Favorite Outdoor Activities of
ISTP Types
TABLE 2.
Activity |
% #1 |
%#1
or #2 |
Day Hiking |
18.2% |
22.7% |
Overnight Backpacking |
9.1% |
13.6% |
Overnight Canoe Tripping |
36.4% |
31.8% |
Day Canoe Tripping |
9.1% |
9.1% |
|
18.2% |
13.6% |
|
9.1% |
9.1% |
.*Total N was 12, but 1 person responded NA to all questions. |
N=11* |
|
A much smaller sample of ISTPs than INTPs make comparisons and generalizations exceedingly risky. But we'll plunge ahead anyhow!
~~~~~~
Overnight Canoe Tripping and Kayaking seem to appeal more to ISTPs than it does to INFPs and INTPs (and other types). What is it about Canoe Tripping and Kayaking that has more relative appeal (compared to other personality types) than Hiking and Backpacking? As someone who has done and enjoys both canoeing and hiking, I'll hazard some guesses. There's a certain tactile pleasure in having a paddle in your hand, sensing the movement against the water, reacting. There's an art and grace to this movement . . . yet it is simple, direct, efficient. Then there's the fact that you are "operating" a canoe or kayak whereas in hiking and backpacking you aren't operating a vehicle - you are the vehicle! A label temperament type scholar Linda Berens uses for the ISTP temperament is "Operator." So in her view ISTPs are drawn to and expert in "operating" all sorts of things - machines, vehicles, equipment, tools, etc. A canoe or kayak is an extension of this - with the additional value of being able to escape onto a lake or into the wilderness.
And even though this is a very small sample, one of the comments about other enjoyable activities well reflect this type's attitude towards enjoying the moment: "lounging on beach, swimming, drinking bottle of red wine . . ." The following comment underscored another ISTP theme - the notion of escape: " just trying to get away from people!" This sentiment I think is more likely to be expressed by an ISTP than either an INFP or ISFP.
As with ISFPs we could use many more responses from ISTPs to better complete what is now a quite sketchy picture of the interests of this type.
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