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Introvert, Extrovert and Ambivert

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DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.28059.41764

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Introvert, Extrovert and Ambivert
Domina Petric, MD
ABSTRACT
Introversion-extraversion levels are part of
a single, continuous dimension of
personality. Most of the personalities can
be measured somewhere between two
extremities. The most adaptive personality
traits have ambiverts, because they exhibit
both introversion and extraversion,
depending on the situation. It is possible to
develop abilities from the opposite side of
this spectrum with mental training. For
example, highly introverted person can
learn how to manage in large groups, and
highly extroverted person can learn how to
work alone and reflect.
INTRODUCTION
Jung (1921) suggested the principal
distinction between personalities is the
source and direction of an individual’s
expression of energy-defining extroversion
as ˝an outward turning of libido˝ and
introversion as ˝an inward turning of
libido˝.
The interest of the introvert is directed
inwards; they think, feel, and act in ways
that suggest the subject is the prime
motivating factor. Extroverts, on the other
hand, direct their interest outwards to their
surrounding environment; they think, feel,
and act in relation to external factors rather
than the subjective1.
An ambivert is someone who exhibits
qualities of both introversion and
extraversion and can flip into either
depending on their mood, context and
goals. Ambiverts have also been called
outgoing introverts (an introvert who can
be outgoing in certain situations, or around
certain people, or when they absolutely
need to), antisocial extroverts (an
extrovert who needs time to recharge
before socializing or likes to be alone more
than a typical extrovert) and social
introverts (an introvert who can dial up
into extraversion when needed)2.
INTROVERT-AMBIVERT-
EXTROVERT SPECTRUM
Introvert, ambivert and extrovert is a
spectrum of personality traits rather than
personality types. It is very rare to find
person that is pure introvert or extrovert.
Most of the personalities can be measured
somewhere between these two extremities.
1
The most psychologically stable persons socialization, public speak and might not
are ambiverts that exhibit both extraversion be successful in professions that demand
and introversion, depending on the extraversion, for example, politics, show
situation. business, teaching, medicine…

For example, ambivert enjoys spending What if an introverted person is talented

time with others, but needs to be alone for medicine and wants to become a
occasionally. Ambivert can be outgoing in physician? In this case, introverted person
the right social context, can be on teams has to engage oneself in mental training
after working independently and can and has to learn how to be an extrovert
process out loud or internally2. when the situation demands it. For
example, in medicine, team work is very
important and the ability to communicate
INTROVERSION with patients. Highly introverted person
might have a problem with this. And in the
Introversion is the state of being
case that this person is studying medicine,
predominantly interested in one's own
he or she has to be able to develop some of
mental self3. Introverts are typically
the abilities of extrovert, for example, team
perceived as more reserved or
work and good communication skills. For
reflective4. Some popular psychologists
some people, it is possible to develop
have characterized introverts as people
abilities from the opposite side of the
whose energy tends to expand through
introvert-ambivert-extrovert spectrum, and
reflection and dwindle during interaction5.
for others it is sometimes too difficult.
Advantages of being dominantly introvert
are the abilities to reflect, to be alone and
work independently. It is considered that EXTRAVERSION
introverted persons might be successful as
Extraversion is the state of primarily
artists, writers, scientists, composers,
obtaining gratification from outside
inventors and similar professions where the
oneself3. Extraverts tend to enjoy human
abilities of strong reflection and
interactions and to
independent work are mandatory.
be enthusiastic, talkative, assertive, and
On the other hand, introverted persons gregarious. Extraverts are energized and
have several week spots. They usually thrive off being around other people. They
have problems with team work, take pleasure in activities that involve large

2
social gatherings, such as parties, Ambiversion is falling more or less
community activities, public directly in the middle3, 7.
demonstrations, and business or political
An ambivert is moderately comfortable
groups. They also tend to work well in
with groups and social interaction, but also
groups4.
relishes time alone, away from a crowd. In
Advantages of being dominantly extrovert simpler words, an ambivert is a person
are abilities to socialize, to work in team, whose behavior changes according to the
to present oneself in public. Extroverts situation they are in. In face of authority or
might be successful in show business, in presence of strangers, the person may be
politics, medicine, teaching and similar introverted. However, in the presence of
professions that demand team work and family or close friends, the person may be
interaction with many people. highly energetic or extraverted.

Week spots for extroverts are inability to Ambiverts have the ability of adaptation to
work alone, and sometimes they are not many different situations. They might
able to reflect, to introspect, to understand theoretically be successful in all
themselves. Extroverts usually absorb professions, of course depending on their
other people´s thoughts and emotions, and talents, but they do not have any problems
might be more sensitive on insults and in the personality traits for any type of
defamation of character than introverts. professional life. They are able to manage
Social isolation is usually very toxic for in large groups, but are also able to survive
highly extroverted persons, sometimes social isolation. Ambiversion is the most
deadly, whilst introverted persons can adaptive and stable combination of
survive social isolation more easily. introversion and extraversion.

AMBIVERSION CONCLUSION

Most contemporary trait theories measure Introversion-extraversion levels are part of

levels of extraversion-introversion as part a single, continuous dimension of
of a single, continuous dimension of personality. Most of the personalities can
personality, with some scores near one be measured somewhere between two
end, and others near the half-way mark6. extremities. It is very rare to find an
extreme extrovert or introvert.

3
 The most adaptive personality traits have REFERENCES
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