Who is an introvert and what kind of occupation suits him

An introvert does not like noisy companies and prefers to spend time alone. We tell what kind of personality type it is, what are its advantages and why modern psychologists try not to use this term

Who is an introvert

An introvert is a person who is focused on his inner world. He does not like crowds of people, prefers silence and a calm environment. In solitude, an introvert restores energy, and when communicating with people, it consumes it. This is the collective image of an introvert, although there is no unambiguous interpretation of the term “introvert”: scientists from different schools interpret it differently.

The concepts of “extroversion” and “introversion” were first proposed by Carl Jung in the 1920s. In Psychological Types, he elaborated on how scientists before him tried to distinguish between sociable party-goers and shy stay-at-homes. And then he offered his own interpretation. In his opinion, the difference between them is in the direction of vital energy, libido. For introverts, this energy is directed inward, while for extroverts, it is directed outward. That is, the attention of extroverts is directed to the world around them and other people, while introverts, on the contrary, are immersed in themselves, their fantasies and introspection.

After Jung, Hans Eysenck took up the study of extraversion and introversion. In his opinion, introversion has several stable features: perseverance, rigidity, subjectivism, modesty, irritability. Introverts are shy, introspective, cold people. They love order, don’t follow sudden impulses, and can be relied upon. Eysenck considered the parameter of extraversion / introversion to be one of the most important dimensions of personality, along with neuroticism and psychotism. Deriving his three-factor theory of personality, Eysenck put these three dimensions at the basis.

In the 1970s, based on the types identified by Jung, the Soviet-Lithuanian researcher Aushra Augustinavichute created her own typology of personality – socionics. According to it, people are divided into 16 types according to 4 parameters. One of these parameters is the introversion-extroversion scale. A similar division exists in the Myers-Briggs system. At the same time, both socionics and the Myers-Briggs system have features of pseudoscience.

The German psychiatrist Karl Leonhard distinguished between extroverts and introverts in terms of their relationship to information. According to his theory, an introvert is a strong-willed person with clear values. Thanks to them, a person is able to resist society and remain true to his point of view and principles. An extrovert according to Leonhard is a conformist. A weak-willed person subject to outside influence.

According to modern research, each of us has traits of both personality types. Psychologist and cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist Elizaveta Muratova told Trends that modern psychologists prefer to avoid the terms “introvert” and “extrovert”. These are too general terms. But there is still a division into personality types in modern psychology:

“There are many models of personality typology in psychological and psychiatric practice. First of all, we are talking about how healthy a person is. Before typing a personality, you need to understand what state it is in. Even before choosing a typological model, we are talking about health, about the quality of a person,” says Muratova.

However, the term is still in use, and research into extraversion and introversion continues. For example, in 2011, introverts were divided into four types. This model was proposed by Jonathan Cheek, a psychologist and researcher at Wellesley College (USA). He called his model STAR, after the first letters of the types: social (social), thinking (thinking), anxious (anxious) and restrained (restrained).

Another recent study states that covert narcissists often assume the introvert role. Such people consider themselves hypersensitive, but behind this there is an unhealthy thirst for attention. Recognizing such a person is quite difficult. Covert narcissists appear humble and introverted, but their ultimate goal is to gain admiration and attention from those around them. This is a consequence of neuroticism, not introversion.

Signs of an introvert

American scientists have formulated a number of signs of a typical introvert:

• dislike for large companies and crowds of people;
• unwillingness to initiate acquaintances;
• observation;
• the ability to focus on 1-3 objects maximum;
• the tendency to delve deeply into the issue under study;
• the need for a clear plan of action;
• a small circle of friends;
• rich imagination and lively internal dialogue;
• built relationships with oneself;
• intolerance of someone else’s bad mood;
• tendency to work alone.

Differences between introverts and extroverts

Tendency to control or impulsiveness

According to Eysenck, the typical extrovert is a cheerful, carefree optimist who aims to make as many acquaintances as possible. Extroverts have impulsive, emotional reactions. Some people have a tendency to be aggressive. An extrovert has poor control over his actions, his focus is constantly shifting.

The opposite is true for an introvert. Eysenck describes the typical introvert as a calm, shy person. He often engages in introspection. In companies, he behaves aloofly, he shows warm feelings only to close people. Takes a long time to make decisions. It is important for an introvert to plan and think things through in advance. He does not act spontaneously and on emotions. An introvert controls his feelings, it is difficult to piss him off.

Search for positive emotions in different sources

Due to their closedness, introverts are often perceived as sad people who are sad more often than extroverts. Extroverts do experience more positive emotions than introverts. This is confirmed by researchers at the University of Minnesota. But, according to them, extroverts and introverts get these positive emotions from different sources.

So, the true goal of an extrovert is the attention of others. Therefore, he is ready to be more involved in communication. The extrovert does not care what the contact will be like, he is interested in the “reward” in the form of attention – this is what is fixed in the brain as positive emotions. And for introverts, the “reward” is expressed as contact. Because of this, introverts need less communication. “Therefore, they talk less, are less enthusiastic, and generally less purposeful,” says Colin De Young, a psychologist at the University of Minnesota, commenting on the differences in the brains of an introvert and an extrovert.

Why modern psychologists do not use the term “introversion”

In social terms, introversion and extraversion mean human behavior. Sociable people are called extroverts, and secretive and reserved people are called introverts. However, introverted behavior can be caused by various reasons, which means that the label “introvert” itself does not help us understand what is happening to a person and why he behaves in a certain way.

There is an opinion in society that extroverts work better than introverts in a team. But Elizaveta Muratova notes that the point is not in the type of personality, but in the needs of a person. “Almost in every resume you can see a mention of sociability and stress resistance. This is a matter of health, skills, and not the type of personality, ”says Muratova.

Advantages of an introvert

If you continue to use the terms “introverts” and “extroverts”, then you can find some advantages in the former (despite the stereotype that extroverts are better placed in society).

sensitivity

A Yale University team of scientists claims that introverts understand people much better than extroverts. After polling more than a thousand volunteers, experts said that introverts are “born psychologists.” Introverts, according to research, may not like interacting with people as much as extroverts, but they will understand them better. Introverts observe and notice minor details. They understand the psychology of others much more clearly than extroverts.

“We see that introverts spend more time observing human nature and reactions than those who are busy socializing. They are also accurate in introspection because they have fewer biases,” said Yale University psychologist and study co-author Anton Gollwitzer.

Thoughtfulness

A 2008 study found that introverts take longer to process information than extroverts. However, the author of the book “Introvert Leader. How to succeed in a society dominated by extroverts” Jennifer Kahnweiler says that this is actually due to the thoughtfulness of introverts.

Economy in spending internal energy

Since introverts communicate less, they use less internal energy. This led scientists from the Canadian University of Calgary to suggest that the stereotypes that open and sociable people are happier than introverts are wrong. Other scientists from Canada and Australia confirm that extraversion comes at a cost of energy and time. Instead of spending these resources on getting and keeping other people’s attention, introverts use them to focus and achieve goals.

Security

Extroverts are more physically at risk than introverts. They are more likely to get into trouble, join a criminal organization, or be arrested. This is written by scientists from North Dakota and Baltimore, USA.

Other Benefits of Introverts

According to scientists, introverts:

• easily cope with routine, monotonous work, study;
• finish what they started;
• observe discipline and regularity in business;
• effectively engage in self-education;
• well analyze and deeply immerse in the problem;
• make informed decisions;
• listen carefully to the interlocutor;
• take care of other people and their problems;
• have a high level of insight.

Professions for introverts

Perseverance, patience and an analytical approach to business enable introverts to work in the exact sciences, scientists from Iceland and America say. An introvert is suitable for a profession that does not require constant communication with people. For example:

• Information security specialist. The IT sphere is a godsend for an introvert. All work in the computer, colleagues too. Any problem or inconvenience can also be solved with the help of technology.
• Business analyst. He rarely interacts with colleagues in person. The main tasks are performed on the computer. It is possible to work from home.
• Accountant. Suitable for those who like to work with numbers, and also want to be able to change the scope of work. Accountants are needed both in the restaurant business and in cultural institutions.
• Software developer. One of the most common remote professions. Freelancers are often hired for this position. Comfortable for an introvert – you don’t need to go to the office with a large number of colleagues, unless you have to connect to online planning meetings.
• Virologist. Science loves focused, measured employees. Painstakingly analyzing samples and thoughtfully describing experiments is a calm, routine, but fascinating task for an introvert.
• Editor, proofreader. Monotonous work with text, which requires maximum attention and perseverance, and these are the strengths of an introvert.
• Sound engineer. Instead of communicating with people – recording their voices or music. The main thing is not to get a job on the radio, where the presenters speak live around the clock. It will be easier for an introvert if it is possible to pause the voice in the headphones and take a break.
• Video, photo editor. Another profession where the employee is alone with the material and tasks. Focus and a slight form of perfectionism are also important here in order to give the perfect shots.
• Restorer. This work calms the introvert. A monotonous long process that would surely piss off a typical extrovert.
• The trucker. Long trips alone with your thoughts are not for everyone. But this profession gives maximum opportunities to think and enjoy loneliness.

How to become a leader as an introvert

Psychologist Elizaveta Muratova notes that personality typing is often used in business practice.

Why introverts can be good leaders

It is believed that people tend to choose self-confident, charismatic people as leaders. But a Yale University team study says that an introvert in crisis situations outperforms an extrovert in a leadership position. The ability to deeply analyze what is happening and reflect after significant events allows the introvert to understand the situation in more detail. A few hours in silence, alone with your thoughts, will allow the introvert leader to understand what is happening and find the most effective solution.

According to a study by Brigham Young University (Utah, USA), students value in the work of a leader tracking deadlines, providing feedback and coordinating teamwork. Eloquence and charisma were much less frequently mentioned. “Those who take the time to pause and help others with their tasks are more likely to be seen as leaders,” said study co-author Cody Reeves.

Tips for introverts who want to be leaders

For those introverts who are interested in leadership positions, American scientists recommend:

• Talk more about your ideas, decisions, achievements. Introverts often remain in the background, even when the job is done perfectly. For this type of personality, the result is more important than the amount of attention drawn to the process and the performer. In addition, introverts, as a rule, are not motivated enough, they do not see a global goal in attracting the attention of others.
• Overcome isolation, but do not give up loneliness. More active participation in meetings and brainstorming sessions, and even going out to lunch with colleagues can be a good career boost.
• Get inspired by the goal. Understanding why you need to start a conversation and initiate meetings will help you not to be afraid and act. So, a professor at Cambridge University, Brian Little, began to behave like an extrovert: “I am an introvert, but my main project is teaching. I am a professor and I love my students and my work. I look forward to telling them something new and exciting. And I act like an extrovert, because at eight in the morning students need a little humor, a little collaboration – this way it is much easier to get through a busy school day.
• Use your strengths. One study says that the best leaders are those who can plan and work ahead of the curve. Introverts have a well-developed awareness, they are ready to listen and empathize, to help solve the problem.