Introversions's topics - tribe.net

Complain with me

2008-08-13T21:47:41Z

Hi Everyone,

Are you as irritated as I am about the Google add:

Introvert = Loser
Being Yourself is Not the Solution It's the Problem. Learn to Change

Let's complain and get that thing out of this space. I'm just looking around here for who to
contact...

Cheers,
Chan

posted in Introversions - 14 replies

Paste quote here

2008-07-21T05:11:13Z

"Intuition, first of all, is an expression of power" (Myss, Caroline)

posted in Introversions - 4 replies

That introvert magic

2008-07-13T18:18:00Z

Being introverted with the deep connection to self and the self knowledge that goes along with it and the highly developed intuition...at times it has a magic quality... For instance, I pick up on things that other people might not notice and read people well.

posted in Introversions - 3 replies

Spending Time Alone

2008-07-13T18:13:42Z

Seeing as I know its an introvert thing, I was just wondering how much time you can spend by yourself before you start to feel bored or lonely etc? My extrovert friend said she had two days on holiday once where she didn't speak to anyone, and she almost went mad because of it, but for me this two days entirely alone just about describes my every weekend! During the holidays I could go a week or so at home by myself not talking to anyone (except the checkout lady at the shop) and be perfectly fine with it...how is it for you?

PS I've tested as INFJ.... I'd be interested to know if alone time correlates with subtypes of introverts...

posted in Introversions - 6 replies

What's the threshold?

2008-04-10T00:07:06Z

What's the threshold between sanity and insanity? According to what I've observed, the threshold is often whatever each person defines it to be. To me that doesn't make sense. Yet at the same time, it does make sense. That's because we live in a dystopia: A world where nonesense makes sense. Consider this: When I first learned about Asperger's disorder (which I don't recognize as a real mental disorder), I asked the therapist I was seeing at the time if I had it. After consulting her copy of the DSM-IV-TR, she determined that I didn't have Asperger's disorder even though I had some of the symptoms -- and borderline at that. Some weeks later, she suddenly decided that I did have Asperger's disorder. Apprently, this was because she had gone to some psychological conference of some sort. When I asked her if Asperger's disorder would even be considered a disorder of the majority of people had it, she said it wouldn't be a disorder in that case. I guess that's what I get for seeing a therapist who's not as smart as I am. (Geico.com. It's so easy, a therapist can use it.)

I suspect that mental illness is often defined by the kind of environment you're living in. (I got that notion from some psychological book I read a couple of years ago.) The current environment in which I live defines me as being mentally disturbed since I continue to resist conforming. But if I lived in an environment where the majority of people behaved in a manner similar to mine, then I'd be defined as being quite sane. But since I'm stuck in this dystopian pseudo-society and since I find conforming to many of its ways to be extremely boring, it looks like the best option I have is to associate as much as possible with people who can tolerate my atypical personality. And I've say that before a bunch of times.

posted in Introversions - 6 replies

Analytical

2008-03-13T03:21:31Z

Would you say you are very analytical?

posted in Introversions - 2 replies

Introversion is an intelligence

2007-09-28T04:39:02Z

I've been reading about the theory of multiple intelligences with interest and it makes reference to introversion.
It falls under the rubric of "Intrapersonal intelligence". I love this description of introversion.

Intrapersonal

This area has to do with introspective and self-reflective capacities. Those who are strongest in this intelligence are typically introverts and prefer to work alone. They are usually highly self-aware and capable of understanding their own emotions, goals, and motivations. They often have an affinity for thought-based pursuits such as philosophy. They learn best when allowed to concentrate on the subject by themselves. There is often a high level of perfectionism associated with this intelligence.

Careers which suit those with this intelligence include philosophers, psychologists, theologians, and writers.

Take the test:

http://www.bgfl.org/bgfl/custom/resources_ftp/client_ftp/ks3/ict/multiple_int/questions/choose_lang.cfm

posted in Introversions - 1 reply

Eysenck on personality

2007-09-10T15:00:25Z

Check this out. There's a test at the bottom of it.

Eysenck proposes that there are four personality types:

Stable Extravert
Neurotic Extraver
Stable Introvert
Neurotic Introvert

According to his theory, introverts are chronically over aroused in the brain and therefor
seek out less external stimulation whereas extroverts are under aroused, and bored,
and need to seek out more stimulation to be at their best.

http://www.trans4mind.com/personality/EPQ.html

posted in Introversions - 0 replies

Have you read "The Introvert Advantage?"

2007-08-07T20:58:43Z

The Introvert Advantage: How to Thrive in an Extrovert World
By Marti Olsen Laney

It is such a great book. I can't believe what an amazing book it is.

posted in Introversions - 6 replies

I need friends who can tolerate my atypical personality so I can practice freedom of speech

2007-07-26T08:34:10Z

I only want to be friends with people who can tolerate my atypical personality. That way I can be allowed to practice freedom of speech. As you might know, the right to free speech doesn't equal the right to be heard. Since that 's the case, that means that you are required to shut the fuck up if someone doesn't want to hear what you have to say. In my estimation, people who can tolerate my atypical personality are more likely to be interested in what I hate to say. Therefore, there's little chance that they'd tell me to shut the fuck up.

It may be my opinion or it may be a psychological need, but I feel that I have a substantial need to express myself freely. I can't express myself freely if I associate with people who only want me to tell them what they want to hear. But I can express myself freely if I associate with people who understand that I have a substantial need to express myself freely. In other words, those who demand that I tell them ONLY what they want to hear ARE NOT my friends, while those who don't demand that I tell them only what they want to hear ARE my friends. I suspect that some people will conclude that such a policy indicates one or more personality defects on my part. and they may be right. But if this policy works for me, then why should anybody complain about it?

posted in Introversions - 1 reply

favorite things

2007-05-06T15:35:54Z

Hey...
What's your favorite thing about being an introvert?

posted in Introversions - 13 replies

art project on my tribe page needs your comments

2007-04-30T11:14:02Z

I am creating an interactive art project on my tribe page
where I make an piece of art and then post a question of what I have been thinking about
and the comments inspire the next piece of art and question

comments greatly inspire the projects direction
so please hop on over to my tribe page
and see if this art project will provide anything in your own healing

posted in Introversions - 0 replies

hell is others

2007-04-21T19:06:17Z

I'm introverted and shy. One of the things that I have the most problems with is something
that I'm sure many people don't think twice about; neighbors and chit chat. ugh.
I live in a nice neighborhood. Houses, front yards, gardens, I don't drive....shudder. When
I lived in an industrial neighborhood I only had to worry about four apartments. The house was surrounded by
leased commercial spaces and an auto refurbishing factory. The only bad thing was the toxic soil and
fumes. I only had to avoid a few people. Now I'm surrounded! It's so difficult it is to avoid so
many people every day. Since I don't drive, I am much more accessible than I'd like to be.
If someone says hello I worry ...that the next time I'll be in a bad mood and offend them.
Then it snowballs into a major friggen deal. Ugh. Anybody get this?

posted in Introversions - 1 reply

question

2007-03-16T05:24:01Z

Ok, I'm curious. How many of you would say that you hardly ever or rarely experience shyness?

posted in Introversions - 8 replies

introduction

2007-03-10T21:08:13Z

Hi, all!

My name is Ender. I thought I'd chime in and let people know that I'll be around.

If you want to know a little about me, I posted a recently written bio on http://everysecondnew.pbwiki.com.

posted in Introversions - 0 replies

Hey, anybody can recommend a good book review website?

2006-12-17T21:54:43Z

I read mostly technical books and would like to venture more into novels. Where do you go to get reliable book reviews?
Just wondering. I would appreciate you're suggestions...thanks, shan

posted in Introversions - 1 reply

Socializing and Binge Drinking

2006-11-22T19:09:50Z

I've noticed a connection: the larger the crowd the less control I have over my drinking.
I get so overstimulated by all the people and my nerves that I start to drink and can't stop.
The next day is a writeoff. I'm sick -partly from a hangover -partly from nervous exhaustion.
I feel strung out.

posted in Introversions - 1 reply

Songs about introversion

2006-10-23T00:47:27Z

Have you run across any? Let's try and come up with a list.

posted in Introversions - 1 reply

New book on introversion

2006-10-17T06:20:43Z

The Happy Introvert: A Wild and Crazy Guide for Celebrating Your True Self (Paperback)

by Elizabeth Wagele

posted in Introversions - 0 replies

I....too much

2006-09-29T18:14:37Z

ruminate, ponder , obsess, question, turn over....

posted in Introversions - 2 replies

Another Article about Introverts

2006-08-27T01:00:01Z

Introverted youth have deep roots for behavior

By Janie Magruder,
Gannett News ServiceMon Nov 28, 7:36 AM ET

The attitude that there's something wrong with introverted people is widely shared in society, where fast talk and snap decisions are often valued over listening, deliberation and careful planning. Extroverts seem to rule the world or, at least, the USA, which hasn't elected an introverted president for three decades, since Jimmy Carter.

"The signals we get from the world agree that extroversion is
valued," says Sanford Cohn, an associate professor in curriculum and instruction at Arizona State University. "A lot of the messages we get from society have to do with being social, and in order to be social you have to behave a certain way."

But that is impossible for introverted kids. Raising them isn't
easy, particularly if parents, family members, teachers, coaches and other adults don't allow them to be who they are.

Introverted children enjoy the internal world of thoughts, feelings and fantasies, and there's a physiological reason for this. Researchers using brain scans have found introverts have more brain activity in general, and specifically in the frontal lobes. When these areas are activated, introverts are energized by retrieving long-term memories, problem solving, introspection, complex thinking and planning.

Extroverts enjoy the external world of things, people and
activities. They have more activity in brain areas involved in
processing the sensory information we're bombarded with daily. Because extroverts have less internally generated brain activity, they search for more external stimuli to energize them.

"It's the different pathways that are turned on that activate the behaviors and abilities we see in introverts and extroverts," says Marti Olsen Laney, a neuroscience researcher and author in Portland, Ore., who is credited with connecting introversion with its underlying biology. "It impacts all areas of their lives: how they process information, how they restore their energy, what they enjoy and how they communicate."

Introverted children need time alone more than do extroverted children, says Laney, whose book, The Hidden Gifts of the Introverted Child, is due in January. "Extroverts gain energy by being out and about," but "being with people takes energy from introverts, and they need to get away to restore that energy."

Laney says introverted kids also behave differently.

They're not slow, inattentive or shy. Shyness is behavior that may diminish as children grow; introversion is a character trait that lasts.

posted in Introversions - 3 replies

Sugar blues and stuff

2006-02-24T14:36:21Z

My therapist recently suggested that I cut down on sugar because sugar is linked to depression. And I'm like, "Cutting down on sugar sounds depressing to me." Nevertheless, I'm going to try her advice. If it doesn't work, then maybe I can go back to my high-sugar diet. Or maybe not.

posted in Introversions - 0 replies

random thoughts

2006-02-13T16:52:58Z

At times I behave like an extrovert. For example, when I work at the café serving customers I am confronted with a demanding social situation which requires that I interact and that doesn't come easily to me at all times: it's on-demand too to a certain extent. (I can't flee from or ignore a customer who is in front of me). This can be very disconncerting to me. I like to do things that are difficult for me though and the social opportunities are one of the reasons I took the job. Some things I do to cope are to take valerian just before the shift to be in a calm, mellow place; observe and mimic extroverted distancing behaviors (keep conversation light and brief); allow myself to be remote with a customer if i need to be at that moment (ie. I push myself only as far as feels comfortable and no farther); go into the kitchen for breaks when no one is there; block out the background sounds and focus on making the the technical aspects of making a good latté etc, try to see the humour in situations. For the most part it helps/works and I feel like I fit in pretty well. It gets pretty exhausting. I am still a bit awkward and goofy because socializing will never be my strongest suit. There are much worse problems to have than that. I don't have the time or the inclination to be very social, however, I do want to live the best life I can live and acquiring solid social skills is part of that plan.

Just some random thoughtson introversion. What do you do to cope and ...ooo even thrive (?!) in social situations? What works for you?

posted in Introversions - 0 replies

Inhibited Introverts?

2006-01-17T06:13:49Z

Shyness is not introversion. It's inhibited extroverted behaviour.
The shy person wants to interact, is curious, interested, inclined
to socialize but cannot for any number of reasons.

Do you believe there is such a thing as the "inhibited introvert"??

I tend to think so. In any case I have suspected it but I'm not sure I can put my finger on it.

One type of behaviour that I will speculate about is the manager who seems to forcibly act extrovertedly. He was awkward and very gung ho, way more than anybody else. His conversations were very predictable too. He stuck to safe, cliché subjects. He always had to be "on", like his life depended on it...I didn't feel like I could have a relaxed, genuine conversation. On a couple of occasions I spoke to him when he was off guard and he seemed way quieter and nicer.
Kinda made me go hmmm. Maybe I should have outed him. heh

posted in Introversions - 0 replies

Meet Group A & Group B;Where do you fit?

2005-09-03T23:17:53Z

Group A: Self-sufficient, confident, hardworking, with firm goals, self-actualizing, reserved, preferring activities that involve inner experience and introspection

Group B:Shy, timid, withdrawn with low self-concept, lacking in communication skills, demonstrating fear of people, dread of doing things in front of others, who prefer being left alone.

Interesting no?? There must be more groups and distinctions to made but it's a start...lovin' this very helpful info.

Credit:

from article: Introversion: The Often Forgotten Factor Impacting the Gifted
By Jill D. Burruss and Lisa Kaenzig

Hopefully I've have more srticles to contribute by these people. I'll be lookin'.

I found a book that ask "Why should Extroverts Make All the MOney?" Should have some hot tips. But let's get back to the Real Subject of this thread . What group do you fall into? ?

posted in Introversions - 4 replies

Are introverts all just shy?

2005-08-26T14:14:09Z

Introverts often get labelled as "shy". Is this a myth?

posted in Introversions - 8 replies

Article: Living with Poly Introverts

2005-08-01T23:05:32Z

http://www.polyfamilies.com/polyextrovert.html

posted in Introversions - 0 replies

Interactions with Extroverts

2005-07-31T18:00:33Z

Any thoughts about this? I have a few (as usual) but I thought I'd put it out to the tribemates first.

posted in Introversions - 4 replies

The nice thing about being an introvert is ,,,

2005-07-21T19:59:59Z

People think I'm smart and that I know what I'm doing. Which is usually true but not always.

No one expects me to go to office parties, or gets insulted if I decline

posted in Introversions - 4 replies

The bad thing about being an introvert is,,,

2005-07-02T01:24:04Z

Extroverts want instant gratification, ie. they want me to be like them, ie. reveal myself , accept them with only the vaguest information about who they are.

Being dumped by more estroverted friends.

Being accused of being a snob. I am not.

posted in Introversions - 8 replies

Introverts are not mentally ill

2005-06-15T23:04:25Z

see:
http://www.theintrovertzcoach.com/introverts_are_not_mentally_ill.html

posted in Introversions - 0 replies

Educators on Introverts and Coping

2005-06-07T03:29:47Z

Introversion: The Often Forgotten Factor Impacting the Gifted

By Jill D. Burruss and Lisa Kaenzig
College of William and Mary

You know at least one or perhaps are one: the child who immediately, when he comes home from school, escapes to the privacy of his room for time alone; the speaker who presents beautifully in front of 1200 people but who leaves a few minutes into the social hour because he says he can't deal with large groups of people; the quiet student who always has a book in hand, commonly plays alone, and whose favorite place is the reading corner; the adult who is vocal and social in a small group of people but who becomes silent and withdrawn if she is made to work in a larger one; the adolescent with only one best friend who lives in another city or state and who is content with that situation; or the individual who when attending a conference or convention can only take so much socializing and hustle and has to retreat to the privacy of her hotel room to 're-center' herself.

These are just some examples of introverted individuals. These aren't simply shy people, although certainly many are shy. They also are not simply depressed individuals, although introverts just as extraverts can be depressed. And they aren't all social outcasts, although it may appear this way to the extraverts who need that ongoing social contact to be healthy and happy. Introversion is not a pathological condition; it is not an abnormal response to the world. It is simply a personality trait found in a small percentage of the total population. Introverts are different from extraverts and this difference is very difficult for the extravert to understand because they do not operate in that fashion. And because they do not understand it, many continually try to help the introvert become more social, more gregarious, more outgoing, and have more fun from the extravert perspective. Such is the situation of the introvert, a minority in the regular population but a majority in the gifted population (Gallagher, 1990; Hoehn & Birely, 1988). And that difference from the 'norm' is the reason this factor needs to be considered when developing educational programs and parenting strategies for gifted students.

What is introversion? And how does it differ from extraversion?

Jung (1923) was one of the early leaders in the exploration of personality and is credited with developing the constructs of extraversion and introversion. He saw human behavior or habits as patterns and attempted to understand and explain differences in personality according to those unique and variable patterns. Although he focused primarily on sensing, intuition, thinking, and feeling; introversion and extraversion were important components of his mental or psychological traits theory. Most people utilize elements of both introversion and extraversion in their daily lives; however there generally is a dominant personality trait that reflects best how the individual prefers to work or deal with the environment, especially in times of stress. The introvert's main focus is within his/her head, in the internal world of ideas and concepts; the extravert's primary focus is on the external world of people and activities (Myers & Myers, 1980). Such prefernces or personality traits impact many other elements such as perception, learning style, judgement, and sociological preferences (Meisgeier, Murphy & Meisgeier, 1989; Dunn & Dunn, 1978). Myers reminds us however that introverts typically hide their inner worlds and rarely let others into them, which may lead people to make erroneous decisions about them and their needs. Introverts get their energy from themselves and are drained by people; extraverts get their energy from other people and are drained by being alone.

Henjum (1982) sees introverts as belonging to two distinct groups:

Group A: Self-sufficient, confident, hardworking, with firm goals, self-actualizing, reserved, preferring activities that involve inner experience and introspection; and

Group B: Shy, timid, withdrawn with low self-concept, lacking in communication skills, demonstrating fear of people, dread of doing things in front of others, who prefer being left alone.

One can only conjecture whether or not some of the elements in Group B are a result of being constantly criticized for not being more social or more outgoing. Since most individuals belong to the extravert category (3 to 1), being introverted commonly means being misunderstood, just like giftedness!

This is not to say however that introversion cannot be a problem. It is similar to perfectionism in that a little is beneficial and too much is harmful. Some things to look for:
· When the individual has no friends and spends all their time alone… but not by choice.
· When the individual is depressed about having no friends.
· When the individual refuses to work with others for any reason.
· When the individual demonstrates marked behavior changes (marked weight loss or gain, sleeps much more or less, physical distress, withdrawal, etc.)

All of these warrant immediate attention by a psychologist, counselor, or another appropriate caregiver. Commonly it is not the introversion that causes these but it may be a general inability to make and keep friends that does it. Social skills can be learned and such training is appropriate even for gifted individuals.

Now overlay the characteristics of giftedness and note the many similarities with our general gifted population. The intellectual elements, the organizational and operational style elements, and the environmental preference elements are very similar. Adding the intensity and sensitivity of the gifted to the needs of the introvert makes this a situation that needs to be actively addressed by educators and parents.

Some Characteristics of Introverts:

· Are territorial - desire private space and time
· Are happy to be alone - they can be lonely in a crowd
· Become drained around large groups of people; dislike attending parties
· Need time alone to recharge
· Prefer to work on own rather than do group work
· Act cautiously in meeting people
· Are reserved, quiet and deliberate
· Do not enjoy being the center of attention
· Do not share private thoughts with just anyone
· Form a few deep attachments
· Think carefully before speaking (practice in my head before I speak)
· See reflection as very important
· Concentrate well and deeply
· Become absorbed in thoughts and ideas
· Limit their interests but explore deeply
· Communicate best one-on-one
· Get agitated and irritated without enough time alone or undisturbed
· Select activities carefully and thoughtfully

Some Characteristics of Extraverts

· Are social - they need other people
· Demonstrate high energy and noise
· Communicate with excitement and enthusiasm with almost anyone in the vicinity
· Draw energy from people; love parties
· Are lonely and restless when not with people
· Establish multiple fluid relationships
· Engage in lots of activities and have many interest areas
· Have many best friends and talk to them for long periods of time
· Are interested in external events not internal ones
· Prefer face-to-face verbal communication rather than written communication
· Share personal information easily
· Respond quickly

(It must be remembered that, just as for giftedness, no one list adequately captures the uniqueness of any individual but serves as a beginning guide to recognizing and understanding behaviors.)

(Characteristics synthesized from: Hirsh & Kummerow, 1989; Keirsey & Bates, 1984; Lawrence, 1985; Myers & Myers, 1980.)

School and the Introvert

Given the above characteristics it is not surprising that school is not a positive experience for many gifted introverts. It can be loud, crowded, superficial, boring, overstimulating, and focused on action, not reflection. Think about the school environment for a moment. Where can a student be alone or at least with only a few others sometime during the regular day? Why is the request to work alone commonly denied? How much of a day do you believe is dedicated to private reflection or enforced quiet? Modern schools seem to be designed for extraverts. From the beginning of the day (especially if they have to ride the bus), the day is full of large groups and large areas, large classes, lunch in a common area, physical education in a large group and in a large gym, locker rooms, assemblies, homeroom, etc. All of these are ideal for the student who likes to be with others, who talks easily and loudly to anyone who will listen, who tolerates crowds and noise, who gets restless without involvement with other people, and who prefers to focus towards activity and action. The culture and environment benefit the extraverts because they match their needs and learning differences. Lunchtime in a school cafeteria is an excellent example of what can be overwhelming to an introvert. And it is not just students who are impacted by this design. Introverted teachers and administrators, if they are to survive, have to develop coping strategies so they, too, can maintain their equilibrium. They have to learn to deal with classrooms full of extraverts, noise, organized chaos, and crowds, just like the students.

Many teachers report being extraverts. It is very difficult for an extravert to understand an introvert. Therefore the teacher may see the introverted student as someone with a problem, not as simply someone with a different personality type. This may lead to attempts to get them to be 'friendlier,' to work in larger groups, to talk more often and more spontaneously, and to be more outgoing and interactive. There is nothing wrong with being an introvert. It does not need to be cured. It simply needs to be understood and accepted. Of course teachers need to be able to tell when the introversion (or extraversion) is dysfunctional, but introverted students don't need to be changed to match other students. If social skills are lacking, teach them.

Instruction for the introvert should differ from that provided for the extravert. Methods should utilize that internal reflective focus and honor the need for structure, quiet, and small groups. Such strategies include: independent studies, small group instruction, collaborative learning activities, tiered instruction, debate, dramatics or role-playing, journaling, quiet time, and book clubs, to name a few. Many of these students like lectures and expository and deductive modes of instruction. Most introverts need wait time, warning about what they are expected to do, activities with minimal noise and stimulation, down time built into the schedule, and moderate amounts of small group work.

These approaches, however, have to be combined with ones appropriate for the extravert who needs high stimulation, movement and activity throughout the classroom, lots of contact with others, and open spaces for working. Most extraverted students like open discussions and discovery activities. When different students need different methods and environments for optimal performance, the teacher must differentiate more than just the content of the lesson.

Much of the curriculum currently in use seems to have been written for the 'typical' student. This means that many of the needs of introverted students are missed unless the teacher specifically modifies the curriculum for them. In some classrooms this is relatively easy because of a focus on different learning styles and ability levels. In other classrooms very little is made available to that learner except constant advice on becoming more social and gregarious, "like the rest of the students." We talk frequently about differentiating the curriculum for multiple diverse learners especially the gifted; differentiating for the gifted introvert must also be advocated. This means that things such as assignments, grouping patterns, activity levels, assessment options, wait time, and expectations all need to be modified for this special group of students as well as for the gifted extraverts. I am not advocating separate classes for this group but an awareness of and willingness to work with their different needs.

Home and the Introvert

Just as at school, the home can be a place of refuge or attack. Typically students see their bedroom as their haven, however it may not be that way depending upon the rest of the family and the general order in the household. Which personality type is more prevalent in the family and is the student of the same or different type? What are the siblings, same or different? Are both types accepted, supported, and protected? Is the home set up to serve both types of personalities?

The following are some suggestions to parents and siblings for supporting and protecting introverts:
· Provide private space: A private bedroom is nice, but if not possible, at least a private area in the house that can serve that purpose. Rooming with an extraverted bother or sister is commonly not a pleasant experience for an introvert.
· Guarantee quiet time: A child who needs to recharge his batteries cannot do it in a loud crazy house. Negotiate a way to provide that needed quiet time for this individual.
· Model "alone" not "lonely" talk: This can be difficult unless you are an introvert. If the child continually hears that being away from people makes one lonely, it sends a very strong message to them about what they should feel. Most introverts are not lonely when alone and that message needs to be verbally shared and modeled.
· Protect their right to say "enough": This statement of 'enough' refers to people, activities, and noise. If they are not 'party animals,' they should be able to put in a certain amount of time at a family gathering and then be able to beg off. We don't want them to associate such get-togethers with distress and unhappiness.
· Provide small group activities: Make certain that some of the activities they are involved in are small groups or individually oriented. This goes for after-school activities and sports as well. This does not mean that all things must be small group but definitely all things should not be large group.
· Provide coping strategies for those times when they have to act extraverted: If some member of the family is also introverted, sharing secrets or tips to tide them through those large group, in front of others, high noise times is very useful. If the family is extraverted, help may need to come from outside the family.
· Talk about your own personality needs: If you are an introvert, talk about how you deal with it. If you are an extravert, talk about your needs as your introverted child may not understand the difference.
· Discuss books that feature introverts: Bibliotherapy is an appropriate strategy for home as well as school. Discuss the actions of the characters and their consequences, discuss alternative actions, discuss feelings of the characters and those around them, and talk about how you see such events or situations in the real world. It is always so much easier to talk about a character in a book than about oneself, especially for introverts who are even less likely to share such private thoughts and feeling.

Developing Coping Introverts

Please remember that many introverts can learn to appear to be extraverted for those times when the need arises. This is critical especially for the gifted as they are often called on to perform in front of others or with large groups. This training should be a part of the educational program for all gifted introverts as it provides them with a useful mask to put on when necessary. Such training comes through instruction and practice in public speaking, debate, drama, music, social skills, dance, and mentoring.

Awareness and support are half the battle in protecting gifted introverts. Finding a sense of understanding and empathy in one's family and friends, developing useful strategies and suggestions for making it through a school or work day, and gaining knowledge of why others do what they do helps make the world a more comfortable place for the introvert. We need to start however with awareness because, just like giftedness, being an introvert is commonly seen as negative, as anti-social, and as weird by much of the world. And we know that all it is … is different.

References:

Cattell, R.B. (1969) Description and measurement of personality. New York: World Book Company.

Dunn, R. & Dunn, K. (1978). Teaching students through their individual learning styles: A practical approach. Reston, VA: Reston Publishing Company.

Eysenck, H.J. (1973) Eysenck on extraversion. New York: John Wiley and Sons.

Gallagher, S.A. (1990). Personality patterns of the gifted. Understanding our Gifted, 3, 11-3.

Henjum, A. (1982) Introversion: A misunderstood 'individual difference' among students. Education, 103, 39-43.

Hirsh, S. & Kummerow, J. (1989). Life types. New York: Warner Books
Hoehn, L. & Birely, M.K. (1988). Mental process preferences of gifted children. Illinois Council for the Gifted Journal, 7, 28-31.

Jung, C.G. (1923). Psychological types. New York: Harcourt Brace.

Kiersey, D. & Bates, M. (1984). Please Understand Me: Character and temperament types. Del Mar, CA: Gnosology Books Ltd.

Lawrence, G. (1989) People types and tiger stripes: A practical guide to learning styles, 2nd Ed. Gainsesville, FL: Center for Application of Psychological Type, Inc.

Meisgeier, C., Murphy, E. & Meisgeier, C. (1989). A teachers' guide to type: A new perspective on individual differences in the classroom. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press.

Myers, I.B. & Myers, P.B. (1980). Gifts differing. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press.

Jill Burruss is on the School of Education faculty at the College of William and Mary, where she teaches Gifted Education as well as graduate level Research and Development courses. Here interests in science education and gifted early adolescents reflect her science training and her many years of K-12 experience. Jill identifies herself as a "coping introvert."

Lisa Kaenzig is a doctoral student at the College of William and Mary, where she is currently working towards a Ph.D. in Educational Policy, Planning, and Leadership with a concentration in Gifted Education Administration. She has worked in politics and research for more than ten years and currently serves as an independent consultant on issues related to the career development of gifted women and girls in areas including math, science, public service, corporate work, and entrepreneurship. She also serves as a career advisor for gifted children and their parents and for professional women. Lisa identifies herself as an extravert.

Originally published in Virginia Association for the Gifted Newsletter, Volume 21, Number 1: Fall 1999. Used with permission.

Source: http://cfge.wm.edu/documents/Introversion.html

posted in Introversions - 4 replies

Is It Better to Be an Introvert or an Extravert?

2005-05-14T20:33:34Z

by Susan Dunn, MA Clinical Psychology, EQ Coach

When I was asked to write about the difference between "introvert" and "Schizoid Personality Disorder (PSD)," I resisted. Too loaded. What led this person to assume they were the same thing? Why isn't there a DSM term we might mistake for the exaggerated extravert? It seems to have become a contest of which is better - extravert or introvert - and there's a bias in the scientific literature that irks me.

This is not what Carl Jung had in mind, the man who introduced the concepts to the field of psychology. It's not surprising introverts are getting a bad press, since (1) there are more than twice as many extraverts; (2) extraverts are more likely, by definition, to toot their own horns; and (3) extraverts may be in charge of the language.

How so? Think of all the years (as if they're gone) that a person was referred to as "he," when males were in charge of the language.

There's prejudice in both directions. Extraverts may think introverts are "weird loners with no social skills" but introverts may consider extraverts "superficial glad-handers who use people". I propose this is neither a good way, nor the correct way to look at what are essentially two different but equally legitimate personality styles. I'm particularly concerned about the subtle, and not so subtle, bias against introverts in the professional literature.

Schizoid Personality Disorder (defined here - http://www.mentalhealth.com/dis/p20-pe02.html , is a disorder, while introversion is a personality type. It could be the "flaming" introvert, but where is the comparable disorder related to extraversion? Not fair, I cry. I find it difficult to be with the flaming introvert - I might disturb them, but equally difficult to be with the flaming extravert - I might be disturbed.

One might argue there are similarities in the extreme - "flaming" extraverts also lack close relationships, they use people for sex (i.e., tension relief), they must keep busy because they're enjoying it so little, and they're indifferent and cold while doing what they consider to be relating.
BIAS IN THE LITERATURE

In "Cross-Cultural Evidence for the Fundamental Features of Extraversion," Richard E. Lucas, Ph.D., et al, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, Vol. 79, No. 3., researchers concluded that "sensitivity to rewards" was what distinguished extraverts from introverts rather than "higher sociability". In other words, extraverts find social situations more rewarding than introverts, "not because they are more sociable, but because they are more sensitive to the rewards inherent in most social situations." This is either too obvious, or pointless, and I'm not sure which.

"Both extraverts and introverts benefit from social interaction," said the authors. "However, extraverted participants did not spend any more time in social situations than introverted participants but reported more pleasant affect even when alone, both indicating that some additional factor had to be accounting for their greater reported happiness." They conclude the factor is extraverts are attracted by the rewards of warmth, affection and close emotional bonds. Occam's Razor would suggest a cleaner explanation: extraverts' propensity to self-report "happiness," i.e., a need to appear happy. If you're non-reflective I think you have more need to "appear" than to "be."

I'd also like a definition of a "social situation". If extraverts are reporting greater happiness at a Chamber Mixer, for instance, then I don't agree it's "warmth, affection and close emotional bonds" they're after.

It's a self-report instrument, and we know, for instance, people who are low in Emotional Intelligence also, be definition, don't know they are.

Nancy Fenn, TheIntrovertzCoach ( http://www.theintrovertzcoach.com ), says, "What concerns me most as an advocate for introverts is that the definitions of mental health, like many other things in our society, are controlled by the 70% majority who are extraverts. One wonders how people who have so little ability for self-reflection can understand the rich inner world of the introvert." Or, I might add, of happiness, or their own perception of it.

Here's another example. The APA put out a news release on an article "An fMRI Study of Personality Influences on Brain Reactivity to Emotional Stimuli," Turhan Canli, Ph.D., et al, Behavioral Neuroscience, Vol. 115. The abstract says "extraverts show more brain reactivity to positive images than introverts."

They continue: "This study ... suggests that depending whether a person is extraverted or neurotic, his or her brain will amplify different experiences over others." WAIT A MINUTE! WHERE DID THIS 'NEUROTIC' COME FROM? I

posted in Introversions - 3 replies

Socializing the introvert

2005-03-28T03:31:43Z

October 23, 2002

Socializing the introvert

A confirmed introvert says it's OK to be that way. She should know. She's a psychologist who has written a book on the subject.

By Jenny Yuen

As an introvert, Marti Olsen Laney knows how difficult it can be to socialize. She sometimes heads straight for the bathroom the second she arrives at a party.

But she’s not exactly paralyzed in a crowd. In fact, the California psychologist seemed entirely at ease Oct. 22 as she addressed about 20 people who turned out for her discussion of the introverted personality.

Perhaps predictably, those in the audience at the Metro Central YMCA did not sit close to each other.

But that's OK. Really. The author of Introvert Advantage revealed that being introverted is quite normal.

“We’ve all grown up in an extroverted society,” Olsen Laney said. “It really is quite a concept of negativity attached to introverts.”

'Think outside the box'
Many people prefer to spend time alone, work better independently than in group settings and cherish celebrating birthdays with close friends rather than with large groups. This introverted personality is often stereotyped as unstable, lonely and anti-social, but, Olsen Laney said there are many advantages to being introverted.

She said introverts are likely to be resilient, determined, good listeners, creative thinkers and very knowledgeable about themselves.

“Introverts think outside the box and express themselves better in writing than in speech,” Olsen Laney said.

Wil Ling, a 44-year-old introvert who was in the audience, said this way of thinking has its own uniqueness.

“North American society and culture seem to give preference to the outgoing person, but it’s good to see that being introverted has its own advantages,” said Ling, a freelance researcher and translator.

'Might be hereditary'
Although there aren’t any studies that show how introversion originates, Olsen Laney said it might be hereditary.

“I do think it’s genetic, because there are countries (where many people) are introverted,” she said, citing Japan as an example. “There are actually are genes that decide which neurotransmitter your brain is using, and then decides which pathway your brain goes down.”

Introverts and extroverts have very different thought pathways.

* The extrovert is known for the “fight-or-flight” personality, which involves information shooting toward emotional parts of the brain and then being stored in the short-term memory.

* Introverted personalities tend to run on a “rest-and-digest” route, where information is considered more analytically and is deposited in long-term memory.

“One system is focused on our inside world and another (on) the outside world,” she said. “We have and need both those systems, but we are dominant in either one or the other.”

A loss for words
The result, said Olsen Laney, is that introverted people may find they have difficulty retrieving words under pressure.

“Because our internal world is already quite active, we can easily get overstimulated, she said, speaking from her own experience. “That is when we get vapour-locked and can’t think as fast.”

This may lead some to believe introverts are stupid, but Olsen Laney said 16 per cent of gifted people are introverts.

“They need to learn how to retrieve long-term memories,” she said. “I often wondered why I could talk rather easily and meet new people and other times I didn’t have any thought in my mind.”

The answer may be in acetylcholine, a neuro-transmitter that regulates human memory. Olsen Laney said a lack of acetylcholine was recently linked to Alzheimer’s disease, and that eating eggs, which contain those receptors, can give introverts that added memory boost.

“It might be possible that introverts that keep their acetylcholine levels up may not get Alzheimer’s,” she said.

'Behaviour often mistaken for aloofness'
Introversion may also affect one’s family life if there is a clash of extroverted parents with introverted kids. It may also impact one’s career if a boss does not think an introverted employee contributes enough because introverts tend to keep information to themselves. This behaviour is often mistaken for aloofness.

“If you just ask them, it’s amazing what ideas they’ll tell you,” she said.

Still, Olsen Laney said there are ways for introverts to cope with uncomfortable social functions without mentally breaking down. She said they can be social at events where there is interesting conversation, but not when it’s a party that they feel is meaningless.

“Introverted people don’t like to be interrupted because it’s hard to find your train of thought again,” she said. “A lot of the reasons introverted people are seen the way they are is because chit-chat is totally unrewarding for our system.”

Ling agreed.

“I feel I can build a deeper relationship with maybe not a lot of friends, but with a few that I prefer to build up in an intimate way,” he said.

Still can be introverted in an extroverted world
Olsen Laney recommended restoring body energy by taking breaks and spending quiet time alone to shut out extra stimuli so introverts don’t become overwhelmed or feel the need to change themselves.

“All introverts have to be extroverted in their life without having to change,” she said. “It’s important to find the balance of having an occupation where you can be extroverted and still have time for yourself.”

Ling said there’s still a lot for the public to learn about introverted behaviour, but is confident that with time, there will be more understanding.

“Right now where I think it’s very one-sided,” he said. “Hopefully, society could be more balanced if there was more appreciation towards the introverts’ uniqueness.”

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The Illusion of Calmness by Henry (Dick) Thompson

2005-03-27T19:30:45Z

The Illusion of Calmness in Introverts
by Henry (Dick) Thompson

Participants in introductory MBTI classes often hear the extraverted and introverted preferences contrasted by statements such as, “With an extravert what you see is what you get.” “If you want to know what an extravert is thinking, just listen. If you want to know what an introvert is thinking, ask them.” Although these statements may be a little extreme, there is a modicum of truth to them. People with an extraverted preference do seem to be more apt to talk, express their thoughts, initiate interaction and make friends more quickly than people with an introverted preference. Most extraverted cognitive action is reflected in outward behavior where it can be readily observed.

As a result of their energy being focused inwardly, introverts tend to be more reserved and less expressive—in general—than people with a preference for extraversion. This makes getting to know the “real” person more difficult. They have just as much cognitive action going on, it’s just on the inside. Introverts are similar to a duck sitting on a pond. To the observer, it looks as if the duck is just sitting there, and the wind—or something—is moving it across the water. A look just beneath the surface reveals that the duck’s little feet are paddling like crazy—you just don’t see it from above. Introverts, like ducks, give the appearance of calmness.

The contrast of extraverted and introverted preferences raises the question of the impact of extraverted and introverted preferences on behavioral responses to stress. For example, will the normally calm introvert show signs of becoming discombobulated as the level of stress increases?

Stress, as defined by Hans Selye (1976), is the body’s non-specific reaction to any demand placed on it. These non-specific reactions occur in both physiological and behavioral forms. Physiologically, stress is always accompanied by symptoms such as:

*

increased adrenaline, heart rate, blood pressure, blood sugar
*

dry mouth
*

perspiration
*

pupil dilation
*

capillary constriction

Behaviorally, stress tends to be accompanied by:

*

withdrawal from social interaction
*

nervousness
*

anger
*

age regression
*

moodiness
*

apathy

The physiological symptoms are more difficult to observe in others than the behavioral changes. When the normally outgoing, expressive extravert withdraws from social interaction, it is easy to suspect that something is out of the ordinary with the person. But what about the introvert who has relatively low interaction and expressiveness to begin with? What happens to them?

My research (Thompson, 2001) with typological stress responses suggests some distinction between extraverts and introverts. To focus more on the interpersonal relations aspect of the extraverted-introverted stress response, data was collected on various Types using Will Schutz’ FIRO Element B.

Schutz created a theory of interpersonal relations called FIRO (Fundamental Interpersonal Relations Orientation). The theory presented three dimensions of interpersonal relations posited to be necessary and sufficient to explain most human interaction. On the behavioral level, these dimensions were called Inclusion, Control and Openness. He created an instrument, FIRO Element B, to measure these three dimensions. Several books and articles have been published on the topic with elucidations to an MBTI linkage (Thompson, 2000a, b). When FIRO Element B and the MBTI are used in combination, they form a powerful tool for understanding how the various Types respond to stress.

Looking at stress through the FIRO lens reveals that, in general, people tend to make significant changes during interpersonal interactions under high stress on the dimensions of Inclusion and Openness. The Control dimension remains virtually the same. Self-reported Inclusion scores tend to drop significantly, indicating a radical decrease in the amount of social interaction people engage in and want when stressed. This is consistent with stress literature.

In general, people seem to want to maintain their “normal” level of Control over others and being controlled by others under stress.

Openness is similar to Inclusion in that people tend to want to be less open and want others to be less open with them as their stress level increases.

One purpose of the research was to look at how stress impacts the behavior of extraverts and introverts. The data show a dramatic difference in the magnitude of change on Inclusion and Openness scales between normal and stressed states for extraverts. Introverts show much less change on these scales.

The large change for extraverts and small change for introverts were validated by individuals who participated in the study. The data suggest that people who have an extraverted preference may exhibit significant and obvious changes in interpersonal interaction. Introverts, however, may show little overt change in interpersonal interaction as a result of stress, compared to extraverts, which might create an illusion of calmness in introverts.

There are many sources of descriptions of typological changes under stress (Delunas, 1992; Quenk, 1993; Thompson, 2000c). The focus here is on the subtle changes in introverts as seen through the FIRO lens.

As stress increases, the behavioral comfort zone for interpersonal interaction decreases. For example, an introvert might be more willing under low stress to flex to interact more with others when the situation requires it than they normally prefer. As stress increases the willingness to flex decreases. Associating the following subtle reactions with stress might allow you to see through the calmness illusion.

Rigidity. Stress tends to rigidify introverts around their interaction preferences. Their desire for interaction (Inclusion) and Openness tends to remain low and they become less flexible.

Denial. Most introverts report low Openness scores on FIRO Element B. Under stress their denial that anything is wrong or stressing them may be stronger.

Isolation. Most introverts report low Inclusion scores on FIRO Element B. Under stress they may seek or become more adamant about isolation—wanting to be left alone.

Uncontrollable. Although both extraverts and introverts want to control people more under stress, there is a significant decrease in the amount of control introverts want from others. The result is that they may resist being controlled more than normal.

These finding have direct implications for working with organizations and individuals. Managers should be aware that all employees do not show the same behavioral signs of stress build up. Consequently, there may be little warning that an employee is about to “go postal.” One manager stated that she had continued to increase the workload of an employee (an introvert) until “he exploded.” She had no idea of the level of stress he was under. His behavior had seemed almost the same in the stressed and non-stressed state.

From the individual perspective, introverts should be aware that others may not be aware of their increasing level of stress. What is obvious to the individual may not be obvious to the onlooker.

The results and conclusions presented here are preliminary and are designed to stimulate thought. As the data base grows to a size that allows for whole-Type research, we will be able to describe more accurately how each Type responds under stress. The key at this point is to remember that even on the macro-level, we can observe differences in how Types respond to stress. These observations point out the difficulty in recognizing when someone is becoming stressed and the type of response they may desire from others.

References

Delunas, E. (1992). Survival games personalities play. Carmel, CA: Sunflower Ink.
Quenk, N. (1993). Beside ourselves: Our hidden personality in everyday life. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press, Inc.
Selye, H. (1976). The stress of life. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Book Company.
Thompson, H. (2000a). FIRO Element B and psychological type: Part I—Why FIRO Element B? Bulletin of Psychological Type, 23, 2, 18-22.
Thompson, H. (2000b). FIRO Element B and psychological type: Part II—FIRO Element B and MBTI Linkage. Bulletin of Psychological Type, 23, 3, 18-22.
Thompson, H. (2000c).Taming the tertiary and inferior functions. Bulletin of Psychological Type, 23, 8, 18-20.

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Revenge of the Introverts (article)

2005-03-27T18:48:54Z

CMCM LOGO
Computer-Mediated Communication Magazine / Volume 2, Number 4 / April 1, 1995 / Page 8

Revenge of the Introverts
by Jeb Livingood (jlivingo@gmu.edu)

The future looks superficially grim for society's introverts. With the continuous enhancement of pagers, teleconferencing, cellular phones, and the development of personal communicators, a growing verbal inferno threatens to engulf the world's quieter individuals. Yet, silent as they may be, introverts can have a lot to say given the right forum. They've found that the internet can help them communicate in their preferred manner; a written dialogue with time to pause for thought and analysis.

"It makes sense theoretically, and from my empirical studies, that there is some subjective evidence that introverts use e-mail to a larger extent than extroverts," said Janet Thuesen, co-author of Type Talk, a book about the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).

In MBTI terminology an extrovert is not necessarily someone who is loud or vocal. Instead, the MBTI defines an extrovert as someone who prefers to interact with people and the outside world. They tend to enjoy high-energy, outgoing professions like marketing, sales, journalism, or child care. Conversely, introverts prefer an inner world of concepts and ideas. Their energy comes from quiet thought and introspection. Typical professions preferred by introverts include health technicians, writers, lawyers, or researchers.

On the Internet there are mailing lists for many of the Myers-Briggs "types." The number of introverts on these Myers-Briggs mailing lists is five times greater than the number of extroverts. However, in the United States at large, introverts are a minority group comprising only 25-30% of the total population. "Computers are the friend of the introvert," Thuesen said.

She is quick to point out that "introversion or extroversion are only preferences...." Introverts often exhibit extroverted behavior when society or the work place demands it, much like a left-handed person learns to use the right-handed numeric keypad on a computer keyboard. In office settings even strongly introverted individuals hold, mediate, and actively participate in meetings and team discussions.

Peter Cullins is the director of the Management Information Systems (MIS) department at The Retired Officers Association in Alexandria, Va. He routinely holds meetings with his staff and other computer users from around the association. Still, after the meeting, it's back to his office and a waiting quality control program on his terminal. Few people think of this swaggering cigar-smoking Rear Admiral as an "introvert," but Cullins himself admits it: "Most of the people in my department are introverts, myself included. People that crave conversation and human interaction don't last long programming computers. You need people that want to crawl inside a program and not come out until it's working."

Thuesen agrees, "Extroverts often seem too impatient for computers; they get frustrated. They would rather be out talking to someone or performing some action."

Conversely, introverts readily adapt to using computers as a communications tool. Perhaps this is because traditional verbal exchanges can frustrate introverts when more outspoken individuals dominate a conversation. An Internet user in Australia recently wrote:

"I used to spend so much time thinking about what someone had said, determining all the possible repercussions etc., that by the time it came to contributing to the discussion, the "moment had passed," so to speak. People then assumed that I had nothing to say or that I wasn't interested, simply because I never actually said anything!"

However, introverts are "talking" on the Internet. Two tools they use to communicate are electronic mail (e-mail) and Newsgroups.

From an introvert's perspective, the wonderful thing about e-mail is that the introvert can respond to e-mail messages when and if they want to. Electronic mail also allows an introvert to go through multiple drafts before sending a response. An introvert said, "I ...take forever to finish a typical e-mail message, and proofread it, making changes, before sending it." Electronic mail also provides this introvert with a chance to voice her opinions without interruption by a more extroverted personality. She realized the reason interruptions bother her so much is, "I don't always have a lot to say in the first place; and when I do have something to say, I'll forget it if the other person keeps babbling and interrupting. That is what makes me seem quiet, not that I don't have opinions on the subject."

Traditionally, humans form relationships with other people because of their geographic proximity. But on the Internet people meet other users because they have similar interests regardless of where they physically live. Howard Rheingold, author of The Virtual Community and a user of San Francisco's WELL system writes, "It's like having the corner bar, complete with old buddies and delightful newcomers and new tools waiting to take home and fresh graffiti and letters, except instead of putting on my coat, shutting down the computer, and walking down to the corner, I just invoke my telecom program and there they are. It's a place."

These new "corner bars" that Rheingold describes are places suited to an introvert's personality. An introvert lamented in an e-mail message, "Without many E's (extroverts) promoting widespread communication, us I's (introverts) would be very content to live as hermits in the wilderness." But another introvert responded, "Now, as a happy hermit, would you have at least one companion? If not, I'd be one depressed hermit! To me, introversion means needing time to myself to recharge and think things over. Time to contemplate and read is very important to me, but I don't really like extended periods away from friends and family. I don't think I'd be a very happy sequestered juror!"

The Internet gives introverts a way to remain a little isolated from the hustle and din of society, yet still communicate with other Internet users on topics of mutual interest. Newsgroups and mailing lists are generating pools of "group knowledge" that introverts not only enjoy participating in, but may also use to gain some competitive advantages in today's information society. Introverts are likely to increasingly go "on-line," relying upon the growing hordes of internet users as a knowledge base. Rather than displacing them, today's technology is giving introverts new ways to express themselves. They are connected, they are communicating, and they are comfortable in the new world of cyberspace. ¤

References

* Cullins, P. (10 Jan 1995). Interview conducted by Jeb Livingood.
* Dahl, E <emdahl@u.washington.edu>. (14 Jan 1995). Electronic mail message from INFJ mailing list.
* Fraase, M. (1993). The Mac Internet tour guide. Chapel Hill, NC: Ventana Press.
* Hess, M. M. (9 Jan 1995). Electronic mail message to Jeb Livingood.
* Hirsh, S. and Kummerow, J. (1989). Life types. New York, NY: Warner Books.
* Kroeger, O. and Thuesen, J. (1988). Type talk. New York, NY: Delacourte Press.
* Myers, I. B., and Myers, P. (1989). Gifts differing. Consulting Psychologists Press, Inc.
* Noring, J. (1993 May 21). A summary of personality typing. Revision 2.5.
* Rheingold, H. (1993). The virtual community. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley.
* Roberts, C. &LTcmroberts@ucdavis.edu&GT. (13 Jan 1995). Electronic mail message from INFJ mailing list.
* Thuesen, J. (9 Jan 1995). Telephone interview conducted by Jeb Livingood.

Jeb Livingood, a left handed INFJ, is a full-time computer programmer and part-time freelance writer living in Alexandria, Virginia. With the assistance of Otto Kroeger and Associates, he is currently conducting a survey of Myers-Briggs types and their use of computer-mediated communication.

Copyright © 1995 by Jeb Livingood. All Rights Reserved.
This Issue / Index / CMC Studies Center / Contact Us

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Biographies of Famous IntrovertsComplete

2005-03-17T02:50:58Z

8 Different Types of Introverts ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

-- Katherine Hepburn was a TopGun Virtuoso Type Introvert
-- Hans Christian Andersen was a Healer Type Introvert
-- Warren Buffett is an Inspector Type Introvert
-- Jackie Kennedy was a Composer Type Introvert
-- Albert Einsten was an Architect Type Introvert
-- Tsar Nicholas II was a Protector Type Introvert
-- Carl Jung was a Counselor Type Introvert
-- George Soros is an Architect Type Introvert
-- Nancy R. Fenn is a Healer Type Introvert

-- Biographies of Famous IntrovertsComplete

I've compiled a reading list of biographies of famous people who were/are introverts so you can see how they use their energies to win. There are 8 different basic types of introverts, according the Keirsey Temperament Theory. This is similar to Myers-Briggs and Jungian Personality Theory. The 8 types are TopGun Virtuoso, Healer, Inspector, Composer, Architect, Protector, Counselor and Architect. Which one are you?

fro,: http://www.theintrovertzcoach.com/biographies.html

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Jerome Kagan on shyness

2005-03-13T02:09:55Z

Shyness Shows Up in Brain Scans, Study Finds -
Kids May Inherit Shyness, Study Suggests
Reuters & AP stories -- Jun 19, 2003

The brains of shy people overreact when they see strange new faces, which may explain personality differences and also offer ways to treat anxiety disorders, U.S. researchers said on Thursday.

Even people who have seemingly overcome their innate shyness have an extra-strong reaction in the amygdala, the emotional center of the brain, when shown a new face, the researchers found.

People who had been judged as toddlers to be inhibited showed in the scans that the amygdala structure in their brains responded much more actively to unexpected sights than did those subjects who had been judged as children to be more outgoing, said Jerome Kagan, a researcher in the department of psychology at Harvard University.

"That is support for the notion that the reason they were shy, timid and reserved when they were 2 years old is because they had an excitable amygdala," said Kagan.

This suggests that shyness is a temperament that can be inherited, but the researcher said this temperament does not necessarily determine one's eventual personality.

"They are now 22 years old," Kagan said of the test subjects. "A lot of the ones who were fearful aren't fearful anymore. They have overcome it. But the question is, did they still have a very active amygdala."

..
..
Based on the brain scans, Kagan said, the answer is clearly yes.

Tests were conducted on 13 people who had been evaluated as shy as 2-year-olds. The results were compared tests on nine people who had been evaluated as children to be outgoing and bold.

"We had assumed, but never measured, that ... the shy, inhibited group had inherited a certain chemistry" in the amygdala, Kagan said. ....

Although some children are shy and others are outgoing, he said, these traits can change with time and life experiences. "People overcome their shyness," Kagan said. "You can also acquire shyness."

...Psychology: An Introduction -- by Jerome Kagan

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a quick google revealed

2005-03-13T02:08:08Z

"During the AIDS epidemic, researchers found that introverted people got sick and died sooner than extroverted people," said Bruce Naliboff, co-author and a clinical professor at the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute and Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System.

"Our study pinpoints the biological mechanism that connects personality and disease."

The UCLA team studied the effect of stress on viral replication in a group of 54 HIV-infected men. All of the men were still in the early stages of the disease and in good health. ...

The researchers put each man through a series of stress tests in the lab to measure the response of their autonomic nervous system.

First, the scientists monitored the subject's response to a tiny stimulus, such as an unexpected beeping sound. ....

"Shy persons didn't adapt to the beeps as fast as other people," Cole said. "Their heightened nervous system response indicated that the sound was more irritating to them.

(source: http://talentdevelop.com/introversion.html)

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Rainer Maria Rilke on shyness

2005-03-13T02:07:49Z

It is not inertia alone that is responsible for human relationships repeating themselves from case to case, indescribably monotonous and unrenewed.

It is shyness before any sort of new and unforseeable experience with which one does not think oneself able to cope.

But only someone who is ready for everything, who excludes nothing, not even the most enigmatical, will live the relation to another as something alive.

...Rainer Maria Rilke. Letters to a Young Poet

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