareness, and relationship-building strengths. But EQ isn’t limited to type — it’s a superpower anyone can develop.