How exactly introversion defines depends on who you ask. The scientists Sigmund Freud, CG Jung and Hans Jürgen Eysenck, for example, each had very different opinions.

Sigmund Freud psychology

The sex-obsessed Sigmund Freud

For Sigmund Freud, in his grouchy way, introversion was pathological, a form of neurosis. He defined it as "the departure of the libido from the possibilities of real satisfaction..." In other words, he believed People are introverted because they are not in touch with reality Eye look and can't believe that they will never have sex.

Fortunately conversations today are no longer dominated by the sex-loving Freudian opinion, even though their shadow still lives in the cliché of the male virgin, who is dressed in a bathrobe, who lives in the basement apartment with nuts.

Since the days of Freud, the Definition of introversion has changed, changed and grown - and this process is still ongoing. Introversion is actually an elusive term that needs further definition.

The nuances of introversion

The books on the subject (advertising)

Tip: You can also use this text as a PDF or an eCourse on the subject download. You can also find it in the shop exciting inspiration to experience your success, plus offers & news in Newsletter ! (Advertising)

The closer we look at him, the more he evades. Scholars are still trying to come up with a definition that encompasses all the nuances of introversion, while at the same time attempting to define the differences between introversion and shyness, high sensitivity and other elements that come up when introverts describe introversion.

In addition, the scientists would like to find a definition that would suit them during empirical research in the Psychology and could help in the cognitive lab.

CG Jung and the model of psychic energy

CG Jung, a protégé of Freud, tired of his mentor's constant sex talk and negative attitude, broke up with him to pursue his own thoughts forms and a less desolate one Opinions about introversion and extroversion – incidentally, we have him to thank for popularizing these terms.

Jung was the first to use the model of psychic Energy pointing out that energy flows inwards for introverts and outwards for extroverts. We introverts are apt to adopt this definition.

The exhaustion of personal energy

Discounts for your success (advertising)!

We feel it is right because we know exactly how it feels when our energy is depleted, because we have let it flow outwards too much. A weekend in bigger Society can personally put me in a coma for a few days afterwards. A week in larger company, and I must retire to my cave for at least a week.

This theory of energy flowing in or out still dominates the general discussion, even though "psychic energy" is all but impossible to define and even more difficult to measure in the laboratory. Still, it's one of the things that most of us understand at a cellular level, so to speak. Too bad "I know for a fact" isn't enough for scientists to pin any dates to it.

Hans Jürgen Eysenck and the introverted misanthrope

Hans Juergen Eysenck, a German-British psychologist, brought sociability into the discussion. Eysenck viewed introversion as the opposite of extroversion, which he described as outgoing, sociable, enthusiastic, and impulsive. According to this model, introversion sounds like a bleak package to my ears; Terms describing the opposite of Eysenck's definition of extroversion are "non-contact", "unenthusiastic", "distant".

While Freud gave us the funeral-virgin model of introversion, Eysenck can be partly blamed for the cliché of the poor-contact misanthropist. (Although, if we look again at the traits of extroversion, we might agree that impulsiveness is not something to be proud of. So one point goes to the introverts.)

Introversion as innate property

Eysenck was also the first to suggest that introversion and extroversion could be physiologically conditioned; the brains of the extroverts may crave more excitement than the brains of the introverts.

Not that Eysenck would be wrong on all points regarding introversion or that he was necessarily critical of it. We introverts are actually less sociable than extroverts. This definition is in for us Order. I just want the legitimacy of this fact to be recognized and not labeled as a defect.

I also like the thought that introversion is actually a predisposition because I'm tired of people trying to change me - or the feeling that I need to change myself. If this is my or our fundamental nature, it cannot be changed.


Top books on the subject

Read text as PDF

Acquire this text as a PDF (only for own use without passing it on according to Terms and conditions): Please send us one after purchase eMail with the desired title supportberufebilder.de, we will then send the PDF to you immediately. You can also purchase text series.

4,99Buy

Advice on success, goal achievement or marketing

You have Ask round to Career, Recruiting, personal development or increasing reach? Our AI consultant will help you for 5 euros a month – free for book buyers. We offer special ones for other topics IT services

5,00 / per month   Book

Book eCourse on Demand

Up to 30 lessons with 4 learning tasks each + final lesson as a PDF download. Please send us one after purchase eMail with the desired title supportberufebilder.de. Alternatively, we would be happy to put your course together for you or offer you a personal, regular one eMail-Course - all further information!

29,99Buy

Skate eBook as desired

If our store does not offer you your desired topic: We will be happy to put together a book according to your wishes and deliver it in a format of yours Choice. Please sign us after purchase supportberufebilder.de

79,99Buy