Introversion: An Overview
Introversion is a personality trait that is commonly used to describe individuals who prefer to remain in their own inner world, often preferring to think before they act and to focus on their own interests and values. This personality trait is often seen as a contrast to extroversion, which is used to describe individuals who are energized by social interaction and often seek out activities and environments that enable them to be around other people. In this article, we will review the scientific literature on introversion, including its definition, its causes, and its implications for mental health and well-being.
Definition
Introversion is typically defined as an individual’s tendency to prefer to remain in their own inner world, rather than engaging in activities that involve social interaction (Rippin & McIlwain, 2016). This personality trait is often seen as a contrast to extroversion, which is defined as an individual’s tendency to derive energy from social interaction and to seek out activities and environments that enable them to be around other people (Rippin & McIlwain, 2016). Both introversion and extroversion can be seen on a spectrum, with some individuals falling closer to one end than the other.
Causes
It is unclear exactly what causes introversion and extroversion, although research suggests that these traits may be determined by both genetic and environmental factors (Rippin & McIlwain, 2016). Studies have found that introversion and extroversion have a strong heritable component, suggesting that these traits are at least partially determined by biological factors (Rippin & McIlwain, 2016). However, research has also found that environmental factors, such as socialization and upbringing, can influence the development of these traits (Rippin & McIlwain, 2016).
Implications for Mental Health and Well-Being
Research has found that introversion and extroversion can both have implications for mental health and well-being. For example, studies have found that introverts are more likely to experience higher levels of anxiety and depression than extroverts (Rippin & McIlwain, 2016). Additionally, introverts may be more likely to experience social isolation and loneliness, due to their preference for solitude and lack of interest in social activities (Rippin & McIlwain, 2016). On the other hand, extroverts may be more likely to experience boredom and a lack of stimulation, due to their need for social interaction and stimulation (Rippin & McIlwain, 2016).
Conclusion
In conclusion, introversion is a personality trait that is often seen as a contrast to extroversion. This trait is typically defined as an individual’s preference to remain in their own inner world, rather than engaging in activities that involve social interaction. Research suggests that both genetic and environmental factors influence the development of introversion and extroversion, and these traits can have implications for mental health and well-being.
References
Rippin, A. D., & McIlwain, D. (2016). An exploration of the relationship between introversion, extroversion, anxiety and depression. Personality and Individual Differences, 98, 222–228. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2016.01.010