Happy World Introvert Day!
Actually, the second of January is world introvert day.
Although, not a national holiday
after an article written by psychologist Felicitas Heyne in 2011
people worldwide have started to adopt the date
with the hopes of heightening awareness of introversion in an extrovert scented society.
So, it's not surprising that it occurs directly after the holiday period
Christmas, Hanukkah and New Years.
An introvert's worst nightmare when it comes to parties or relatives asking too many questions
A national introversion day to recharge introvert souls.
In the spirit of the day
Here are ten psychological studies that deepen our understanding and appreciation of introverts
Number one
Introverts process more information than extroverts
A psychologist named Hans Eysenck developed a theory suggesting that an introvert's brain activity is faster and has a higher amount than extroverts.
So, placing them in stimulation high environments
like concerts
they will quickly become overloaded and shut down
Number two
There are four kinds of introversion
A study of five hundred people discovered four kinds of introversion
Social is a preference for socializing in small groups
Thinking
is thoughtful, self-reflective
Anxious
seek out solitude due to feeling awkward and self-conscious around other people
and restrained and reserved are people who prefer to think before they act
While all unique, most introverts are a mixture of all four
Number three
Introverts talk more concretely
In 2012 participants were asked to describe the same five photos of ambiguous situations
Those with a higher rating on the introversion scale tended to mention more concrete words such as numbers and specific people
and make more distinctions such as but and except.
Number four
Introverts are less happy than extroverts
A common fact about introverts
happiness is found higher in extroverts not only in western countries
but also more community based cultures
both equally in eastern and western parts of the world.
Number five
Introverts perceive human faces with the same value as looking at flowers
In 2010, twenty-eight introverted adults had their brain activity monitor test their levels of P300
with high extroversion resulting in high levels of P300
More interestingly, however
was that participants displayed the same level of P300 when looking at human faces as they did when looking at flowers
signaling that they valued both equally
Number six
Introverts have vivid imaginations
They also have a strong ability to problem solve
the downside is that they may get stuck inside their heads
over analyzing and replay events
Number seven
Introverted minds don't reward risk taking
In studying the minds of both introverts and extroverts while gambling
the results determined that introverts produced less dopamine
a brain chemical used to process rewards and positive emotions
this means that they don't consider risk like activities such as gambling, rewarding
Number eight
Introverts live in secluded environments
In a series of three studies, results showed that while extroverts live in open and flat regions
Introverts lean towards living in more secluded environments such as mountainous regions
Number nine
Introverts have a better ability to comprehend abstract thought
A Harvard University associate conducted a study
that found that introverts have a larger and thicker gray matter in their pre-frontal cortex
of which is linked to abstract thoughts and decision making
indicating that they may have a better ability for both skills
And finally,
Number ten
Introverts are more likeable
While not very social, introverts are commonly the observers in a group
leading to them having a better understanding of people
and in turn, becoming very likeable
so celebrate your introverted selves
thanks for watching