The trait of Extraversion-Introversion is a central dimension of human personality. Extraverts (sometimes called "extroverts") are gregarious, assertive, and generally seek out excitement. Introverts, in contrast, are reserved, thoughtful, and self-reliant. They are not necessarily asocial, but they tend to have smaller circles of friends, and are less likely to thrive on making new social contacts. Introversion Software is a UK based company that labels itself The last of the bedroom programmers. It was founded by three friends, Chris Delay, Mark Morris and Thomas Arundel. ... Trait theory is an approach to personality theory in psychology. ... Look up Loner in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...

The terms introversion and extraversion were popularized by Carl Jung.^[1] Virtually all comprehensive models of personality include the trait. Examples include Eysenck's three factor model, the Big Five personality traits, the Myers Briggs Type Indicator, and Socionics' Model A. “Jung” redirects here. ... Hans Eysenck Hans Jürgen Eysenck (March 4, 1916 - September 4, 1997) was an eminent psychologist, most remembered for his work on intelligence and personality, though he worked in a wide range of areas. ... In psychology, the Big Five personality traits are five broad factors or dimensions of personality discovered through empirical research (Goldberg, 1993). ... The Center for Applications of Psychological Type is a non-profit organization co-founded by Isabel Myers in 1975 for MBTI development, research and training. ... Socionics (Russian: соционика) is a model of personality based on Carl Jungs work on Psychological Types, Freuds theory of the conscious and subconscious mind, and Antoni Kępińskis theory of information metabolism. ...

Extraversion

Extraverts thrive in large groups.

Extraversion is "the act, state, or habit of being predominantly concerned with and obtaining gratification from what is outside the self".^[2] Extraverts tend to enjoy human interactions and to be enthusiastic, talkative, assertive, and gregarious. They take pleasure in activities that involve large social gatherings, such as parties, community activities, public demonstrations, and business or political groups. An extraverted person is likely to enjoy time spent with people and find less reward in time spent alone. They enjoy risk-taking and often show leadership abilities.^[3] Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 716 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (1383 × 1158 pixel, file size: 1. ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 716 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (1383 × 1158 pixel, file size: 1. ...

An extravert is energized when around other people. Extraverts tend to "fade" when alone and can easily become bored without other people around. Extraverts tend to think as they speak. When given the chance, an extravert will talk with someone else rather than sit alone and think.

Introversion

Introverts enjoy solitary activities such as reading.

Introversion is "the state of or tendency toward being wholly or predominantly concerned with and interested in one's own mental life".^[2] Introverts tend to be quiet, low-key, deliberate, and relatively non-engaged in social situations. They take pleasure in solitary activities such as reading, writing, drawing, watching movies, listening to music, inventing, and designing. An introverted person is likely to enjoy time spent alone and find less reward in time spent with large groups of people (although they may enjoy one-to-one or one-to-few interactions with close friends). They prefer to concentrate on a single activity at a time and like to observe situations before they participate.^[4] Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 398 × 599 pixelsFull resolution (850 × 1280 pixel, file size: 158 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) The content of this image was reviewed by Andre Engels and afterwards uploaded by FlickrLickr. ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 398 × 599 pixelsFull resolution (850 × 1280 pixel, file size: 158 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) The content of this image was reviewed by Andre Engels and afterwards uploaded by FlickrLickr. ...

Introversion is not the same as shyness, though introverts may also be shy. Introverts choose solitary over social activities by preference, whereas shy people avoid social encounters out of fear. ^[5] In humans, shyness is the feeling of apprehension or lack of confidence experienced in regard to social association with others, e. ...

An introvert is energized when alone. Introverts tend to "fade" when with people and can easily become overstimulated with too many others around. Introverts tend to think before speaking . When given the chance, an introvert will sit alone and think rather than talk with someone else.

Ambiversion

Although many people view being introverted or extraverted as a question with only two possible answers, trait theories such as the Big Five treat levels of extraversion as part of a continuum, with some scores very close to either end and others near the half-way mark.^[6] Continuum theories or models explain variation as involving a gradual quantitative transition without abrupt changes or discontinuities. ...

Ambiversion is a term used to describe people who fall more or less directly in the middle and exhibit tendencies of both groups.^[2][7] An ambivert is normally comfortable with groups and enjoys social interaction, but also relishes time alone and away from the crowd.

Measurement

Extraversion-introversion is normally measured by self-report. For example, a questionnaire might ask if you agree with statements such as I am the life of the party or I think before I talk. Another approach is to present you with various sets of adjectives (for example: thoughtful, talkative, energetic, independent) and ask which most describes you most and which describes you least. A questionnaire is a research instrument consisting of a series of questions and other prompts for the purpose of gathering information from respondents. ...

For example, imagine a questionnaire which shows 10 statements and asks if you agree or disagree. For the first five questions, agreement means you are more of an extravert. For the last five questions, agreement means you are more of an introvert. Imagine that five people take this questionnaire and answer as follows:

In this example, John and Maria are extraverted, Sarah and David are introverted, and Marcus is neither.

Self-report questionnaires have obvious limitations in that people may misrepresent themselves either intentionally or through lack of self-knowledge. It is also common to use peer report or observation.

Dimensions of extraversion/introversion

Psychological measures of this trait may break it down into subfactors including warmth, affiliation, positive affect, excitement seeking, and assertiveness/dominance seeking.

Theories and causes

Jungian theory

According to Carl Jung, introversion and extraversion refer to the direction of psychic energy. If a person’s energy usually flows outwards, he or she is an extravert, while if this energy normally flows inwards, this person is an introvert.^[8] Extraverts feel an increase of perceived energy when interacting with a large group of people, but a decrease of energy when left alone. Conversely, introverts feel an increase of energy when alone, but a decrease of energy when surrounded by a large group of people. “Jung” redirects here. ... In New Age terminology, energy means various kinds of spiritual forces, often related to the concept of life (compare vitalism). ...

Most modern psychologists consider theories of psychic energy to be obsolete. First, it is difficult to operationalize mental "energy" in a way that can be scientifically measured and tested. Second, more detailed explanations of extraversion and the brain have replaced Jung's rather speculative theories. Nevertheless, the concept is still in popular usage in the general sense of "feeling energized" in particular situations. Jung’s primary legacy in this area may be the popularizing of the terms introvert and extravert to refer to a particular dimension of personality. An operational definition of a quantity is the description of a specific process, or set of validation tests, accessible to more persons than the definer (i. ...

Jung's theory was influential in the development of the Myers Briggs Type Indicator. The Center for Applications of Psychological Type is a non-profit organization co-founded by Isabel Myers in 1975 for MBTI development, research and training. ...

Eysenck's theory

Hans Eysenck described extraversion-introversion as the degree to which a person is outgoing and interactive with other people. These behavioral differences are presumed to be the result of underlying differences in brain physiology.^[9] Extraverts seek excitement and social activity in an effort to heighten their arousal level, whereas introverts tend to avoid social situations in an effort to keep such arousal to a minimum (see Differences in brain function below). Eysenck designated extraversion as one of three major traits in his P-E-N model of personality, which also includes psychoticism and neuroticism. Hans Eysenck Hans Jürgen Eysenck (March 4, 1916 - September 4, 1997) was an eminent psychologist, most remembered for his work on intelligence and personality, though he worked in a wide range of areas. ... Psychoticism is one of the three traits used by the psychologist Hans Eysenck in his P-E-N model (psychoticism, extraversion and neuroticism) model of personality. ... For the band, see Neurotic (band). ...

Eysenck originally suggested that extraversion was a combination of two major tendencies, impulsiveness and sociability. He later added several other more specific traits, namely liveliness, activity level, and excitability. These traits are further linked in his personality hierarchy to even more specific habitual responses, such as partying on the weekend.

Eysenck compared this trait to the four temperaments of ancient medicine, with choleric and sanguine temperaments equating to extraversion, and melancholic and phlegmatic temperaments equating to introversion.^[10] This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ...

Socionics

In socionics, extraversion (called "extroversion") and introversion are referred to as properties of information. These properties are grouped into two classes, elements and aspects. Aspects are the information perceived by the elements themselves, which are arranged in a person's order of information processing (called information metabolism) as functions of personality. The aspects and elements that reflect the apprehension of distinct entities (i.e. objects) are termed extroverted. Properties of object collections that are not considered distinct in themselves (fields) are termed introverted. Socionics (Russian: соционика) is a model of personality based on Carl Jungs work on Psychological Types, Freuds theory of the conscious and subconscious mind, and Antoni Kępińskis theory of information metabolism. ...

Nature vs nurture

Twin studies find that extraversion/introversion has a genetic component.

The relative importance of nature versus environment in determining the level of extraversion is controversial and the focus of many studies. Twin studies find a genetic component of .39 to .58. In terms of the environmental component, the shared family environment appears to be far less important than individual environmental factors that are not shared between siblings.^[11] Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Twin study - Wikipedia /**/ @import /skins-1. ... Look up Genetic in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... The nature versus nurture debates concern the relative importance of an individuals innate qualities (nature) versus personal experiences (nurture) in determining or causing individual differences in physical and behavioral traits. ... Twin study - Wikipedia /**/ @import /skins-1. ...

Differences in brain function

Eysenck proposed that extraversion was caused by variability in cortical arousal; "introverts are characterized by higher levels of activity than extraverts and so are chronically more cortically aroused than extraverts". Because extraverts are less aroused internally, they require more external stimulation than introverts. This theory may be backed up by evidence that the brains of extraverts are more responsive to dopamine than those of introverts.^[12][13] Other evidence of this “stimulation” hypothesis is that introverts salivate more than extraverts in response to a drop of lemon juice.^[14] Location of the cerebral cortex Slice of the cerebral cortex, ca. ... Dopamine is a phenethylamine naturally produced by the human body. ...

One study found that introverts have more blood flow in the frontal lobes of their brain and the anterior or frontal thalamus, which are areas dealing with internal processing, such as planning and problem solving. Extraverts have more blood flow in the anterior cingulate gyrus, temporal lobes, and posterior thalamus, which are involved in sensory and emotional experience.^[15] This study and other research indicates that introversion-extraversion is related to individual differences in brain function. The frontal lobe is an area in the brains of vertebrates. ... For other uses, see Brain (disambiguation). ... The thalamus (from Greek θάλαμος = bedroom, chamber, IPA= /ˈθæləməs/) is a pair and symmetric part of the brain. ... Cingulate gyrus is a gyrus in the medial part of the brain. ... The temporal lobe is part of the cerebrum. ...

Implications

Acknowledging that introversion and extraversion are normal variants of behaviour can help in self-acceptance and understanding of others. For example, an extravert can accept her introverted partner’s need for space, while an introvert can acknowledge his extraverted partner’s need for social interaction.

Social psychologist David Myers found a correlation between extraversion and happiness; that is, more extraverted people reported higher levels of personal happiness.^[16] The causality is not clear; it is unclear if extraversion leads to greater happiness, happier people become more extraverted, or there is some other factor such as social status that affects both. Possibly, the results reflect biases in the survey itself.^[17] It could also be due to the fact that introversion is often regarded as depreciatory in Western culture. Also, according to Carl Jung, introverts acknowledge more readily their psychological needs and problems, while extraverts tend to be oblivious of them because they are focused on the outside.^[1] On average, extraverts also have a somewhat higher self-esteem than introverts. As in the case of happiness, this may be due to inherent differences in the brain, or differential social treatment. David G. Myers is a professor of Psychology at Hope College, and the author of several books, including a popular textbook entitled Psychology. ... For other uses, see Happiness (disambiguation). ...

Extraversion is perceived as socially desirable in Western culture,^[18] but it is not always an advantage. For many years, researchers have found that introverts tend to be more successful in academic environments, which extraverts may find boring.^[19] Extraverted youths are also more likely to engage in delinquent behavior.^[20] Delinquent means one who fails to do that which is required by law or by duty and such failure is minor in nature. ...

Career counselors often use personality traits, along with other factors such as skill and interest, to advise their clients.^[21] Some careers such as computer programming may be more satisfying for an introverted temperament, while other areas such as sales may be more agreeable to the extraverted type. This article does not cite any references or sources. ...

Although neither introversion nor extraversion is pathological, psychotherapists can take temperament into account when treating clients. Clients may respond better to different types of treatment depending on where they fall on the introversion/extraversion spectrum. Teachers can also consider temperament when dealing with their pupils, for example acknowledging that introverted children need more encouragement to speak in class while extraverted children may grow restless during long periods of quiet study. Psychotherapy is a set of techniques believed to cure or to help solve behavioral and other psychological problems in humans. ... For university teachers, see professor. ...

However, use of the terms may encourage pigeonholing or stereotyping. As noted above, extraversion may be a continuum and many people have a mixture of both orientations in their personalities. A person who acts introverted in one scenario may act extraverted in another, and people can learn to act “against type” in certain situations. Jung's theory states that when someone's primary function is extraverted, his secondary function is always introverted (and vice versa).^[1] Pigeonholing is a term used to describe processes that attempt to classify disparate entities into a small number of categories (usually, mutually exclusive ones). ... For the term used in Computing, see Stereotype (computing). ...

See also

• Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
• Big Five personality traits
• Socionics
• Personality
• Trait theory
• Analytical Psychology

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a personality questionnaire designed to identify certain psychological differences according to the typological theories of Carl Gustav Jung as published in his 1921 book Psychological Types (English edition, 1923). ... In psychology, the Big Five personality traits are five broad factors or dimensions of personality discovered through empirical research (Goldberg, 1993). ... Socionics (Russian: соционика) is a model of personality based on Carl Jungs work on Psychological Types, Freuds theory of the conscious and subconscious mind, and Antoni Kępińskis theory of information metabolism. ... Personality psychology is a branch of psychology which studies personality and individual differences. ... Trait theory is an approach to personality theory in psychology. ... Analytical psychology is part of the Jungian psychology movement started by Carl Jung and his followers. ...

Notes and references

External links

• BBC - The Human Mind - Personality Description of introversion and extraversion, focusing on reward-seeking behavior
• Changing Minds Another description of introversion and extraversion, taking a Jungian view
• Extroversion Gale Encyclopedia of Childhood & Adolescence. Gale Research, 1998.
• Introversion Gale Encyclopedia of Childhood & Adolescence. Gale Research, 1998.
• An Introverts World Personal accounts that offer insight into the lives of extreme introverts
• Caring For Your Introvert Jonathan Rauch, The Atlantic Monthly; March 2003; Volume 291, No. 2
• Introv.org Newsgroup for Introverts
• Marti Olsen Laney's work and books people need to know about Introverts
• Hidden Gifts of Introverted Child