Understanding the Dimensions of Introversion and Shyness
Peel back the layers of introversion and shyness, two often misunderstood personality traits. Explore their dimensions, their interplay, and their impact on personal and social life. A journey into the quiet corners of the human psyche awaits.
Shyness and Introversion are not the same thing
Shyness involves fear of negative evaluation, a tendency toward avoidance
- Outgoing: Tendency to approach others, no fear of being around other people
- Introvert: Becomes easily overstimulated, needs time alone to regain energy
- Extrovert: Need for stimulation, recharges by spending time with other people
When the phone rings
She picks it up after first ring, but doesn’t answer because she is afraid to answer the phone.
Meeting someone for the first time
Sarah is terrified of meetings.
- Meetings tire her out and make her feel like she might not be able to follow what is being said
- She prefers to think ideas through before sharing them, and that is hard to do in a meeting.
Where do you think you fit?
Most individuals fall into one of four groups: extroverted, introverted, shy, or introverted
- Extroverted: no fear, need for stimulation
- Introverted: fear of stimulation and fear of overstimulation
- Outgoing Introvert: easy-to-overstimulated, easily overstimulated
- Shy: fear, overly stimulated
Outgoing-Extrovert.
At a party, she enjoys talking to people one-on-one, but is too nervous to talk to anyone else. At the library, she loves being at the library and wants to learn about so many topics. She is too scared to ask the librarian a question.