Social introversion. "extroversion-introversion"

Sociable, joyful, striving for external and spiritual beauty, a vision that loves people - this is an extroverted vector. Absorbed into himself, in the full depth of the processes happening to him, loving peace and quiet, indifferent to everything external sound - an introvert vector. And both of these vectors are in one person, there is no contradiction.

Often we try to explain a person's actions by saying that he is an introvert or an extrovert. These concepts, which are firmly integrated into our everyday speech, were first introduced by the Swiss psychiatrist and psychologist Carl Jung. His definitions were as follows:

Introversion literally means “turning inward.” A person's preference for his inner world of imagination. Introverts tend to be sensitive, introspective and self-critical. They are not characterized by spontaneous actions, they are not particularly sociable, they are not characterized by the expression of emotions; An introvert is more immersed in his thoughts and fantasies, and often prefers the opportunity to indulge in reflection to communicating with people.

Extraversion is literally “outward looking.” A person is an extrovert if his main interests lie in the external, objective world, in which he sees the highest value. Extraversion thus involves a preference for the social and practical aspects of life, as opposed to immersion in the world of imagination and introspection.

However, during Jung's lifetime these terms were criticized. The main argument of critics was that these definitions were too broad and comprehensive.

And really, is it so often possible to say unambiguously about a person whether he is an introvert or an extrovert? Let's look at an example to answer this question.

Here we see a handsome, stately man. Powerful physique, bright, clear gaze, intelligent, deep eyes. He is pleasant to talk to, kind and open, loves children, understands women well, at the same time loves to sit in a quiet corner with a book, loves to listen to good music, and night and solitude give him great pleasure. He appears to be an introvert at some moments and an extrovert at others. How can this be?

System-vector psychology allows us to accurately understand the nature of such a person. In the example considered, we are dealing with the anal-cutaneous-muscular from below,. The composition of its capsule of living matter includes both extroverted and introverted vectors. Sociable, joyful, striving for external and spiritual beauty, observing and learning this world, empathizing with other people, loving people - this is an extroverted vector. Absorbed into himself, in the full depth of the processes occurring with him, loving silence and peace, indifferent to everything external and looking for meaning in everything that happens, sound is an introverted vector. And both of these vectors are in one person, there is no contradiction.

Extroverts and introverts in their pure form are observed only in the case when the composition of one capsule of living matter (one person) includes only extroverted vectors or only introverted vectors.

For example, we are dealing with a pure anal sound. All his life he sits at home and reads science fiction, if he is not realized. And if realized, then he, like Perelman, is so immersed in science that he is not at all interested in any manifestations of the outside world. At the same time, unlike the sound engineer who reads science fiction, Perelman makes brilliant scientific discoveries - and thereby works for all of humanity.

An example of a pure extrovert is (as well as a skin-visual man). Doesn't sit still, always in motion, light airy gait, eyes large and deep, full at different moments of immeasurable love, sadness and compassion, huge emotional amplitude, desire for all living things and sociability. And these are just some of her features.

Systemic vector psychology identifies four extrovert vectors and four introvert vectors. Together they form four complete quartels, which, like everything in this world, have external and internal parts.

Quartel of time. The outer part is the urethral vector (extrovert). The inner part is the anal vector (introvert).

Quartel of space. The outer part is the skin vector (extrovert). The inner part is the muscle vector (introvert).

Quartel of information. The external part is the visual vector (extrovert). The inner part is the sound vector (introvert).

Energy quartel. The outer part is the oral vector (extrovert). The inner part is the olfactory vector (introvert).

Jung's thesis about the opposition of extraversion and introversion is only partly true. If you focus on the external manifestations of the vector - whether it is sociable or not, prefers to be in society or not, etc. - then this is so. But if you look from the point of view of system-vector psychology, understanding the specific role of each vector, it becomes clear that within each quartile and all together they form the necessary integrity, mutually complementing each other.

You can better understand the manifestations of extraversion and introversion, as well as learn about the mechanism of their interaction when they are in the same person, at Yuri Burlan’s training “System-vector psychology”.

Proofreader: Galina Rzhannikova

Extraversion- in psychology, this is a property of an individual that characterizes the outward direction of a personal attitude. The term “extraversion” comes from the Latin “extra”, which means outside and “versae”, “versie” - denoting a turn, it turns out - turning outward. The concept of “extraversion,” like “introversion,” was introduced by the Swiss psychologist and philosopher Carl Gustave Jung to distinguish between two personality types.

In psychology, extraversion is a complex of personal qualities that determines a person’s propensity for active social contacts, which is expressed in sociability, active talkativeness with different people and sociability. Also, with the help of this complex, a person’s orientation towards the external social environment, and not towards his own inner world, is expressed.

Extroverted individuals often imagine themselves and believe that their true calling lies in creation.

Extraversion, the definition of this property, includes personal concern with all the events occurring around. The extrovert himself is always in everyone's sight, he is an excellent conversationalist and a good friend.

Extraversion is characterized by such qualities as optimism, impulsiveness, variability, and carelessness.

In psychology, extraversion is a property that has an antagonistic quality to itself - introversion. Extraversion, together with introversion, constitutes a single psychodiagnostic scale in G. Eysenck’s personality questionnaires, the Big Five methodology, and R. Cattell’s factor questionnaire. When taking such questionnaires, most people earn average scores on the “extroversion-introversion” scale (usually just the name of the “extroversion” scale), which suggests that there are not so many “pure” extroverts.

The extraversion scale combines rather heterogeneous characteristics. Thus, some psychologists characterize extraversion through formal-dynamic, stylistic and content properties and personality characteristics. But most psychologists are inclined to traditionally interpret extraversion as a quality of temperament.

Extraversion is characterized through a constant need to obtain various additional external facts and information. Based on their basis, all further activities of the individual are built.

Knowing what significant differences the properties of extraversion and introversion have, you can correctly determine a person’s sociotype. In literature and history there are well-known examples of extroverted sociotypes, among them: Napoleon, Don Quixote, Hamlet, Hugo, Stirlitz, Zhukov, Jack, Huxley.

What is extraversion

In psychology, extraversion is a certain type of human attitude. The concept of extraversion includes a person who is constantly in an extroverted state, always ready to react directly and sharply to external stimuli. His psychological energy is very clearly expressed in his desire for the environment and all external objects, processes and phenomena.

Extraversion is a certain attitude of consciousness that determines the attitude towards objects and the world.

Extraversion, like , are psychological ways of adapting a personality to its surrounding world; both attitudes can be characteristic not only of one person. Both categories - extraversion and introversion according to Jung - appear in nature. The peculiarity of the first category is the high speed of productivity, accompanied by a low life expectancy of the individual and the weakness of his defense mechanisms.

The behavior of extroverts in nature is mainly manifested in the reproduction and distribution of their energy in all spheres of life. Introversion is expressed in the fact that the individual mainly does what he directs all his energy to protecting his life from any external influences that could potentially cause harm or simply affect the individual, which he categorically does not want, while spending a minimum of energy.

Extroverts direct all their interest to the outside world and take it from this world. This is how their external reality is expressed. For individuals with introversion qualities, their inner world, that is, internal reality, is interesting.

According to Jung, extraversion and introversion define two different personality types. Jung describes an extroverted person through his value attitude towards external objects, interaction with these objects, the possibility of influencing them, and so on. Such an individual does not need to fixate on deep internal contents; he likes interaction with others.

The attitudes of extraversion and introversion, according to Jung, denote individual personal characteristics that are very complex in their structure, having few common signs with the expressive signs of human behavior. C. Jung divided the human psyche into four elements, each of which he defined as extroverted or introverted.

An extroverted person has a libido that is directed outward; this psychic energy is directed to objects in the environment (other people and various objects) and to all kinds of connections with them. Being in an extroverted state, the individual perceives, feels, thinks and acts in accordance with every existing object of reality.

The essence of extraversion lies not only in personality traits, but also in a certain attitude, which, as mentioned above, is directed at the object, whereas in introversion it is directed at the subject, that is, at oneself, as C. Jung believed.

If the direction according to the object and the objective data prevails so much that the most important options for decision or action are determined by objective circumstances, and not by subjective views, then we are definitely talking about a person of an extroverted type. At the same time, K. Jung analyzes possible deviations or mental disorders within the framework of extraversion itself. A too strong extroverted personal attitude can stop taking into account the subject himself to such an extent that he appears as a “victim”, called an objective demand. The danger of such a state for an extrovert is that through such deep involvement in objects, he can completely lose himself in them.

By focusing on knowledge of the basics of psychology, a person can clearly understand or differentiate the qualities inherent in either an introverted or extroverted personality type.

Extraversion is characterized by such traits as an increased value of objects with which a person interacts and an expansion of object relations. An extrovert considers people empty if he can only observe them, but not interact with them. Since the value of people for an extrovert is low, he tries to increase it on his own. Despite great activity and a huge charge of energy, extroverts experience very rapid fatigue. Since they spend almost all their energy communicating with people, they prefer to rest and recover alone.

Extraversion is mobility, frankness, a person's ability to get along with other people, and easy adaptability to the current situation. An extroverted personality type facilitates the rapid and free creation of social connections and attachments. Such a person can very easily inspire something into himself and just as easily discard bad premonitions or fears, which helps a person to have a good orientation in an unfamiliar situation and quickly make risky decisions.

Introversion, in turn, is characterized by a person’s reflective, vacillating character, the desire for loneliness, maintaining personal boundaries, moving away from objects and being in a defensive position relative to external influences.

For an extrovert, external factors are the driving force behind perceptions, views, and actions. While an introvert is the absolute opposite of this order of things.

For a person with dominant extraversion, another individual with a different type of psychological attitude appears as boring, predictable and spoils the fun. At the same time, an introverted person, striving to be self-sufficient, perceives extroverts as superficial, capricious, annoying people who only do what they want to attract the attention of others by any acceptable means.

Psychologist G. Murray, who also studies human extraversion and introversion, said that Jung’s statements cover a whole list of individual private characteristics that can be studied and assessed freely from each other. He also proposed new names for these measurements. He called one of them “exocathexy - endocathexy,” which he endowed with the function of reflecting the comparative meaning that a person conveys to the outer world as opposed to the inner world, that is, his own experiences, ideas, fantasies, images, and so on.

He called the other dimension “extraception-introception”, which is mainly associated with the determinants of assessment, perception and behavior. He gave the concept of “extraception” to a person’s tendency to be guided by specific, clearly observable, physical circumstances. With the concept of “introception” he defined the tendency to follow more subjective factors (thoughts, feelings, aspirations).

Studies by a number of significant scientists in the field of factor analysis - Raymond Cattell, Hans Eysenck, J. Guilford - indicate the possibility of isolating individual independent components of the “extraversion - introversion” measurement. Their data provide consistent evidence of the existence of a common dimension, which fits quite well with the ideas of C. Jung and covers many specific individual differences inherent in humans.

Thus, extraversion and introversion according to Eysenck (along with neuroticism) are presented as parameters that define a personality type. A person with extroversion is an individual who loves communication, loves to spend his time in noisy and cheerful companies, prefers to have a wide circle of acquaintances, without identifying any of them as the closest.

Extraversion and introversion according to Eysenck are determined using his own test. According to this test, extraversion stands out as a characteristic of behavior. Therefore, an introvert is able to behave like an extrovert, but not actually be one.

The Eysenck test has the following scales: extraversion, introversion and neuroticism. Neuroticism is also considered as a person's level of anxiety. This test is also capable of identifying a certain psychological type of a person with very high accuracy, which in some cases is necessary in order to choose the most correct approach to the patient and adjust the direction of psychotherapy.

The structure of the test has 57 questions that measure behavior in everyday life. The questions are dichotomous, that is, you need to answer simply, either “yes” or “no.” After answering the questions, you need to compare the data with the key; if the answer matches it, you get one point. The interpretation itself is carried out using a circle in which, from left to right, the degree of expression of extraversion increases, and from top to bottom, the level of neuroticism decreases.

In a science such as socionics, Jung’s definition of the categories of extraversion and introversion is used. Thus, extraversion is the idea of ​​a person’s orientation towards the external world, in relation to the internal world. Socionics suggests that if the first (basic) function in a person is defined as extroverted, then the entire socionic type will be defined as extroverted.

Extroversion/introversion. Introduction.

Those who have seriously decided to understand socionics ask many questions related to the definition of basic socionic concepts. One of these basic concepts is the sign of “extraversion/introversion”. This concept was first introduced by C. Jung. According to Jung, introversion and extraversion are two fundamentally different ways of psychological adaptation. In addition, to determine the nature of “introversion-extroversion”, Jung used other concepts:

Libido;
- personal attitude;
- direction of energy movement;
- leading motivation;
- conscious orientation.

However, in addition to Jung, there is also an interpretation of “introversion-extraversion” according to Leonhard and Eysenck, not to mention other concepts that are similar in content, such as “Locus of control”; "Internal and external reference."

Such ambiguity of interpretations leads to the emergence of many questions. For example:

- How to distinguish a self-absorbed introvert from a self-absorbed extrovert?

How will they differ on the outside (what will be the differences in reactions to external stimuli, to attempts to pull them out of this state, differences in actions, behavior in this state)? And what is inside? What does an introvert feel and, perhaps, how does an introvert explain these states to himself, and how does an extrovert? How are these states fundamentally different if both have the same duration?

How do states of self-absorption differ between an introverted intuitive and an extroverted intuitive?

How is introverts' pliability to external influences manifested? Due to what and how?

How does a driven and suggestible extrovert differ from an introvert? What is the fundamental difference between being aware and introverted responding to external circumstances?

How does an introvert “give in”/react, and how does an extrovert? How do they express themselves and what do they feel inside?

If an extrovert is in a position where he has no influence on external circumstances, how does his sense of self as an influence manifest itself?

How does socionic “self-awareness” manifest itself in an introvert who actively influences the physical world? How does he feel and how does he explain to himself the formula for his interaction with the world?

How not to confuse a shy, inactive and withdrawn extrovert with an introvert? And how - a sociable and self-confident introvert with an extrovert?

Could, for example, at some party/meeting an introvert come up to meet you first? How will his approach differ from an extroverted one?

And if there is an extrovert huddling in the corners, averting his eyes from oncoming glances and trying to be as inconspicuous as possible, then how can one determine that he is still an extrovert?

How does shyness manifest itself in an introvert and how does it manifest itself in an extrovert?

How will a thoughtful extrovert differ from a thoughtful introvert?

How do introverts and extroverts differ in appearance (gestures, facial expressions, eyes, speed of speech)?

Is there a difference in the speed of introverted assimilation of new information and extroverted ones?

Where is the line between personal temperament/character and fidelity?

Therefore, despite the many literary sources on the issue of the nature and methods of determining introversion and extroversion, it, at the moment, remains quite relevant. In our work, we will touch upon the definition of this concept as interpreted by various authors, give answers to the questions posed, and also talk about methods with which you can study a personality for introversion or extroversion.

So, the purpose of our work is to reveal the concepts of intro and extroversion and describe the methods of their research.

In accordance with the goal, it is necessary to solve the following tasks:

Analyze the literature on the phenomena under study;

Describe the definitions of the phenomena being studied;

Reveal their specifics;

Describe methods for studying introversion and extroversion.

DEFINITION OF INTRO AND EXTRAVERSION

"A Western person seems to be more extroverted, while an Eastern person, on the contrary, is more of an introvert. The first sees meaning outside of himself, projecting it onto objects, the second feels it within himself. But meaning exists both outside and inside us.". K. Jung

Extroverted - oriented in their manifestations mainly outward, towards the world around them and the people in it.
Introverted - oriented in their manifestations mainly to the inner world.

These concepts were introduced at the beginning of the 20th century by the Swiss psychologist C. Jung to designate diametrically opposed personality types. These terms are derived from the Latin roots “extra” - “outside”, “intro” - “inside” and “verto” - “I turn”.

The word “extrovert” means “turned outward,” and “introvert” means “turned inward.” And it is precisely this “expandedness” or direction that will be the vector that determines his attitude to life, manifestations and behavior in communication with other people.

An extrovert prefers information from the World. He trusts independent sources more.
An introvert prefers information from himself. He trusts his own opinion more.

An extrovert fills his consciousness with external information; an introvert, on the contrary, tries to protect his consciousness from external information.

What does it mean to protect and what does it mean to fill?

For extroverts, the main factor determining the direction of the psyche and its reactions is the outside world, social life. They are characterized by behavior that manifests a desire to interact with the outside world, exchange information, emotions and impressions. An extrovert seeks attention from others. He expects a reaction from the outside world. He influences it using a variety of means of self-expression.

An introvert is characterized by behavior associated with immersion in his inner world, observations of his inner world and reflection. It is characterized by solitude, introspection and careful delving into the subject being studied. He is not so greedy for attention from others. Having received his portion of impressions from the outside world, he retires to digest them. He seeks solitude in order to comprehend what is happening. He has a less pronounced need for external assessment. He is more comfortable coming to his own conclusions.

Now we will dwell in more detail on the different interpretations of this feature and we will start with Jung, who introduced this term.

According to Jung's theory, introversion and extraversion are two fundamentally different ways of psychological adaptation.

The method of adaptation is chosen unconsciously in early childhood and has biological prerequisites. Jung wrote the following about this: " In nature, there are two fundamentally different modes of adaptation that ensure the continued existence of a living organism. One is the high rate of reproduction with a relatively low protective capacity and short life expectancy of the individual; the other is to provide the individual himself with a variety of means of self-preservation in the face of low relative fertility... In a similar way, the specific nature of the extrovert constantly encourages him to waste himself, to multiply himself in any way and to insert himself into everything, while the tendency of the introvert is to defend himself from any external demands, to abstain from any expenditure of energy directed directly at the object, but to create for oneself the most consolidated and powerful position possible".

Jung points out two behavioral strategies: energy-saving-introverted and energy-giving-extroverted.

An extrovert perceives himself through the world around him. An introvert perceives the world around him through himself.

The movement of energy in an introvert is towards the inner world. For an extrovert, on the contrary, the movement of energy is towards the outside world.

For an introvert, their own subjective thoughts and experiences are initially more significant than external assessments. He is inclined to self-sufficiency in assessing his life activities.
For an extrovert, the opinions of other people and generally accepted knowledge are initially more significant than his own opinion. He tends to evaluate his life through the eyes of those around him.

According to Jung, there is both an extrovert and an introvert in every person. However, the degree of their expression can be completely different.
Jung clarifies that we are not talking about type in general, but about extraversion or introversion of the dominant (programmed) function. The subordinate function acquires an introverted attitude. So a person with dominant extraverted functions, focused on objective reality, facts received from the external world, in his perception relies on the external world, but interacts with it using his auxiliary, introverted function.
Under different circumstances, an individual can change his attitude, for example, in an extroverted environment he will have an introverted attitude, and in an introverted environment he will exhibit extroverted qualities. The type of installation develops gradually throughout life. That is, at different periods of life a person may feel more or less extra- or introverted. However, one of the functions is necessarily predominant, and the rest are subordinate, while the differentiated function is the form with the help of which the individual comprehends the surrounding mental and physical world. Just as you cannot think and feel at the same time, you cannot be both energy-saving and energy-giving at the same time. One of the attitudes will definitely dominate in consciousness.

The next well-known interpretation of this symptom belongs to the German psychiatrist K. Leonhard.

Leonhard gives it the following definition: an extrovert is a weak-willed personality, subject to outside influence, an introvert is a strong-willed personality.

Leonhard draws this conclusion based on his therapeutic practice. He notes that the problems of an extrovert lie in the external world. An extrovert here acts as someone who is unable to ignore other people’s opinions about him. An extrovert literally becomes dependent on external evaluation. He is waiting for approval, recognition. The problems of an introvert, on the contrary, lie in the area of ​​his own feelings and ideas. His fears are not directly related to his situation. He is more guided by his own opinion, vision and position.

According to Leonhard, an extrovert remains an externally oriented person, while an introvert remains an internally oriented person. As for the assessment of volitional qualities, here, apparently, we are talking about forms of pathology, since Leongard, being a psychiatrist, worked with very problematic patients.

Jung, dealing with the mentally ill, said the following on this issue: “ It is well known that hysteria and schizophrenia represent a sharp contrast in the different attitudes of patients towards the outside world. The feelings that the external world evokes in subjects suffering from hysteria exceed the normal level in intensity, while in patients suffering from schizophrenia these feelings do not reach it. Exaggerated emotionality in some and extreme apathy in others - this is the general picture that is drawn to us when comparing these two diseases. In personal relationships, this difference is reflected in the fact that we maintain a spiritual connection with our hysterical patients, which does not happen with patients with schizophrenia.
I propose to label these two opposing tendencies with the terms extraversion and introversion. So, extraversion is present wherever a person focuses his main interest on the external world, on an object to which significant importance and significance are attached. On the contrary, introversion exists where the external world is subjected to a kind of devaluation and contempt, where the subject itself becomes important and significant, as such greedily takes possession of all the interests of a person and becomes in his own eyes, so to speak, the only line that is entered into the account..»

The final point on the issue of the nature of extroverted and introverted attitudes is put by the Australian psychologist Eysenck.

G. Eysenck makes a breakthrough in understanding the nature of the extroverted and introverted attitude. He conducts a series of electroencephalographic studies in which he proves that intro/extroversion is genetically determined, closely related to levels of cortical activation. Eysenck uses the term "activation" to denote the degree of arousal, changing its value from a lower limit (for example, sleep) to an upper limit (for example, a state of panic). He believes that introverts are extremely excitable and therefore highly sensitive to incoming stimulation - for this reason they avoid situations that affect them too much. Conversely, extroverts are not sufficiently excitable and therefore insensitive to incoming stimulation; accordingly, they are constantly on the lookout for situations that might arouse them.

According to Eysenck, extroverts are characterized by slowly developing and weak excitation and rapidly developing, strong and slowly decaying reactive inhibition. Introverts have the opposite characteristics. The high level of activation of introverts is thought to be the reason that they tend to avoid additional external stimulation that may push their activation beyond optimal limits. As a result, introverts, compared to extroverts, prefer lower intensity stimulation.

If we summarize the above, we can draw the following conclusion: an introvert is one who does not need excessive sensory stimulation, and an extrovert is one who does.

Introversion - extroversion

Characteristics of individual psychological differences in a person, the extreme poles of which correspond to the primary focus of the individual either on the world of external objects, or on the phenomena of his own subjective world. The concepts of extraversion and introversion were introduced by C. G. Jung to designate two opposing personality types. The extroverted type is characterized by the personality’s focus on the external world, the objects of which attract the interests and “vital energy” of the subject, which in a certain sense leads to the subject’s alienation from himself, to a belittlement of the personal significance of the phenomena of the subjective world. Extroverts are characterized by impulsiveness, initiative, behavioral flexibility, sociability, and social adaptability ( cm.). The introverted type is characterized by fixing the interests of the individual on the phenomena of his own inner world, to which he attaches the highest value; unsociability, isolation, social passivity, tendency to introspection, difficulty in social adaptation. Intensive development of the problems of extraversion - introversion was carried out in factor theories of personality (R. Cattell, J. Guilford, G. Eysenck, etc.), where it was considered not in terms of personality types, but as a continuous scale expressing the quantitative relationship between the properties of extraversion - introversion in specific subject. In the most popular of them, the concept of G. Eysenck - the parameter of extraversion - introversion in combination with the parameter of neuroticism (emotional-volitional stability - instability) form two main dimensions of personality that determine the content of all its properties. The abstract-statistical approach underlying this concept created serious difficulties in the causal explanation of numerous manifestations of extraversion - introversion, the content of which uncritically combined heterogeneous personality characteristics - from impulsiveness, aggressiveness to ideological attitudes and political positions. According to G. Rorschach, introversion and extraversion are not opposite and mutually exclusive personality traits, but tendencies that are more or less inherent in everyone. They indicate not so much the degree of adaptation as the individual mechanisms that implement it. It is wrong to contrast them as “thinking” and “feeling” types of personality, because adequate interpretation requires the participation of both affective and cognitive mechanisms. In Russian psychology, manifestations of extraversion - introversion are considered as properties of temperament - as dynamic, rather than substantive, characteristics of mental processes, which serve as a prerequisite for the development of specifically personal qualities.

Dictionary of a practical psychologist. - M.: AST, Harvest. S. Yu. Golovin. 1998.

Introversion - extroversion

   - EXTRAVERSION (With. 286) - a characteristic of a person that determines the direction of a person’s mental activity on objects of the external world or on himself, as well as the predominant conditioning of this activity by circumstances external or internal to the person. The concepts of introversion-extraversion as typical personality characteristics that exist along with more private individual characteristics were empirically identified by C. G. Jung in his famous work “Psychological Types.” Jung accordingly described two personality types - introvert and extrovert. The division is based on a person’s outward or inward attitude, which is revealed in his worldview and in reactions to various stimuli. - this is a person whose thoughts, feelings, interests and actions are aimed at others, at objects of the external world. He easily comes into contact with other people and adapts well to new situations. An extrovert, as a rule, is an impulsive person, constantly on the move, humorous, and often superficial. He is open to external objects, strives to multiply his connections with them, as a result of which these objects also have a strong influence on him.

A person whose mental energy is directed inward, towards himself; his thoughts, interests and even actions are directed towards his own self. In this regard, the introvert shows a tendency towards reflection, constant analysis of his mental states. He has difficulty contacting his environment and adapts to it worse than an extrovert; he is closed to everything that is outside of him; he defends himself instead of allowing himself to be molded; he cannot submit to an external object. Introverts, as a rule, are serious, self-possessed, pedantic, and often prone to depression.

The concept of introversion - extraversion was developed by G.Yu. Eysenck and it was in his interpretation that it became widely known (in the West, the concepts of “introvert” and “extrovert” have long been included in everyday speech and are often used in everyday life to characterize people). Introversion - extraversion, along with the factor of “neuroticism” (emotional stability) identified by Eysenck, are considered by him as the main characteristics of personality. To identify personality traits, Eysenck created the psychodiagnostic method “Description of Personality” (MPI - Maudsley Personality Inventory). Personality, according to Eysenck, is a specific combination of “traits” that can be depicted graphically on the axes of introversion - extraversion and neuroticism. Borrowing the concept of introversion - extraversion from Jung, Eysenck gives them a certain physiological interpretation. He argues that the observed manifestations of introversion and extraversion are based on the innate characteristics of the central nervous system, on which the balance between the processes of excitation and inhibition depends. The predominance of excitation over inhibition is characteristic of introversion, while the predominance of the inhibition process is typical of the behavior of extroverts. Based on this, Eysenck built a variety of diagnostic techniques that boil down to measuring cortical excitation or inhibition. He included the rate of formation and extinction of a conditioned reaction, as well as the level of sensory sensitivity, as indicators of introversion - extraversion. Considering these data, it should be recognized that there is a great similarity between the type of nervous system and introversion - extraversion: in both cases, a similar or even the same physiological mechanism is meant, namely certain features of cortical excitation and inhibition; in both cases the same indicators of their measurement are used. Eysenck himself, comparing his concept with the typology of I.P. Pavlov, comes to the conclusion that there is a certain analogy between the strong type of nervous system according to I.P. Pavlov and the extrovert, the weak type and the introvert.

Currently, the concepts of introversion - extraversion have become widespread in psychology, since they correspond to real observations of people's behavior (although it is probably wrong to see the main dimensions of personality in these properties). In this case, of course, it is taken into account that “pure” types are quite rare; we are talking about a greater or lesser expression of these characteristics. In modern psychology, numerous studies are being carried out in order to establish the connection of these personal qualities with the characteristics of mental (in particular, cognitive) processes, to find out the relationship between the values ​​of introversion and extraversion with the level of social activity, the emotional coloring of social contacts, etc.

Popular psychological encyclopedia. - M.: Eksmo. S.S. Stepanov. 2005.

See what “introversion - extraversion” is in other dictionaries:

introversion- noun, number of synonyms: 3 isolation (21) introversion (3) ... Dictionary of synonyms

INTROVERSION- (from Latin introver sus facing inward) English. introversion; German Introversion. According to K. G. Jung, a personality trait consisting of focusing on the inner world of one’s own sensations, experiences, feelings, thoughts, prudence, relying on ... ... Encyclopedia of Sociology

INTROVERSION- (from English introversion). A personality trait that is standardly described as a tendency to avoid social contacts (lack of communication, unsociability), a desire for solitude, and an orientation towards the inner world rather than the external one. To the complex of hell... ... New dictionary of methodological terms and concepts (theory and practice of language teaching)

introversion- introverted introvert Turning attention inward, unsociable, withdrawn. See also exgravation. Topics sexology Synonyms introvertedintrovert... Technical Translator's Guide

Introversion- (from Lat. intro movement inward and verto to turn, turn) a human property characterized by a dominant orientation towards a free inner world. The author of this concept is K. Jung, who, according to the criteria of I. and its opposite extraversion (t ... Pedagogical terminological dictionary

Dictionary-reference book on educational psychology

A personal characteristic described by the Swiss psychiatrist and psychologist C. Jung in 1910 and literally meaning turning inward. Introversion presupposes a person’s preference for his own inner world of imagination, rich and creative... Dictionary of educational psychology

introversion- introversija statusas T sritis Kūno kultūra ir sportas apibrėžtis Asmenybės savybė, pasireiškianti didesniu dėmesiu sau negu aplinkai ir praktinei veiklai. kilmė lot. intro –į vidų + verto – suku, kreipiu atitikmenys: engl. introversion vok.… …Sporto terminų žodynas

introversion- intro version, and... Russian spelling dictionary

introversion- (1 f), R., D., Ave. introve/rsii; pl. introve/rsii, R. introve/rsii… Spelling dictionary of the Russian language

INTROVERSION- Turning inward. Used in personality theory to refer to the tendency to avoid social contacts and to be preoccupied with one's own thoughts. While this may be a normal characteristic, many feel that extreme forms... ... Explanatory dictionary of psychology

Each person has his own knowledge, skills, habits, positive and negative traits. But, regardless of this, scientists were able to identify two psychotypes from a number of factors manifested in people’s behavior, namely: introverts and extroverts.

The history of the appearance of the terms “introvert” and “extrovert”

Since 1755, the concepts of “introvert” and “extrovert” have been present in English dictionaries. However, they appeared in scientific circles at the beginning of the 20th century thanks to the Swiss psychiatrist Carl Gustav Jung, a student of Sigmund Freud.

In his book “Psychological Types,” he gave a detailed description of each of them. Fundamental was the human libido. Unlike Freud, Jung included in this concept not only the sexual aspect, but also behavior and human needs in various life situations.

Based on this, introverts (from the Latin intro - inside) are people whose vital energy is turned inward. For them, personal inner peace is of great importance. Extroverts (from the Latin extra - out, outside), on the contrary, receive a charge of energy by directing emotions to the outside world.

Personal qualities of an introvert and an extrovert

The world around us is interesting and diverse. Often geographical places, events or objects carry different energies. People are no exception. Every person at least once in his life has experienced an unconscious feeling of lightness and sympathy, or, conversely, restraint and tension when communicating with unfamiliar people. When communicating, people subconsciously look for common ground with the interlocutor, trying to find their type, and having found it, they are drawn to it.

Already from the first years of life, pronounced character traits appear in the child. Over time, environmental pressure and upbringing make their own adjustments, smoothing out or exacerbating the initially established features. But, despite this, at its core, a person remains what he was born with - an extrovert or an introvert.

If we talk about the internal work of the body, these types even differ in the activity of blood circulation in the brain. After extensive research, scientists have found that extroverts have more active blood circulation in the areas of the brain responsible for sensory and emotional experiences. And in introverts, circulatory activity occurs in the area responsible for planning.

Qualities that characterize an introvert:

1. Modesty;
2. Shyness;
3. Love of solitude (they have few friends, however, in friendship they show devotion);
4. Control of internal emotions and dislike of strong impressions;
5. Lack of aggression;
6. The desire for an orderly life;
7. Pessimism in some cases;
8. Integrity. They are not inclined to go against their inner beliefs; if circumstances force them, they worry a lot.

In turn, extroverts correspond to:

1. Openness and friendliness;
2. Sociability and courtesy;
3. Activity and assertiveness;
4. Communication skills;
5. Risk-taking (actions are carried out under the impression of a specific moment);
6. Incontinence and predisposition to aggressive behavior.

According to Jung, extroverts are more impulsive than introverts. They spend their energy outside. Even in the struggle to defend interests, external conditions play a decisive role. They are inclined to change their decision if it is necessary for their environment. If there is a choice - to communicate or be alone with themselves, they will most likely choose the first. They do not like to think for a long time, but prefer to act.

Introverts, on the other hand, are non-impulsive. They plan their actions and control their emotions. They attach great importance to ethical and moral standards, avoid cheerful companies, preferring solitude. Actions and deeds are dictated by personal judgments, and not by the opinions of others. An introvert has few close people, but with those they have, they have strong and long-term relationships.

The simplest tests for those who want to quickly determine what type of temperament they belong to:

1. What will you do in a crisis situation? Extroverts react instantly, quickly putting themselves on alert, while introverts tend to think about the situation.
2. Extroverts prefer active recreation among people, while introverts feel rested after passive time alone.

Types and subtypes of introverts

If people were divided into only two psychotypes, it would not be so interesting. It is impossible to say unambiguously that a person belongs to one of the types. The main traits correspond to introversion or extroversion, but in different life situations, qualities of the opposite type may appear in a person. In addition, there are no pronounced extroverts or introverts; psychologists divide each personality type into subtypes.

It is customary to divide introverts into two main types - sensory and intuitive, but each of them, for a more accurate description, has its own clarifying subgroups.

Characteristics of introverts of the sensory subtype:

• love clarity in everything;
• ask precise questions and want short answers;
• they want to see real results in their work;
• prefer to work with facts rather than theories;
• focus on one thing;
• are not inclined to indulge in memories and dreams about the future;
• easily delve into details, but have a poor understanding of the big picture;
• They prefer to solve their problems on their own.

Logical-sensory introverts include people who have logical thinking and usefully apply their knowledge in practice. They love order in everything, create comfort with love and do not tolerate it when someone disturbs it. They are intolerant of criticism, love power, know how to lead and keep everything under control.

Ethical-sensory introverts are emotional people who understand and feel those around them well. These types of personalities manifest themselves as creative artists in everything. Sometimes they are quick-tempered, but they try to resolve controversial situations peacefully. I don't mind having fun in a noisy company. In a team they do not impose their opinions, but with loved ones they are often demanding.

The main characteristics of an introvert of the intuitive subtype:

• without focusing on one thing, he tries himself in several at the same time;
• future events are more interesting for him than the present;
• does not delve into details well, for him detailing is a boring activity;
• covers general issues with ease, but has difficulty covering detailed ones;
• spends money easily and with pleasure.

Logical-intuitive introverts are theorists who carefully analyze all phenomena, seeking to classify objects, people, and events. Having logically substantiated new ideas, they are not able to implement them. They treat others objectively and kindly, sometimes overly trustingly. They are not very emotional in communication, so they may seem a little cold. In fact, they are not inclined to waste energy and strength on emotions.

It is difficult for a logical-intuitive introvert to do uninteresting work, as well as to switch from something he has started to another. It is difficult for him to be in a team where there are strict rules and an authoritarian leader. In work and in life situations, everything is calculated with a cold mind. Doesn't start work if he doesn't see any prospects. In crisis situations, he shows composure and determination.

An ethical-intuitive introvert is always susceptible to emotions. He easily gets carried away; without finishing one task, he takes on another. He is inherently drawn to new knowledge, especially in the humanities. Such people are charming and pleasant to others. Their behavior is unpredictable, as it depends on their mood. They gladly exchange vigorous activity for solitude, where they prefer to reflect and gain strength.

They cannot organize their work schedule on their own, so they require the guidance of others.

If mistakes are pointed out correctly and kindly, a person of this type can be easily controlled. He perceives the unethical behavior of his acquaintances painfully and may stop all communication with them.

In world history, introverts are found both among political leaders (Abraham Lincoln, Elizabeth II, Mahatma Gandhi, Winston Churchill), and among scientists (Charles Darwin, Albert Einstein) and artists (Walt Disney, Harrison Ford, Steven Spielberg).

Types of extroverts

Ethical-sensory extroverts are sociable, emotional, and open in expressing feelings. On the one hand, these are good character traits, but on the other hand, excessive emotionality leads to the fact that the mood can constantly change. Such people find it difficult to hide their emotions, and they clearly express their attitude towards others.

By nature, people with this type of personality are optimists, but they endure failures and unfulfilled hopes very painfully, sometimes even with nervous breakdowns. They manage their time irrationally, plan a lot but do little, in a hurry when deadlines are running out.

Difficult character traits:

• too emotional;
• after the accumulation of negative emotions they easily explode;
• trying to do several things at once;
• cannot manage their time;
• don't like to wait;
• They are wasteful and buy unnecessary things.

Logical-sensory extroverts are distinguished by their determination, high efficiency, and desire to achieve goals. People of this type have unconventional thinking, can find a solution to a complex problem, and bring the matter to the end. They are a support for their family, and a loyal friend for their loved ones. They love humor in communication and adore feasts. In relationships, keeping promises is valued.

Difficult character traits:

• in a dispute they are harsh and hot-tempered;
• rarely admit they are wrong;
• try to express their opinion on all issues;
• criticism can make them rage.

Intuitive-ethical extroverts are endowed with artistry, they improvise in any situation, and do not like to plan something. In relationships with the opposite sex, they tend to flirt in words, but not in deeds. They are responsive to others, in trouble they try to help and find a way out of a difficult situation.

Intuitive-logical extroverts like to actively defend their opinions. They do not recognize restrictions on their freedom, subordination to someone else's will. They defend their interests loudly, actively and emotionally. They show democracy in communication. They try to help others in some way, sometimes, due to their inability to refuse, they end up tied into relationships. They have consistent tastes and love comfort.

Weaknesses:

• subject to mood swings;
• if they do not receive positive emotions, they fall into apathy;
• in an excited state, their thoughts overtake their words, so they speak too quickly and confusingly;
• often absent-minded, may lose small things;
• like to command others, to urge them on during work;
• take on several tasks at the same time;
• they like to interfere in disputes, behaving unceremoniously.

Extroverts include many historical figures involved in military and political activities (Julius Caesar, Lenin, Stalin, Napoleon Bonaparte, Peter I, Khrushchev), scientific practitioners (Nikolai Amosov, Ivan Pavlov, Sergei Korolev, Svyatoslav Fedorov.