Disability and Cognitive Functions: Judging Functions

The DiSCability official symbol* (Design: FlutistPride)

So, did you guys enjoy my little post on perceiving functions? Well, here come the judging functions! The judging functions influence decisions we make based on what makes sense to us (thinking) and our values (feeling). In a dominant or auxiliary position, our judging functions make up the predominant basis of our judgments. Like perceiving functions, these can be introverted (self-directed) or extroverted (outer world-directed).

Extroverted Feeling (Fe) (  FJ)
Fe takes "I feel your pain" to the next level. Fe users are empathetic and may even seem/be empathic in some cases. (Any type can be empathic; it is more likely for Fe users.) Fe users are adept at saying the right thing at the right time to suit your emotional needs, even if those things do not make much sense. Especially with dominant Fe, Fe users tend to have a sense of authority as in: "I know what's best for you". In the disability community, Fe is easily one of the most, if not the most, powerful functions. For better or worse, Fe unites people by appealing to their emotions. This can lead to the strongest bonds and the deepest rifts. It is common for autistic Fe users, especially Fe doms, to go misdiagnosed or undiagnosed. Fe validates the struggles of all positions and even takes them up as their own.

Introverted Feeling (Fi) (  FP)
Fi is focused on one's internal state and personal values. Contrary to popular belief, Fi is not judgmental in and of itself. Fi users respect the individuality of others while making no compromises on their own identity. They are often rather creative and love surrounding themselves with beauty according to their own definition. Fi users are blunt and opinionated, but they usually do not intend to hurt others by making such statements. Expression is a part of identity, the basis for an Fi user's personal values. Fi users tend to be more self-aware than other types; they often realize they are "different" early on. They tend to have strong views on how they think others should treat them and those close to them and are not afraid to say it. At the same time, Fi users respect, even admire, this kind of expression from others.

Extroverted Thinking (Te) (  TJ)
Te is all about efficiency, systems, and bare-bones raw facts. The disability community seems to be prejudiced against Te, which is why Te users in the community tend to feel out of place. Te users strive to make smoother transitions, advance measurably, and achieve goals. It is common for a disabled Te user to feel frustrated at their perceived lack of measurable achievement and, in turn, tenaciously strive to hone their skills in order to fulfill their need for such a thing. Te users tend to ignore their emotions, which can lead to a downward spiral. The spoon theory and like ideas appeal to Te users due to the use of a straightforward, logical interface to explain distribution of energy. Te users are quick to recommend products and services that they think will benefit others and will point out errors of fact in the blink of an eye.

Introverted Thinking (Ti) (  TP)
Ti reflects on presented and processed information by fitting it into a subjective framework of relative truths. Ti users can spot logical inconsistencies quickly and give the disability community the dose of flexibility and wit it needs in order to keep it afloat in the waves of adversity. They can sometimes come off as callous or even heartless. On the other hand, Ti users can appear to lack rationality. Ti users do not lack morals or reason. Instead, they are governed by an intricate web of consistent principles that they can shift for their own personal benefit as they please. The Ti user's favorite phrase is "Have you thought of it this way?". They generally enjoy playing devil's advocate and introducing new perspectives in order to challenge others' frameworks. Although Ti users can come off as aloof or uncaring, that is rarely the case. Ti users just care too much to cloud their words with personal biases that distract from what they are trying to say.


*Image Description: A robust white stick figure in a wheelchair that reads "DiSC" on the wheel in a clockwise direction. D (uppercase) is red, i (lowecase) is yellow, S (uppercase) is green, and C (uppercase) is blue. The image is on a blue background.

Disclaimer: Note that I understand the functions through my own functions. Although I try not to let any biases slip by, please do not read these descriptions as totally objective. I do not claim to be a professional psychologist. I'm just an enthusiast.

Disability and Cognitive Functions: Perceiving Functions

The DiSCability official symbol* (Design: FlutistPride)

Perceiving functions are the functions we use to take in and interpret information. They determine our preference for giving and receiving information. The functions, sensing and intuition, can be extroverted (directed towards the outer world) or introverted (directed towards one's self). The dominant or auxiliary perceiving function is used as the main mode of processing facts, finding patterns, and synthesizing them for further processing using judging functions. Perceiving functions are not directly used to make decisions, but rather provide the basis for decisions.

Extroverted Sensation (Se) ( S P)

Se is associated with movement and physical activity as well as refined praxis. Many disabled Se users mistype due to the nature of descriptions of Se. An Se user could be aware of their movements, but lack control over them. This frustrates Se users greatly. Se is the ability to use one's immediate environment to their advantage. An Se user is generally in tune with their physical self. This allows Se users to spot accessibility features/a lack thereof right off the bat, manipulate their bodies in ways others do not think to be possible, know when sensory overload is coming, and milk the potential of anything physical. Se is also known to be promoting. Se users know how to put on a show--and they enjoy doing it. This is a useful skill in advocacy and in succeeding in areas where others with similar abilities cannot. Paralympic athletes are (most likely) fine examples of high Se and disability in combination.

Introverted Sensation (Si) ( S J)

Si is not a good memory or a traditionalist viewpoint, though Si users tend to have such things. Si is looking back on a repository of carefully stored experiences in order to perform a certain task or cope with uncertainty regarding a situation. Si users, generally, do not trust what differs from what they know works. It is not that Si users are intolerant; they just prefer the tried and true over experimenting with the new. A disabled Si user generally seeks out others with similar experiences, usually with the intention of helping others like them. Such people usually join or start support groups. It is common for Si users to feel isolated when others do not share their experiences, which motivates them to band together and exchange impressions (unless the Si user has had a bad experience with experience sharing). 

Extroverted Intuition (Ne) ( N P)

Ne users are good at seeing possibilities because that's what Ne is: extrapolating to multiple outcomes from a single point. Ne-one can be Ne-thing according to Ne users. (<-Pun that would make an Ne user proud) When something is impossible, Ne users make it possible. Ne comes in handy for imaging improvements for assistive technology, better benefit systems, and noticing underlying patterns behind disability perception. Ne users tend towards outlets that promote this explosive function's qualities such as blogging, arts, and public speaking. They do not like to settle for a known method when something else could be better. Ne users are likely to have colorfully decorated assistive technology among other things. These people use their intuition to extrapolate to other possibilities of how others experience their lives rather than "just knowing" or experiencing it for themselves.

Introverted Intuition ( N J)

Ni users get straight to the point: that is, their vision of how things should be. Ni users make great activists because they doggedly pursue their visions. However, Ni users are often reluctant to implement large-scale visions knowing they will yield disappointment. They tend to shoot straight towards their goals knowing how they should look exactly and tend to have little regard for the sensory aspects of life. This is both advantageous and detrimental as it leads to more security regarding appearance, but decreases awareness of one's physical needs. Ni users tend towards writing. However, Ni writing has a clear objective rather than having random, seemingly incoherent thoughts. Ni swings back and shoots straight to land on a target. Where these targets come from is often only known to the Ni user. Personal symbolism is another component of Ni that others tend to miss. Ni users draw vague conclusions about what certain things mean to them; an Ni user can write an entire article about what a certain object means independent from any impressions with said object.

*Image Description: A robust white stick figure in a wheelchair that reads "DiSC" on the wheel in a clockwise direction. D (uppercase) is red, i (lowecase) is yellow, S (uppercase) is green, and C (uppercase) is blue. The image is on a blue background.

10 Things to Know About Anxious Extroverts

1. We are often torn between showing a result and hiding it, fearing that it will not be good enough. Extroverts thrive on positive feedback. Not all of us are blessed with the ability to be satisfied with ourselves without it. However, negative feedback tears us apart. This means one critical comment can make us rethink our ability to be "good enough".
2. Anxiety often manifests itself as tenacity. I want that solo. I will practice until the keys on my flute fall off so I can get it. I just know I want it. I want those grades. I will study until I have a raging headache. I want to be good enough. I'll do more and more so I can reach that standard! We often find ourselves pursuing goals as an attempt to divert ourselves from our anxious thoughts. This, however, often fails because more expectations lead to more anxieties and it snowballs downhill from there.
3. We don't always come off as extroverted. Unfortunately, the stimulation we crave fuels anxiety. We need breaks from it every now and then from the hustle and bustle the world, even more so with anxiety. Being overcharged is as detrimental as being drained. An overcharged extrovert may find themselves feeling tense and irritable and, thus, need to drain to counteract the effects of overcharge.
4. Performance is important to us. Performing arts tend to attract anxious extroverts (really, anxious people in general), but doing well at work, school, social events, and even home is performing. We don't let our anxieties show and can even forget them in the midst of our surroundings while performing. 
5. We are, more often than not, hero types. Many of us would love to be your knight in shining armor--if we weren't so concerned about doing something wrong. We love rescuing and protecting, but are reluctant to be rescued and protected ourselves. The thought of burdening anyone with our anxieties will utterly destroy us. Anxious people are known to be compassionate and, coupled with an extrovert's audacity, the combination makes the perfect (if there is such a thing) hero.
6. Like our introverted counterparts, we seldom judge. We are likely to pursue your interest alongside you, even if we may not like it ourselves. The general rule is that anxious people are quick to recognize the battles of others and acknowledge that people have different backgrounds, temperaments, learning styles, internal motivations, and distributions of intelligences. However, us extroverts are more likely to approach you about things we notice in you. 
7. Small talk is a diversion and a tool. We want that deep existential conversation, but we take steps to get there. Small talk is often the first step. Going too deep too quickly scares people and we have no intention of doing that. However, the last thing we want to be is a boring extrovert that only small talks. Help us get to the next step. Don't call it shallow or pointless when we likely built up an incredible amount of courage to work up the guts to say something.
8. The prospect of leadership is as daunting as it is inviting. A chance to instill our values onto others? Why not? Then again, power tends to corrupt. We despise failure too. Letting down the people we lead the worst of failures. However, when we lead, we do it well. We are understanding and empathetic, yet driven individuals. We do not lead people into ditches because we know what it's like to be stuck in a ditch ourselves. 
9. Extroversion does not nullify the effects of anxiety. As I mentioned before, extroverts often know how to perform for an audience. However, that doesn't mean our act can't fall apart. It tends to do so at the most inconvenient of times as well. There's nothing like trying to contain a full blown panic attack in the middle of a test or band rehearsal.  
10. We are tenacious to a fault. Us anxious extroverts share the blessing/curse of not knowing when to quit. While this comes in handy for achieving our goals, it can tear us apart if we don't know when we have exceeded our limits. This leads to burnout, frustration, anhedonia, and getting caught in what I call the good enough loop: "If I can do this, I will be good enough!" Even if we are overachievers, our anxiety is still valid and should be recognized.

The Mighty Practices Temperamental Discrimination

Every time I go on The Mighty, I see very little variety to the content and the way it flows. The stories tend to focus on emotions. They are clearly edited to fit a temperamental pattern. The Mighty claims to promote diversity, but they seemed to overlook temperamental diversity as an integral part of life with a disability. The stories seem to all come from multiple with the same reason for why they act the way they do. Thus, I think The Mighty is discriminating against writers of certain temperaments.

As a DiSCability blogger, I find it important that all temperaments get represented in the disability community. Most of The Mighty's content is posted by allies sharing their experiences as parents or those who are grieving the loss of their children. This alone concerns me because I would not run a violin store as a flutist who has never picked up a violin. Lists of things you wish others knew, not to say, and other compilations as well as the occasional "embracing myself" post penned by disabled writers are also common. Photo shoots are also popular pieces. 

But with such diversity, how can you possibly accuse them of the lack thereof?

All of these are clearly meant to appeal to people of the melancholic temperament. Sensitive, perfectionistic, and passionate, melancholics seem to make the perfect typical voice to drown out the disabled, right? At least The Mighty thinks so. The Mighty favors the meticulous melancholics while ignoring social sanguines, commanding cholerics, peaceful phlegmatics, and their perspectives. Even if one of these temperaments happens to slip under the editors' eyes, it is usually because they write with a melancholic style. 

In an already strongly predominantly melancholic community, temperamental diversity should be promoted and not squelched by publishing stories that follow the same archetypes that are clearly meant to appeal to the same temperament. Phlegmatics can write about how their "go with the flow" approach to life with their disability. Cholerics can contribute pragmatic, objective viewpoints as well as mobilize others to execute their visions. Sanguines can use their lighthearted sense of humor to prevent others from thinking of disability as an inherently sad or pitiful experience. It takes all four temperaments to show true diversity, not one. If you work for or support The Mighty, take the time to truly show "real people" and "real stories". This includes allowing each contributor to show their temperament. If you are actively protesting against The Mighty, use the tags #NotSoMighty and #TheMelancholy on your main mode of social media and talk about the systemic temperamental discrimination that runs rampant on the site.

Image Description: White text on a red background that reads "Real people. Real stories. Only melancholics' perspectives are real, though. Sanguines, phlegmatics, and cholerics need not contribute." "People" and "Stories" are bold. This is a satirical parody of The Mighty's slogan.

The DiSCability Community

Go here to join the DiSCability discussion. For now, it's only on Google+, but I want the DiSCability community to extend into all forms of social media. If you do so, credit me as the originator and go from there. I want people of all temperaments to join the discussion.

Most people have not heard of the connections between disability and temperament. I seek to change that. Whatever your knowledge of disability and temperament, join in! So far, I am the only disability and temperament blogger.

Discussion of all temperament systems is welcome!  If you know of a system I don't know about or are developing a system yourself, bring it to my attention! DiSC is not the only system we use. You don't even need to know your temperament to join the discussion.

DiSCability Advocacy

 The DiSC profile is a widely-used personality test used to sort someone's methods of interaction with others into these four areas: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Compliance. These interaction styles affect our approaches to work, social life, leadership, and, thus, our advocacy methods. Usage of the DiSC profile to understand ourselves and others can increase the effectiveness of our efforts. I will examine each DiSC type and advocacy method correlation in a separate post.

Dominance is the factor of control and assertiveness. People comparatively high in Dominance use blunt, forthright advocacy methods. They have little regard for the sensitivities of others and tend to "say things as they are" instead of "sugar-coating". People comparatively low in Dominance tend to shy away from challenges and value peace above victory, even in the absence of taught values. High D advocates are typically drawn to leadership positions.

Influence is the factor of sociability and persuasion. People comparatively high in Influence are friendly and approachable and use this to their advantage while advocating. They have excellent communication skills and genuinely enjoy the company of others. People comparatively low in Influence are more task-oriented than relational and do not like to be around others as much as their more Influential counterparts. High I advocates tend towards social roles.

Steadiness is the factor of order and stability. People comparatively high in Steadiness value traditions, systems, and credentials and advocate within the boundaries of the system by practicing what other advocates preach. They rarely go beyond the norm, faithfully and fastidiously follow their routines. People comparatively low in Steadiness enjoy spontaneity and resist restraint. High S advocates tend towards documenting their experiences and following other more "radical" advocates.

Compliance is the factor of perfectionism and correctness. People comparatively high in Compliance value "rightness", whether that rightness is objective or subjective, and follow the rules of others as well as their own. They advocate for what they see as right and strive for their often quixotic ideals of rightness and are sensitive to detail. People comparatively low in Compliance tend to skim over details and disregard rules they see as unnecessary. High C advocates tend to pursue fields that call for perfection as a means of moving towards what they view as right.

Why should I use DiSC as an advocate? 
DiSC gives insight as to how any why we advocate. A High D would say "I am the most qualified to solve this problem" and go about attempting to solve it while a High S would say "Will someone solve this problem?". Each DiSC type has its own set of fortes and foibles; there is no right or wrong DiSC type. Knowing your type will allow you to see why you advocate the way you do, why some methods work for you while others don't, and how you can increase the effectiveness of your methods.

What is DiSC not?
DiSC is not your personality. Your personality is the sum of your temperament, your experiences, and acquired traits. DiSC is the pattern of your outward behaviors, a manifestation of your temperament. Each of the four areas corresponds to one of the four original temperaments: choleric, melancholic, phlegmatic, and sanguine. However, DiSC only measures outward behavior, not innate nature. DiSC is a basic pattern of your outward behaviors, not an all-encompassing description of who you are.

Where can I take the DiSC test?
To ensure the most accuracy, you can pay for one, or, if you don't want to pay for a test, take this one.

A Challenge:
Take the DiSC test I linked to, publish a picture of your results, and tell about how your DiSC type affects your advocacy methods. Axiom Software's interpretations are useful in analyzing your individual type. 

This is my DiSC type. How can you see this through my methods?

 

If you do write a DiSCability advocacy post, feel free to use this image:

Image Descriptions:

1. A circle divided into quarters with each quarter being red, yellow, blue, or green.
1. The red quarter: Direct, decisive, independent, and to the point. Bottom line and results-oriented. Often strong-willed, enjoys challenges and immediate results
2. The yellow quarter: Optimistic, social, and outgoing. Enjoys being on teams, sharing openly, entertaining, and motivating others.
3. The green quarter: Team player, cooperative and supportive of others. Prefers being in the background, working in a stable environment. Often good listeners and prefers to avoid conflict and change.
1. The blue quarter: Cautious and concerned. Focused on what is "correct." Plans ahead and is concerned about accuracy 
2. A pie chart with a red section, an orange section, a yellow section, and a purple section
1. The red section is the largest (55%) and represents Dominance.
2. The orange section is smaller than the red section (22%) and represents Influence.
3. The yellow section is smaller than the orange section (12%) and represents Compliance.
4. The purple section is the smallest (10%) and represents Steadiness.
3. An accessibility symbol (the new one with a robust figure pushing one's self while leaning forward) with an opaque white circle with a black outline divided into quarters with each quarter having a red D, a yellow I, a green S, or a blue C. The image reads "DiSC" if the letters are read clockwise from D.