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Hi Psych2Goers and welcome back to another video!
Thank you so much for all the love and support you’ve given us,
which enables us to take yet another walk down everyday psychology lane! So, let’s begin!
What comes to your mind when you hear the word: “introvert”? Is it that shy
wallflower daydreaming in the social gathering? Or the quiet kid who rarely spoke up in class?
But wait! Did you know there is much more that describes an introvert than just their socialising
frequency. Or lack thereof! There are even different types of introverts! Who knew, right!
By definition, introverts need time by themselves to recharge and avoid becoming
emotionally drained. But according to research by a psychology professor at Wellesley College,
there are four different types of introverts. These types take into
account the varied personalities of introverts and acknowledge that introversion is a spectrum.
With that being said, here are the 4 types of introverts:
One, Social Introvert
A social introvert? Yes, you heard that right! Social introverts are both the most outgoing and
the most private of the four types. They don’t feel shy or anxious in social settings and may
even enjoy them, but they feel emotionally drained if they stay out for too long.
While social introverts like spending time alone, they still want a few close friends
they can depend on, and they tend to be the most social when they’re among this group of friends.
Someone who doesn’t know them might even assume they are an extrovert if they meet them
when they are hanging out with their close friends. But social introverts won’t share
much about themselves to anyone other than their closest friends.
Two, Thinking Introvert
Here you can conjure the image of the daydreaming wallflower. Thinking introverts also don’t mind
socializing, but they rarely do so because they are lost in their own little world. They often
find themselves daydreaming and may seem aloof to those who don’t know them. Thinking introverts
are also very introspective and therefore more in tune with their feelings than the average person.
Other people may have a hard time connecting with thinking introverts
because they have a unique thought process and prefer to experience their thoughts
rather than taking the time and energy to explain them to others.
Three, Anxious Introvert
Do you know of someone who might replay social encounters in their head and think about what
they said or did and what they could’ve done differently. Perhaps a better label for the
anxious introvert is the shy introvert, to differentiate anxious introversion from anxiety
disorders. Anxious introverts crave solitude even when they are with their close friends.
They are extremely uncomfortable in new or large social situations and analyze, or ruminate,
on their behavior whenever they are in public. But it is important to look out for social
anxiety disorder and not have the two mixed. In extreme cases, this aversion to social
situations may develop into social anxiety. Although any personality type (introverts,
extroverts, or ambiverts) can experience social anxiety or other anxiety disorders,
but if you avoid necessary social situations because you have strong physical reactions
such as shaking, increased heart rate, or nausea during them,it
is a sign of social anxiety and not shyness and requires professional attention.
Four, Restrained Introvert
Now this is your introvert-next-door kind of type. They get uncomfortable if they feel rushed into
situations, especially social ones. Restrained introverts are reserved, thoughtful and don’t
like change.They will go out if they’ve planned for it far enough in advance, but they would
rather be relaxing by themselves: bingeing their favorite shows, reading, or doing yoga. Restrained
introverts find comfort in their routine and may also find it difficult to get their mind and body
moving right after they wake up. They thrive in their routine and appreciate ample forewarning.
If you think you are an introvert but didn't relate to any of these four types,
you may be an ambivert or closer to the extrovert side of the personality spectrum.
Learning more about your personality type helps you communicate your needs to people
with different personality types,and strengthens interpersonal relationships.
Did you find this insightful? Will you now be able to tell the different types apart? Can you think
of any other types? If you’re an introvert, which of these four types did you relate to?
Share this with an introvert you know to find out what type they are!
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Thanks for watching and we’ll see you in the next video!
Video by Psych2go.