Disability and Cognitive Functions: Inferior Functions and Grips

The inferior function is the function that is weakest in the primary functional stack. It is how we project negativities and suffer stress. Moreover, using the inferior function in a healthy way can lead to significant development. The inferior function is a master of sabotage as it causes us to question our deepest beliefs and abandon what we thought really matters. However, its very nature is key to mastery of self-understanding.

Grief is a common example of the inferior function's manifestation. For example, an INFJ in an inferior Se grip will resort to hedonism in order to fill an inner void and abandon their visions. This, known as a "grip", can manifest in an ENTP as hypochondria. Grips feel crushing, hence the name. The inferior function most often presents an irritated version of itself, which leads most people to despise it. 

Appearing to have been built on feeling functions, the disability community shuns thinking functions, especially Te. The kind of ableist Te that deems disabled people "inefficient" and, thus, a waste is the same Te that ferrets out efficient methods of distributing much-needed resources in sufficient quantities. In a community with more thinkers, feeling functions would be seen as useless and impractical. The functions are not alignments and cannot be connected to such.

Grips are a result of exhausting the dominant and auxiliary functions, forcing the inferior function to take over. For example, an ENFJ in a Ti grip will resort to over-analysis to sort through problems and neglect their and others' emotional states. Analysis of any bad day blog post will give you a clear example of how their grips manifest.

Neurological and medicsl factors can contribute to grips and vice versa. Mental illness can manifest as a grip as can the buildup to a sensory or emotional meltdown. The latter seems to be correlated with inferior sensing functions, especially Se, but such a connection is spurious at best.

When well-developed, the inferior function serves as a basis for insight. Inferior Ni can serve as the basis for seeing a bigger picture, whatever it may be. Activism and advocacy using the inferior function positively is possible. It can creep up as a surprise at times, but whether you want to receive it as a positive or negative surprise is entirely up to you.