Do INTPs Tend to Be Highly Emotional as Children?

INTPs, known for their insightful and philosophical nature, can sometimes surprise others with their emotional depth. While often detached and analytical, many INTPs experience intense emotional experiences during their childhood, particularly if they find their emotions difficult to express or handle.

My Emotional Journey

My childhood was marked by a high degree of emotional expression. I could not always express my emotions in a healthy manner, and as a result, I often felt frustrated and misunderstood. Throughout my childhood, I struggled with managing my feelings, which sometimes led to intense emotional reactions. While I was at the top of my class and excelled in sports, my emotional readiness to connect deeply hindered my ability to build lasting relationships with others.

One of my earliest and most vivid recollections was being particularly volatile with anger. For instance, when I was frustrated from failing to find something, I would have explosive emotional reactions and throw items. My mother, who prioritized emotional control, often advised me to manage my temper better. However, my anger was more emotional than violent. I never genuinely planned to harm anyone; in fact, I sincerely dreaded the idea of hurting someone.

Similar patterns emerged during my interactions with family. I had a brother and sister who often tormented me when left alone, and as a way to defend myself, I would act crazy and pick up a knife. One time, when I did this, the knife slipped and hit my older sister's direction, sticking into the wall. My attempts to disarm these situations were often misguided and resulted in further confusion, such as the incident where I threw a shoe at my sister, which broke a window. These incidents highlight the intensity of my emotional reactions as a child.

Comparative Observations

Interestingly, my son, who appears to be an INTP, shares a similar emotional profile. He was also highly emotional during his childhood, experiencing volatile anger and a tendency to react emotionally rather than rationally. Our collective experiences suggest that INTPs often have a tumultuous relationship with their emotions, which can lead to either intense moments of joy or frustration.

Moreover, I have noted that my son's emotional intensity overlaps with other INTPs, such as the renowned physicist Albert Einstein. Einstein's childhood was also characterized by emotional volatility, suggesting a potential pattern among INTPs.

Sweet Emotions and Vulnerability

While anger and frustration were common, my emotional experiences were not just negative. I was also highly sensitive and easily hurt, crying frequently until around the fourth or fifth grade. When I was "in love" with a girl, the intensity of my emotions was unrelenting. I spent years harboring crushes, which would leave me emotionally overwhelmed and often leading to prolonged periods of introspection.

My love for animals further underscores my emotional nature. From a young age, I cherished cats and other creatures. Once, during a bird-shooting activity, I intentionally missed a target to prevent harm to the bird, despite being complimented for accuracy. Another time, when my brother injured a crow, I felt a deep sense of sorrow and anger, which still echoes in my memory. These experiences highlight the depth of my emotional involvement in the world around me.

Toward Emotional Maturity

Looking back, I now understand the intensity of those childhood experiences and the difficulty in expressing them. While the emotional surge is still present, it requires significant external stimuli to breach the surface. When that does happen, the impact can be overwhelming.

Ultimately, while INTPs may have a reputation for being detached and analytical, their emotional journeys suggest a rich and complex inner life. Despite the challenges, this emotional depth forms a vital part of who they are.

Conclusion

Understanding the emotional experiences of INTPs as children can provide valuable insights into their current emotional patterns. Recognizing and validating this aspect of their personality can lead to better support and understanding in both personal and professional relationships.