What Kind of Person Likes to do Jigsaw Puzzles?

You can’t spend much time on the internet without stumbling across a personality test. Whether it’s the Myers-Briggs test, the Enneagram, or a Buzzfeed quiz about which Disney Princess you are, they are everywhere. 

The personality test phenomenon got us thinking: what kind of person likes to do jigsaw puzzles? Are there certain personality types that love them more than others? What do loving jigsaw puzzles say about your personality? Let’s dive into the psychology of puzzling.

What Kind of Person Likes to Do Jigsaw Puzzles? ISFJs and ISNJs

According to the Myers-Briggs resource, 16personalities.com, working on a puzzle is the perfect activity for ISFJ and INFJ personality types. In case you don’t speak Myers-Briggs, ISFJ stands for introversion, sensing, feeling, and judgment. 

INFJ stands for introversion, intuition, feeling, and judgment. While the personality types are similar, they have different characteristics that give them each an edge when it comes to puzzling.

All About the ISFJ

The ISFJ personality type is also called “The Defender.” People with this personality are kind, but reserved. They may seem quiet, yet they are constantly observing the world around them. ISFJs are great at remembering the small details, which is why they make great puzzlers.

This personality type also appreciates order and routine. They excel at performing habits and following instructions. Here are other ISFJ skills:

  • Relying on logic and facts
  • Well-organized
  • Great at finding patterns
  • Love putting small details together to make a bigger picture

Sound like a puzzler you know? ISFJs make great bookkeepers, counselors, teachers, and of course, puzzlers. 

ISFJs also have one key skill that other personality types lack: they can stay in the present moment. They aren’t always rushing to the next task. Since puzzling is an immersive activity that requires your concentration, it makes sense that this skill comes naturally to our ISFJ friends.

All About the INFJ

The INFJ personality type is also known as “The Advocate.” They are both creative and analytical, which works to their advantage when it comes to putting together a jigsaw puzzle. In fact, their idealistic nature may make them take on an extra-challenging puzzle. 

INFJs enjoy using their minds, and as introverts, they appreciate time alone to recharge. However, they also value deep relationships, so they make great puzzle buddies. Since INFJs have somewhat of a contradictory personality type, puzzling is an opportunity for them to let their mind relax and wander. It’s the perfect activity to get an INFJ out of their own head.

Here are some skills of the INFJ:

  • Great friends and listeners
  • Artistic
  • Well-organized
  • Good intuition
  • Sensitive to the emotions of others

INFJs make great entrepreneurs, writers, artists, and religious leaders. While INFJs and ISFJs may excel at jigsaw puzzles, they aren’t the only personality types that get to enjoy them.

What Does Loving Jigsaw Puzzles Say About You?

No matter which Myers-Briggs personality type you are (you can take the free test to find out here), there are some things that loving jigsaw puzzles say about you. Did you know that people who love puzzles are actually called dissectologists?

You might be a dissectologist if you are:

  • Observant: you notice the world around you 
  • Detail-oriented: you remember the little things
  • A problem-solver: you can look at situations from all angles
  • Highly organized: you love a good puzzle sorting system
  • Patient: you aren’t in a rush to the finish
  • Goal-oriented: you are up for a challenge
  • Analytical: you like formulating the best strategies for success
  • Visual: you enjoy art

Does that sound like you or someone you know who loves jigsaw puzzles? If there are characteristics on the above list that you want to develop in yourself, working on a jigsaw puzzle could help!

A partially done puzzle with the pieces in sorter trays.
A sorted puzzle, perfect for a dissectologist!


Puzzles For Other Personality Types

What about the other Myers-Briggs personality types? Are they doomed to never enjoy jigsaw puzzles? Of course not. While ISFJs and INFJs are the top puzzle-loving types, there are other types who also enjoy jigsaw puzzles. 

There are also types who don’t love doing jigsaw puzzles on their own, but they may enjoy them with a group. Let’s quickly break down how the other personality types typically enjoy puzzles.

ENJFs and ENTPs: these types are great problem-solvers, but they get bored quickly. To really love puzzles, they should play them with friends as a challenge to see who can put together a puzzle the fastest.

INTPs: this personality type sees people as puzzles, but they can also enjoy a good jigsaw puzzle. They are very imaginative, so abstract puzzles are good options for them.

ENFP and INFP: always up for a challenge, they excel at difficult puzzles. Since they bore easily, the puzzle must be hard enough to utilize their problem-solving skills and keep them interested.

ISTP and ESTP: as analytical thinkers, these types have a natural knack for puzzles. However, they don’t like to sit still for very long, so it takes them a while to complete a puzzle.

INTJ: all about personal growth, this type loves puzzles as a way to grow their skills. They enjoy mind-bending challenges, so solid color puzzles are a good idea for them.

ISFP and ESFP: while these types are great at puzzles, they prioritize living in the moment, which can make committing to a puzzle difficult. They may enjoy them more as a social activity.

ISTJ: This type loves alone time and relaxation. For them, puzzling isn’t a sport, it’s a form of self-care.

ENTJ and ESTJ: these types are unlikely to love puzzles because they thrive on efficiency and productivity. However, they do enjoy being challenged, so you may get them to sit down and help you with your puzzle…for about five minutes.

ESFJ: this types value practicality. Nothing makes them happier than crossing an item off a to-do list. It’s hard for them to commit to puzzles, but jigsaw puzzles are a great way for them to slow down.

Are You a Puzzle Pro?

So, what kind of person likes to do jigsaw puzzles? No matter what your personality type is, the important thing to remember is that puzzles are for everyone. 

However, if you do consider yourself a dissectologist, you’ve got to try a puzzle rental program. You get access to puzzles from tons of great brands, and you can personalize your difficulty level. Check out Completing the Puzzle today.