Different Forms Of Introvert Behavior

The definition of introvert behavior is much more than just the human attitude in social interaction.

We can see this by looking at Susan Cain’s “The Quiet Revolution” 10-question introvert-extrovert test. The characteristics of the introvert described in the test indicate that the definition of introvert has fortunately been updated.

Exploring the nature of the introvert has long been more than just making a typical comparison, like “I want to be alone / I want to be with people”. Introvert behavior can have just as many, or even more, nuances associated with extrovert behavior.

Introverts may have certain preferences in situations of social interaction that are not always available. For that reason, they may prefer to stay at home.

They may enjoy the company of other people, but in a different way than extrovert. And above all, their preference for certain activities can vary over time just as much as it does for other people.

Different forms of introvert behavior

In the 1920s, Carl Gustav Jung created a distinction between introvert and extrovert. Despite its existence, it did not begin to be used more widely in psychology until the 1940s.

New research was started on personality. Jung also recognized the third personality type, although he never classified it.

Today we use the term ambivert . It can be placed between the introvert and the extrovert. In many ways, amboverts have the best of both worlds. They are able to use the strengths of the introvert and extrovert depending on the circumstances.

Many experts, such as the Jonathan Cheek and Jennifer Grimes we mentioned earlier, have spent a lot of time researching and identifying different forms of introvert behavior. First on the list is the most familiar-sounding type: social introvert.

1. Social introvert

This profile is most reminiscent of the widespread concept of the introvert. Such people value reading at home more than going outside.

A social introvert really values ​​his living environment and close human relationships a lot. They go out with their longtime friends rather than to music festivals.

While many people view introverted character as the same thing as shyness, there is a significant difference between these terms. Shy people feel anxiety when they are the center of attention (or when it can happen),  social introvertes feel better in small groups where stimulus levels and changes may not be that great. 

2. Inward-looking introvert

Another type of introvert defined by Cheek and Grimes is the “introverted introvert”. The center of such an introvert is more internal. Unlike social introverts, introverted introverts have no problems with social interaction.

The main characteristic of  such introvert behavior is that they are people with a broad inner world. They are able to immerse themselves in their fantasy world and their imagination makes them really creative.

Professor Cheek argued that such introvertes “are able to immerse themselves in their inner fantasy world, but not in a neurotic way, but rather in an imaginative and creative way”.

One example given by Cheek is Luna Lovekiva, familiar from the Harry Potter book series. His inner madness, which makes him both mysterious and disturbed, perfectly defines an introvert turned inward.

3. Prepared introvert

The third type of introvert introduced by Jonathan Cheek is defined by the actions of such people rather than the way of thinking. “Prepared introvertes” think about doing things at a slower pace than other people. They also do things more consciously and thoughtfully.

Prepared introvertes prefer to think before they speak or act, and it can take longer to start things. Professor Cheek says,  “I’ve never considered introvert nature in this way before and I’m interested in seeing what future research reveals about prepared introverts and how it correlates with other types”. 

They take some time before they do anything, they plan everything they do during the day and want to keep the situation under control. Unlike anxious introverts (read the next category), they may not need to feel insecure in any way. They are just people who analyze the world carefully and do not act impulsively.

 4. Anxious introvert or fear of social situations?

Professor Cheek also points to another type of introvert, anxious introverts. They may make statements like “I feel bothered when I’m surrounded by strangers” or “even though I’m in a group of friends, I feel really lonely and restless”.

With such people, it is sometimes difficult to distinguish introvert behavior from people suffering from fear of social situations.

Consideration of introvert behavior

Introvert are people who enjoy solitude and often have an active inner life. They have a more liberal approach to personal growth and they feel exhausted in environments with a lot of stimuli.

Typical characteristics vary from person to person, but in general they all have fairly similar personalities.

Surprisingly, how  enriching can all of these different types of introverts be. Extroverts have always tended to benefit from the assumption that their own lifestyle is a psychologically healthy habit.

However, researchers such as Cain and Dembling have shown that introvert behavior is variable and adaptive.