What do
You know your Personality Type now. But, what exactly does it mean? Lean the definitions and reflect on what it means to you.
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Definition
The earliest mention of the words Introversion and Extroversion was by Swiss Psychologist Carl Jung in the early 20th century. His definition was first published in his book Psychological Types in which he lays down his Theory of Personality. He asserts that the seemingly 'random' actions of individuals are really guided by an individual's 'preferences'. These four main categories of preference were later derived into the Myers-Briggs Personality test, to make the information more accessible beyond the academic scope of psychology. This model as served as the basis for many later personality identifying tests, most notably for the Big Five test used commonly today, explaining for the widespread usage of these words in the larger societal setting.
One of these categories generated by Jung, and one found in all the variations of personality exams present, concerns 'where the individual derives his or her energy'. This is the characteristic that introversion and extroversion describe. The Introvert derives his/her energy from the interior world, while the Extrovert derives his/her energy from the exterior world. In more practical terms, the words describe the amount of external stimuli needed to excite (or overwhelm) someone.
This can be hard to understand at first glance. Here are some concrete examples to further cement the ideas.
One of these categories generated by Jung, and one found in all the variations of personality exams present, concerns 'where the individual derives his or her energy'. This is the characteristic that introversion and extroversion describe. The Introvert derives his/her energy from the interior world, while the Extrovert derives his/her energy from the exterior world. In more practical terms, the words describe the amount of external stimuli needed to excite (or overwhelm) someone.
This can be hard to understand at first glance. Here are some concrete examples to further cement the ideas.
Common Characteristics |
ExtroversionEnjoys regularly being surrounded by other people
Requires much external stimuli to feel excited Prefers larger friend groups More prone to speaking Focuses on external world and concrete reality Adapts well to change Works well in louder, open settings Makes quicker decisions |
IntroversionEnjoys regular alone time
Requires little external stimuli to feel excited Prefers smaller friend groups More prone to listening Focuses on internal thoughts and understanding Does not adapt well to change Works well in quiet, closer settings Takes longer periods of time before making a decision |