Introversion and Social Anxiety
Science has tried to understand the varied personalities of humans by categorizing them into two basic groups: introverts and extraverts. This model was first popularized by Carl Jung. He proposed that introverts focus inward and extraverts focused more on the outside world. Using this model, scientists have positively correlated extraversion with happiness. According to a study of twins by Tellegan et al, the influence of genetics on personality type is 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 (1988). Even if introversion or extraversion are determined by genetics by as much as half, we have the ability through conscious evolution to counterbalance our dominant personality trait. Even our gene expression can be changed during our lives through conscious evolution, as you have read in an earlier chapter.
According to a study by Depue and Collins, extraversion has been linked to higher sensitivity of the mesolimbic dopamine system to potentially rewarding stimuli (1999). This in part explains the high levels of positive affect found in extraverts. According to Johnson et al, introverts have more blood flow in the frontal lobes of their brains and the anterior 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 (1999). It seems that Mother Nature has designed two different types of brains to adapt to the world, in much the same way that the female and male brain differ. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. The primary concern of this book is to encourage introverts to train themselves to experience the benefits that those dopamine-happy extraverts are enjoying through their social behavior (without giving up their natural strengths).
I was born an introvert. Although my parents put me in sports and acting classes, I was always more predisposed to read books than to socialize. Getting myself to socialize is still a challenge for me at times. Nevertheless, over the years I have learned how to continually challenge myself so that I thrive in social situations. Just because you have chosen a path of comfort for most of your life does not mean that you can’t develop social skills now. It’s never too late. For every uncomfortable social situation with which you challenge yourself, your body/brain is rewiring itself to be able to handle and thrive in such situations.
It is my experience that antisocial behavior is generally maladaptive for wellbeing. Many introverts cling to their antisocial tendencies, with which they have come to identify. They may feel comfortable by not challenging themselves to socialize, but they miss out on a lot and may not feel fulfilled. If you are wondering why you don’t have the relationships you want in your life and you rarely socialize, it’s time to make the connection. See the companion workbook for gradually-increasing social challenges to develop these skills.
Some introverts can be sensitive to their outside environment and to their inner mental and emotional environment. These introverts pick up on a layer of stimuli that may not be on the radar of an extraverted person. As an example, during a party, a stereotypical extravert would be aware that they like the music, that they feel happy, and that there is an attractive person in the right corner of the room. An introvert may hear every instrument in the song, along with every person’s voice in the room. They may pick up on how each person is feeling and how each one of them might perceive himself. Then he is also aware of his own internal thoughts and emotional movements in his body. All of this stimuli can be overwhelming to the point that it is much easier to go outside, to a quiet room, or just go home.
These special powers of perception make it hard to enjoy a party, but great for exploring, changing, and releasing negative mental and emotional patterns. Undeveloped introverts need to gain confidence in themselves to be able to express themselves freely. They take in a lot of information, synthesize it, and then express it carefully. Undeveloped extraverts take in less information and express it without as much consideration. Extraverts and introverts both have adaptations that are useful and unuseful. The most effective people will be willing to develop skills that they don’t currently have. The best leaders should be able to listen, take in lots of information, synthesize it, and express it freely.
Attributes of Extremes on the Introversion and Extraversion Spectrum:
Introverts:
Passive
Quiet
Extraverts:
Active
Loud
Introvert Strengths:
Strong listening skills
Able to take in lots of information and synthesize it
Intelligent
Emotionally aware
Empathetic
Conscientious
Expresses self well through written words
Weakness Tendencies of Introverts
Antisocial
Low self-esteem
Depression
Low energy
Extravert Strengths
Happy
Confident
Social
Good leader
Freedom of verbal expression
Extravert Weakness Tendencies
Weak listening skills
Low emotional awareness
Less information with which to work
Reflect:
In what ways are you introverted?
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In what ways are you extraverted?
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What do you gain from your introverted behavior?
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What do you lose out on due to your introverted behavior?
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