Is it true that introverts are shy and extroverts can't keep quiet?

How did the theory of introverts and extroverts originate?

These terms first appeared in 1921 in the book Psychological Types by the Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung. He suggested that introverts tend to focus on their feelings and thoughts, while extroverts tend to focus on other people and the outside world. Jung did not endow them with specific character traits, such as assertiveness or isolation.

In the 1960s the idea developed psychologist Hans Eysenck. In his opinion, the difference between these types is how their nervous system reacts to signals from the environment. Extroverts have a low arousal rate, and they have to look for additional stimuli - communication, new experiences. Introverts, on the other hand, are highly sensitive to the world around them, so they are satisfied with quieter activities: heart-to-heart conversations or secluded relaxation.

Stereotypes gradually spread that the typical introvert is shy, thinks carefully about his actions, and withdraws when stressed. And an extrovert is distinguished by responsiveness to other people and the ability to make decisions quickly.

What influences the propensity to certain behavior

Modern scientists believe that extraversion may be influenced by sensitivity to dopamine, a neurotransmitter that answers for good mood and motivation. In one study of volunteers asked take a personality type survey and take a mouth swab for genetic analysis. Some participants were classified as extroverts and had a gene for high sensitivity dopamine systems. Then they were all invited to play a game of chance and in the process their brains were scanned. It turned out that extroverts had more activated areas of the brain responsible for emotions and the work of the reward mechanism. Other study showedthat these same genes may increase the propensity to seek novelty.

Other factors also influence behavior. For example, the environment. People from regions where it is too cold or hot, there are many parasites and other health hazards, more show extraversion than their temperate planetary neighbors. There are few resources in adverse conditions, so people tend to take more risks and explore new situations, i.e. act as extroverts. The value of the reward for them is higher than the negative experience. In a temperate climate, there are enough resources for everyone, so this behavior is not necessary.

Why you shouldn't focus too much on typology

Today the division into introverts and extroverts counts oversimplified because most people fall somewhere in between. In different situations, they may exhibit traits characteristic of both types. Let's say you have a few meetings at work during the day, and sit with a book in the evening. Behavior also depends on life circumstances. For example, during times of stress, even the typical extrovert may avoid socializing.

Popular personality tests should also be treated critically. For example, most of the largest US companies use to evaluate employees, the Myers-Briggs type indicator. It was developed back in the 1940s based on the theories of Carl Jung. In South Korea, this test became popular among young people who are looking for a date partner. But he does not have a wide evidence base, and therefore it is unlikely to help find out the truth about the nature of a potential employee or partner.

Mallory McCord of the University of Minnesota believes that personality tests create false picture of the world. “Introverts are supposed to hate people, want to be alone all the time, and don’t like to talk. All these are stereotypes. Such assumptions can be harmful, especially in the workplace,” says McCord.

In her study, she notesthat extroverts are given preference in hiring and promotion. That being said, introverts can be good too. leaders. A study published in the Harvard Business Review showedthat such a leader gives an advantage to proactive teams prone to suggesting ideas for business improvement, because he does not draw attention to himself and gives others the opportunity to speak freely.

Jennifer Kahnweiler, author of The Introverted Leader thinksthat you need to be careful when making generalizations about introverts and extroverts. “There is relatively little research to support the validity of any of these. And people's temperaments are complex and not easy to change. Yes, introverts can be amazing listeners, but extroverts can do the same if they try to understand the other person and ask questions,” notes Kahnweiler.