Introvert-Extrovert Spectrum
Introvert vs. Extrovert
What Is an Introvert?
An introvert is a person who prefers alone time and minimal social situations. Introverts like smaller or more intimate social events, as larger ones demand more energy. For this reason, introverted people tend to have a small group of close friends. Introverts are often self-aware, contemplative, and considerate because they spend more time alone with their thoughts and practice solitary hobbies.
They are the ones who prefer to think more than talk, listen more than speak; who innovate and create but dislike self-promotion; who favor working on their own over working in teams; don’t like to be the center of attention; prefer to work alone than in groups;
It is not correct to relate introversion to shyness. Shyness is the fear of social disapproval or humiliation, while introversion is the preference for environments that are not over-stimulating. A person can be shy and introverted at the same time, but the two characteristics do not always go together.
At least a third of the population is introverted.
What Is an Extrovert?
An extrovert (or extravert) is an outgoing person who thrives in a stimulating environment. Whether at work or doing social activities, extroverts shine in group settings and feel energized by the company of others. Personality traits of extroverts include impulsivity, comfort in social settings, and outgoingness. For extroverts, engaging in social gatherings and being the center of attention brings extroverts joy and validation.
What Is an Ambivert?
An ambivert is someone who displays qualities of both introversion and extroversion. Ambiverts might enjoy a mix of extroversion-introversion preferences, which can mean they experience validation through both alone time and social situations. Both are necessary depending on the person’s mood or desires.
Introvert vs. Extrovert: What’s the Difference?
Both personality types have their strengths and weaknesses, and the broad implications for work and life.
There is no universally accepted definition of an introvert or an extrovert. However, psychologists generally agree that they differ in several ways.
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Introverts and extroverts seek energy in different ways. Introverts require fewer stimuli, reflect in quiet, and prefer one-on-one friendships. Extroverts enjoy more stimulation and can boost dopamine by reflecting outwardly when processing feelings, spending time with others, and meeting new people in large groups.
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Response to Stimulation. The amygdala in our brain scans our environment and tells the body how to respond. Introverts have a more excitable amygdala and the signs are visible from young.
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Thinking and Work Style. Introverts and extroverts also work and think differently. Extroverts are more action-oriented and rewards-sensitive, while introverts tend to work more slowly and deliberately, and are relatively less attracted to wealth and fame. These affect how they’re motivated and solve problems. Generally, extroverts are stronger for info-overload, pressure and multi-tasking, while introverts are better at solving complex problems through clarity, patience and persistence.
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Social Styles. Introverts and extroverts have different social skills and needs. Extroverts dislike solitude, are comfortable mingling with large groups of people, and prefer a head-on approach to conflict and competition. Introverts prefer deep, meaningful 1-1 interactions and tend to avoid conflict.
No one is a pure introvert or extrovert. Our inborn temperaments can be changed to some extent, and we also behave differently depending on the circumstances. It’s possible to learn to control your impulses and stretch your personality, but you can’t turn off your natural impulses totally, hence acting out of character for prolonged periods of time can be stressful. We can learn to start stretch ourselves naturally to maximize our potential.
A Brief Overview of the Introvert-Extrovert Spectrum
Psychologist Carl Jung classified humans into two main groups: introverts and extroverts (or extraverts). The spectrum of introversion and extroversion reflects a key aspect of human personality. Introversion and extroversion (or extraversion) are two of the big five personality traits, along with neuroticism, openness, and conscientiousness.
While introversion and extroversion are opposites, someone is rarely entirely introverted or extroverted. There are different levels of extroversion and introversion. People might be “low extroverts” or “low introverts,” meaning their preferences mostly align with their respective personality types. Still, they might engage in activities from time to time that ascribe to the opposite.
Personality tests, such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, help people identify personality types and understand their cognitive functions.