Carl Jung's Theory: Introversion/Extraversion

In Carl Jung's theory, the first part out of the four, determines whether the individual is introverted or extroverted. Often times, this part is considered to be the most important part of the four. This part basically tells you where you get your energy and where you put your attention. Introverts are people who often tend to focus on internal thoughts. Often times they feel a need to "recharge" after socializing with people. Introverts are also quiet, reserved, and more sociable around people they know well. Introverts typically have a small group of friends. On the other hand, extroverts are the opposite. Extroverts tend to try to find external stimulation. Extraverts usually like places such as parties where they get energized by socializing. Also, they are more likely to take risks compared to introverts. Being an introvert myself with extroverted friends. I've noticed that these things are true. As an introvert, I have a smaller group of friends who I care a lot about. Often times, when I am introduced to new people, I stay quiet. I want to talk to them, but often times I'm not sure what I should talk about. I prefer to to know a few people well. I am a shy introvert. Many people have this misconception that being shy and introverted are the same. However, this is not true. According to Susan Cain, "Shyness is the fear of negative judgment, and introversion is a preference for quiet, minimally stimulating environments". She goes on to say, "Some psychologists map the two tendencies on vertical and horizontal axes, with the introvert-extrovert spectrum on the horizontal axis, and the anxious-stable spectrum on the vertical. With this model, you end up with four quadrants of personality types: calm extroverts, anxious (or impulsive) extroverts, calm introverts, and anxious introverts". By dividing the extroversion and I introversion scale, it makes it easier to understand how there is no one who is a hundred percent introverted or extroverted. According to Carl Jung, "There is no such thing as a pure introvert or pure extrovert. Such a person would be in a lunatic asylum". In next post, I hope to describe the second part of the theory which is intuitive and sensing.


This picture describes how I feel
introverts and extroverts are like.

When given the chance to be alone, introverts
and extraverts feel differently about it as shown
above.