Introverts and Extroverts vs Social Anxiety

Glumlock

Well-known member
This will raise questions, and may change perspectives regarding SA. It's my theory based on a lot of extensive research into Jung's theories of introversion and extroversion as well as Myres-Briggs typology research.

If you're curious as to finding out your MBTI take the test here .

Jung divided people into two categories based on how we gain and expend energy - Extroverts and Introverts.

The question we will aim to answer is whether Social Anxiety can affect this domain of our personality, and if so how?

Firstly, we'll look at some common (mis)conceptions of Extroverts and Introverts

* Extroverts are happier, more sociable than introverts
* Introverts are shy and socially inept
* Introverts are more prone to anxiety than extroverts
* Extroverts are attention seekers
* Extroverts are more self absorbed and prone to narcissism
* Introverts are more anti social and are prone to avoidance
* Introverts are less self confident than extroverts
* Extroverts have many friends, Introverts have few
* Introverts are reclusive and socially withdrawn
* Extroverts are outgoing thrillseekers who thrive on excitement
* Introverts are much easily stimulated than extroverts
* Extroverts go to lots of parties. Introverts stay at home reading
* Extroverts are better at practical things like science and maths
* Introverts are better at creative things like art and writing
* Introverts are more empathic than extroverts

Most of these assumptions are either completely or partially false.

Intro/Extroversion is based on how you gain and expend your energy, how you view social situations and how you deal with them. It doesn't generally affect confidence or anxiety levels. The other 3 domains of a person's MBTI are responsible for most of these.

The key difference between introverts and extroverts is how they gain and expend energy - Extroverts will gain energy from social situations, hence why they can often seem to be the life and soul of a party. This continuous flow of energy means that the extrovert is never short of something to say, and often has lots of friends. They make friends easy, and usually keep to large groups. They are often very ambitious and creative. Extroverts are more likely to enjoy things which put them at the center of attention like Drama, Singing, modelling and public speaking. This is often why most world leaders are extroverts. Extroverts are often more prone to aggressive behaviour than introverts.

Introverts are generally more introspective - they spend a lot of time looking inward. As a result, they are often more self aware than extroverts, who are often able to relate to others well, while often overlooking their own insecurities. They can cope just as well as extroverts in social situations, in some cases, their self heightened awareness often makes them MORE socially confident and adaptable than extroverts. The thing with Introverts is that they need downtime in the form of time spent alone, and there's often no limit as to how much "me time" they can have. An introvert could be the most socially confident and talkative person in the world if they have the energy to sustain the front, but this is only done by curbing their inferior function.

In addition, Introverts are generally more excited by mundane things such as reading or drawing, whereas extroverts tend to need higher levels of stimulation. A Thrilling Roller Coaster ride will probably produce as much adrenaline in an extrovert as switching on a blender would do to an Introvert. Introverts often do things like take solitary walks, read and skim stones. I know one who does endless codebreakers and sodoku. Creative introverts will choose to channel their creative energy into writing or drawing. Creative extroverts often produce abstract or physical art, or go for acting/music. Anything that attracts an audience. Some of the greatest actors were extroverts (Michael Cane, Anthony Hopkins, Morgan Freeman, Meryll Streep, Brad Pitt, Leonadro DeCaprio) and the greatest writers were mainly introverts (William Shakespeare, Aldus Huxley, George Orwell, J.K. Rowling, Jane Austen, Emily Bronte)

Extroverts by definition seem to be more socially desirable than Introverts, whereas Introversion is more desirable for a healthy psychological wellbeing.

The Inferior Function

Whatever your main function is (domains 1 and 3) the inferior function is the polar opposite of these domains (Myres, 1972). For example someone who is an INFP has a dominant or lead function of Introverted Feeler (Fi) and their inferior (shadow) function is Extroverted Thinking (Te). The shadow function is called such because it is projective, it is visible, especially in light (where you're more visible) and it is always going to be on view.
The shadow function is what people see when you run out of energy. The more energy you expend, the more your shadow function will begin to show. Curbing this function allows you to retain energy - you do this by being more self aware. Introverts who are arguably more self aware than extroverts are able to do this more easily, which is probably due to social implications - you need to have some degree of extroversion to get by in life. To get by psychologically (making it through life without cracking up) you need some degree of introversion.

Lets use an example to explain

Lets say Tony is an Introverted Feeler (Fi). Tony often struggles in social situations - saying stupid things when he doesn't know what to say. Generally he can cope in social situations, but often shuts down when confronted by lots of people. He doesn't enjoy being put on the spot and sometimes fails to think quickly, often blurting out nonsensical things and then (after having time to think about it) realises how idiotic he was.

This is because his shadow function (Te) is often on display in social situations. He's not good at extroverted thinking (giving an answer on the spot) and when in a social situation, he expends energy, so doesn't have the time to think about what he's going to say to people, and often ends up saying stupid things that may even offend people. He has a knack for digging himself into a hole during conversations. This is all due to his inferior Extroverted Thinking. People with an inferior Te will often find themselves thinking "why the hell did i say that?"

So how does this all relate to Social Anxiety?

The real reason you wanted to read this thread. People seem to be confusing social competence with Extroversion, and lots of people seem to believe that Social Anxiety can make you introverted in some way. I don't think that this is true at all. There is a massive difference between an Introvert and an Extrovert who is socially inept.

I do believe there is a link with Intro/Extroversion and how we deal with social anxiety. Extroverts can be faced with crippling shyness and blushing attacks, while Introverts may rarely even notice. One must realise that there is a difference between staying inside due to choice and staying inside due to an inability to function adequately in a social environment.
Just because you stay inside doesn't make you an introvert.
Likewise, just because you can go outside and have friends and a relatively normal social life doesn't mean you're an extrovert.

It's perfectly possible for an introvert to have lots of friends and spend most of their time outside - it suggests they have a strong hold over their inferior function. So long as they get their downtime when they need it, they can function very well. It's also perfectly possible for an extrovert to spend all of their time inside on a computer wishing they had more friends - it's this desire for friends and desire for a social life they don't have that makes them extroverted. Obviously an extrovert who is like this has a hugely overpowering shadow function. I personally believe that SA in extroverts can be attributed to the shadow function. In introverts SA becomes more of a conditioned response.

Going back to the concept of desirability - introverts may often feel socially pressured. This will often spark feelings of inadequacy in said Introvert, and cause them to become even more socially withdrawn.
My advice is that if you're an introvert - don't feel that you're inadequate or that you're not normal. It's perfectly normal to prefer your own time to the company of others - you just need to be aware of this. Be aware of WHY you are like this. Suss out your personality type and decide on your primary and inferior functions. This will allow you to become more aware of where these traits are most obvious.

Better the enemy you know - get familiar with your shadow function. Learn when it strikes and either avoid or better yet, try and tame it in these situations. Eventually your energy retention will be much more effective.

Shadow functions are a part of you - don't be ashamed or afraid of them :)
 

fitftw

Well-known member
I'm an introverted Pisces male who prefers staying home playing with my hedgehog and my keytar rather than go out anywhere with anybody. It's funny that you mentioned turning on a blender is as exciting to an introvert as riding a rollercoaster is for an extrovert. Playing a song on my keytar gives me a high no drug or sex could ever hope to equal. Being the life of a party is not in my interests. Talking to people is exhausting, because I have to constantly think about what to say. It's simply unnatural for me. Even talking online, I feel scatterbrained and retarded.
 

IGotSeoul

Well-known member
Thanks for this post. I've done a bit of research on Jung's theory and Myers-Briggs myself and feel as well that there are quite a few misconceptions regarding the two.

I'm introverted but consider myself confident in most situations when not afflicted by anxiety. I don't think the two have any correlation with each other. In fact I often thank my introversion for allowing me to cope with anxiety, just as an extraverted individual may thank his extraversion for pushing him into interacting. I suppose it's all a matter of perspective there.

Introversion is the state of being predominantly satisfied within the self.

Extraversion is the state of being predominantly satisfied outside the self.

I believe that's basis to it. Shy, happy, sad, confident and whatever are all results based upon how we regard situations.
 

Shant

Well-known member
I can't tell if I'm introverted or extroverted. I seem to apply both ways, often depending on my mood - but SA muddies everything making it more complicated. Even on the MBTI tests, there's the questions that I know are related strictly to Introverted vs. Extroverted, I don't know how to answer those - it depends on the time of day, possibly.

I don't like going out to hang out with tons of other people, but I don't like being by myself necessarily, either. Of course I end up doing the latter anyways, not out of introversion, but out of social anxiety. I'm more comfortable with that, but does that make me more introverted or extroverted? I want to be sociable, but I'm inclined to not do that because of fear.

Meh. I'm always such an odd case, lol.
 

mikebird

Banned
Glumlock

This is the best post I've ever seen here.

I wish I was capable of thinking that way when I was 19. My niece just finished her Psychology in Brum. I wish I had the ability to speak to her.
 

mikebird

Banned
Your Type is
INTJ
Introverted Intuitive Thinking Judging
Strength of the preferences %
56 62 25 11


I did this seperately just yesterday (different test), and glad to see the same results now, and pleased that there are useful numbers in there, this time.

What I really like is finding a reference book to help with technical details, and then discover that I knew a large proportion of that beforehand, which is a great confirmation that I have my own direction, knowledge and experience, without needing much help or learning to do...
 

matthew_

Active member
Your Type is
INFP
Introverted Intuitive Feeling Perceiving
Strength of the preferences %
78 38 75 56



Qualitative analysis of your type formula

You are:

very expressed introvert
moderately expressed intuitive personality
distinctively expressed feeling personality
moderately expressed perceiving personality






So then, I am quite clearly an introvert. Which is hard for me. I don't like the concept of accepting that. I have this wild desire to be the life of the party, almost as if there are two of me, sometimes, when pushed, this other side of me kicks in, and I am temporarily able to. Answering those questions was me giving the dominating me it's answers ( extreme introvert), yet an entire third of me actually finds the complete opposite to be the truth.

I would almost suggest the answers to any question are of who we have become, rather than who we are. Which confuses matters.

Accepting who we have become (the answers we give), is like giving into the laws of nurture rather than nature.
 
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funkyy

Active member
i keep feeling confused. because i think im an extrovert.(i can be loud, in centre of attention) but having anxiety makes me behave like an introvert(i cant talk one on one e.t.c)? i feel so frustrated about this.
 

Glumlock

Well-known member
i keep feeling confused. because i think im an extrovert.(i can be loud, in centre of attention) but having anxiety makes me behave like an introvert(i cant talk one on one e.t.c)? i feel so frustrated about this.

Your anxiety causes you to become socially inept - that doesn't have anything to do with intro/extroversion, it's more to do with your social ability (determined by the other 3 factors of personality + your Anxiety issues). Introverts would never struggle with one on one talking - I'd say you were most definitely extroverted.

Myself am an INFP who does not suffer from Social Anxiety or any other form of anxiety disorder. I'm at peace with my inner self and have learned to control my shadow. For most part, I could easily be the life and soul of a party, so long as I can have my precious downtime afterwards.
 

matthew_

Active member
Your anxiety causes you to become socially inept - that doesn't have anything to do with intro/extroversion, it's more to do with your social ability (determined by the other 3 factors of personality + your Anxiety issues). Introverts would never struggle with one on one talking - I'd say you were most definitely extroverted.

Myself am an INFP who does not suffer from Social Anxiety or any other form of anxiety disorder. I'm at peace with my inner self and have learned to control my shadow. For most part, I could easily be the life and soul of a party, so long as I can have my precious downtime afterwards.

You seem to be more objective about this than me. The fact that you don't have an anxiety order now is irrelevant. The presentation of this information has left and impression.

This is the first opinion that has has true struck a chord with me so far on a level I can take action with, rather than sympathize or relate to.

Excellent work.
 

Glumlock

Well-known member
You seem to be more objective about this than me. The fact that you don't have an anxiety order now is irrelevant. The presentation of this information has left and impression.

This is the first opinion that has has true struck a chord with me so far on a level I can take action with, rather than sympathize or relate to.

Excellent work.

Thanks, I sincerely hope that whatever I have said has somehow affected you in a positive way! :)
 

goldatom

Well-known member
Quite a few of us have gone beyond introversion into phobias making us miss days when we were just introverts.
 

funkyy

Active member
Your anxiety causes you to become socially inept - that doesn't have anything to do with intro/extroversion, it's more to do with your social ability (determined by the other 3 factors of personality + your Anxiety issues). Introverts would never struggle with one on one talking - I'd say you were most definitely extroverted.

Myself am an INFP who does not suffer from Social Anxiety or any other form of anxiety disorder. I'm at peace with my inner self and have learned to control my shadow. For most part, I could easily be the life and soul of a party, so long as I can have my precious downtime afterwards.


but what can i do? i struggle when i try to think about what kind of career paths i can take. i dont want to act like an introvert because of anxiety...
 

Mendel

Well-known member
i keep feeling confused. because i think im an extrovert.(i can be loud, in centre of attention) but having anxiety makes me behave like an introvert(i cant talk one on one e.t.c)? i feel so frustrated about this.
I think most people are ambiverts like you. They are not always extroverted or always introverted. A lot of it is situational. I am very socially awkward in most situations, but there are some in which I am completely comfortable. While I agree with what the OP posted in general, there is a danger in classifying things and people as black-and-white. It is usually more complicated than that.
 

funkyy

Active member
I think most people are ambiverts like you. They are not always extroverted or always introverted. A lot of it is situational. I am very socially awkward in most situations, but there are some in which I am completely comfortable. While I agree with what the OP posted in general, there is a danger in classifying things and people as black-and-white. It is usually more complicated than that.

but some people like my classmates..they totally dont mind being in the lab all day that sort of thing...but not for me, i cannot stand being quiet, and not voicing my opinions..i feel very miserable .
 

Mendel

Well-known member
but some people like my classmates..they totally dont mind being in the lab all day that sort of thing...but not for me, i cannot stand being quiet, and not voicing my opinions..i feel very miserable .

I can understand how that would be frustrating. I am the exact opposite in those situations. I am miserable because I fear that I am going to be asked to voice my opinions.
 

Minty

Well-known member
My inferior function is Se. Does this explain why I get extremely self conscious and keenly aware of my surroundings when I socialize with others? It's almost a shock because I rarely pay attention to myself in my surroundings.

Or is this a misinterpretation?
 

Piece_By_Piece

Well-known member
INFP

Introverted 56
Intuitive 25
Feeling 62
Perceiving 56

moderately expressed introvert
moderately expressed intuitive personality
distinctively expressed feeling personality
moderately expressed perceiving personality


I think I'm more introverted than this though.
 

razzle dazzle rose

Well-known member
This is such an excellent post. I wish Glumlock was still around!

A friend here told me about MBTI and I have been reading a lot about it since then. I have been reading about my type and the types of those around me. It has allowed me to see where they are coming from, and as a result my relationships have improved. The world of MBTI is amazing. It has been like therapy to me. While I have known that I am an introvert for a long time, now I see that certain things I do that are kinda strange and socially awkward are totally normal for my type and it is just me being me. I will be reading up on my shadow function now :)
 
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