By Kendra Cherry |
Reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
Updated September 21, 2018
Introversion is a personality trait characterized by a focus on
internal feelings rather than on external sources of stimulation.
Introverts and extroverts are often viewed in terms of two extreme
opposites, but the truth is that most people lie somewhere in the
middle.
While introverts make up an estimated 25 to 40 percent of the
population, there are still many misconceptions about this personality
type. It is also important to note that introversion is not the same
things as social anxiety or shyness. Being an introvert does not mean
that you are socially anxious or shy.
What Is an Introvert?
Introversion is one of the major
personality traits identified in many theories of personality.
People who are introverted tend to be inward turning, or focused more on internal thoughts, feelings and moods rather than seeking out external stimulation.
Introversion is generally viewed as existing as part of a continuum along with
extroversion. Introversion indicates one end of the scale, while extroversion represents the other end.
The terms introversion and extroversion (also often spelled extraversion) were popularized through the work of
Carl Jung and later became central parts of other prominent theories including the
big 5 theory of personality. The introversion-extroversion dimension is also one of the four areas identified by the
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).
According to many theories of personality, everyone has some degree of
both introversion and extroversion. However, people often tend to lean
one way or the other.
Introverts tend to be more quiet, reserved, and introspective. Unlike
extroverts who gain energy from social interaction, introverts have to
expend energy in social situations. After attending a party or spending
time in a large group of people, introverts often feel a need to
"recharge" by spending a period of time alone.
Causes
In order to know why some people are introverted and some people are
extroverted, it is important to understand the role that your body's
physiology plays. The way that your body responds to the outside
environment plays a critical role in determining your level of
extroversion and introversion.
On a physiological level, a network of
neurons
located in the brainstem known as the reticular activating system (RAS)
is responsible for regulating arousal levels including wakefulness and
transitions between sleeping and waking.
The RAS also plays a role in controlling how much information you
take in while you are awake. When confronted by potential threats in the
environment, the RAS will increase your arousal levels in order for you
to be alert and ready to deal with the danger. Each person has a basic
set point in terms of arousal level. Some people tend to naturally have a
much higher set point, while others have a much lower set point.
They psychologist
Hans Eysenck suggested that these arousal levels could be thought of as a continuum.
According to his arousal theory of extroversion:
- 15 percent of people have a minimal set point, meaning they naturally have low arousal levels
- 15 percent of people have a high set point, meaning they naturally tend to be more aroused
- 70 percent of people lie somewhere in the middle of the continuum
According to Eysenck's theory, introverts are those that have
naturally high levels of arousal. Because introverts tend to experience
chronically high arousal levels, they tend to seek activities and
environments where they can escape from overstimulation. Because of
their naturally high arousal levels, they are more alert and take in
more information from the environment. Escaping somewhere to have time
alone to recharge gives them the opportunity to process and reflect on
what they have learned.
Common Signs
Do you assume that you know who is an introvert and who isn't? While
you might think of an introvert as a shy wallflower who prefers to stay
home alone instead of socializing, introverts can actually come in many
types with a wide variety characteristics.
There are certainly plenty of introverts who are socially reserved
and who would prefer to stay home and read a book rather than go to a
big party, but there are also plenty of introverts who enjoy
socializing. You might even be surprised to learn that many people who
you think of as "social butterflies" might actually be quite
introverted.
The following are just a few of the signs that you (or someone you know) might be an introvert.
1. Being Around Lots of People Drains Your Energy
Do you ever feel exhausted after spending time with a lot of people?
After a day interacting with others, do you often need to retreat to a
quiet place and have an extended amount of time all to yourself? One of
the major characteristics of this personality type is that introverts
have to
expend energy in social situations, unlike
extroverts who
gain energy from such interactions.
That doesn't mean that all introverts avoid social events altogether.
Many introverts actually enjoy spending time around others, with one
key caveat—introverts tend to prefer the company of close friends. While
an extrovert might go to a party with the goal to meet new people, an
introvert intends to spend quality time talking to good friends.
2. You Enjoy Solitude
As an introvert, your idea of a good time is a quiet afternoon to yourself to enjoy your hobbies and interests.
A few hours alone with a good book, a peaceful nature walk or your
favorite television program are great ways to help you feel recharged
and energized.
This does not mean that the average introvert wants to be alone all
the time. Many introverts love spending time with friends and
interacting with familiar people in social situations. They key thing to
remember is that after a long day of social activity, an introvert will
probably want to retreat to a quiet place to think, reflect, and
recharge.
If having a few hours to be alone sounds like your idea of a good time, you just might be an introvert.
3. You Have a Small Group of Close Friends
One common misconception about introverts is that they don't like
people. While introverts typically do not enjoy a great deal of
socializing, they do enjoy having a small group of friends to whom they
are particularly close. Instead of having a large social circle of
people they know only on a superficial level, introverts prefer to stick
to deep, long-lasting relationships marked by a great deal of closeness
and intimacy.
Researchers have found that people high in this trait tend to have a
smaller group of friends. While extroverts generally have a wide circle
of friends and acquaintances, introverts typically choose their friends
much more carefully. Their closest relationships tend to be profound and
significant. They also prefer to interact with people on a one-on-one
basis rather than in a large group setting.
If your social circle tends to be small but very close, there's a pretty good chance you are an introvert.
4. People Often Describe You as Quiet and May Find It Difficult to Get to Know You
Introverts are often described as quiet, reserved, mellow and are sometimes mistaken for being
shy.
While some introverts certainly are shy, people certainly should not
mistake an introvert's reserve for timidity. In many cases, people with
this personality type simply prefer to choose their words carefully and
not waste time or energy on needless chit-chat.
If you are the quiet type and a bit reserved, you probably are an introvert.
5. Too Much Stimulation Leaves You Feeling Distracted and Unfocused
When introverts have to spend time in activities or environments that
are very hectic, they can end up feeling unfocused and overwhelmed.
Extroverts, on the other hand, tend to thrive in situations where there
is a lot of activity and few chances of becoming bored.
According to at least one study, researchers have found that
introverts tend to be more easily distracted than extroverts, which is
part of the reason why introverts tend to prefer a quieter, less harried
setting.
If you tend to feel overwhelmed in busy social situations, you probably tend to be an introvert.
6. You Are Very Self-Aware
Because introverts tend to be inward-turning, they also spend a great
deal of time examining their own internal experiences. If you feel like
you have a very good knowledge and insight into yourself, your
motivations, and your feelings, you might be more of an introvert.
Introverts tend to enjoy simply thinking about and examining things in their own minds.
Self-awareness
and self-understanding is important to introverts, so they often devote
a great deal of time to learning more about themselves. This might
involve exploring hobbies they enjoy, thinking about their lives, and
reading books that explore themes and topics that are important to them.
If you feel that you are self-aware and enjoy gaining deep knowledge about yourself, then you might be more of an introvert.
7. You Like to Learn By Watching
Where extroverts tend to prefer to jump right in and learn through hands-on experience, introverts typically prefer
learning through observation. While extroverts typically learn through trial and error, introverts learn best by watching.
Introverts like to watch others perform a task, often repeatedly,
until they feel that they can replicate the actions on their own. When
introverts do learn from personal experience, they prefer to practice
somewhere private where they can build their skills and abilities
without having to perform for an audience.
If you like to learn more by watching rather than doing, there is a chance that you have a more introverted personality.
8. You Are Drawn to Jobs That Involve Independence
As you might imagine, jobs that require a great deal of social
interaction usually hold little appeal to people high in introversion.
On the other hand, careers that involve working independently are often a
great choice for introverts. For example, an introvert might enjoy
working as a writer, accountant, computer programmer, graphic designer,
pharmacist, or artist.
Introversion vs. Shyness
It is important to note that introversion does not necessarily equate with shyness. In their book, The Development of Shyness and Social Withdrawal,
authors Schmidt and Buss write, "Sociability refers to the motive,
strong or weak, of wanting to be with others, whereas shyness refers to
behavior when with others, inhibited or uninhibited, as well as feelings
of tension and discomfort."
Shyness indicates a fear of people or social situations. Introverts,
on the other hand, simply do not like to spend lots of time interacting
with other people.
However, introverts do appreciate being around people to whom they
are close. They find engaging in "small talk" tedious but do enjoy
having deep, meaningful conversations. Introverts also tend to think
about things before talking. They want to have a full understanding of a
concept before they voice an opinion or try to offer an explanation.
Understanding the Dimensions of Introversion and Shyness
Misconceptions
In an excellent
article in
Atlantic Monthly,
author Jonathan Rauch took on some of the common myths and
misconceptions about introverts. While introverts are often labeled as
shy, aloof, and arrogant, Rauch explains that these perceptions result
from the failure of extroverts to understand how introverts function.
"Extroverts have little or no grasp of introversion," Rauch suggests.
"They assume that company, especially their own, is always welcome.
They cannot imagine why someone would need to be alone; indeed, they
often take umbrage at the suggestion. As often as I have tried to
explain the matter to extroverts, I have never sensed that any of them
really understood."
According to estimates, extroverts outnumber introverts by about
three to one. Introverts often find that other people try to change them
or even suggest that there is something "wrong" with them. Nothing
could be further from the truth. While introverts make up a smaller
portion of the population, there is no right or wrong personality type.
Instead, both introverts and extroverts should strive to understand each
other's differences and similarities.
11 Common Misconceptions About Introverts
A Word From Verywell
Remember, introversion is not an all-or-nothing characteristic.
People can be what you might call introverts with a capital I (aka "very
introverted") or they might be outgoing in some situations with some
introverted tendencies. Introversion exists on a continuum with
extroversion, and most people tend to lie somewhere between the two.
If you identify with some characteristics of introversion and some
characteristics of extroversion, then there is a pretty good chance that
you are one of the 70 percent of people who fall somewhere in the
middle. Ambiverts tend to enjoy both spending time with others and
spending time alone, depending on the situation and their needs at the
moment.
Most importantly, remember that one type isn't "better" than the
other. Each tendency can have benefits and drawbacks depending on the
situation. By better understanding your personality, however, you can
learn how to play to your strengths.
If you are an introvert, find ways to cope if the stimulation from
the outside world becomes too much. Seek out a quiet moment where you
can get away from overwhelming noises and recharge.
In
one study of adult introverts
between the ages of 18 and 80, those who had strong social
relationships and emotional regulation skills were found to be happier
than those who did not have those skills. Make the most of your
strengths by nurturing your close relationships in order to foster
strong social connections and utilize your tendency to look inward in
order to develop solid emotional understanding.
Introversion is perfectly normal. If you find, however, that your
introverted tendencies are the result of anxiety that impacts your
normal, day-to-day functioning, consult your physician or a mental
health professional.
