SEE RELATED PAGES introverts are not mentally ill introverts health issues introverts space and territorial issues introverts and noise pollution

This page is part of the Introverts' Online Self Discovery Course. It gives many definitions and sources for what it means to be an introvert. In the course, you will spend some time developing your own understanding and definition.

I have included other Jungian terms since personality typing (such as dividing people into introverts or extroverts) is based on the work of Carl Jung.

SIGN UP FOR THE INTROVERTS' SIX-WEEK SELF DISCOVERY COURSE. IT'S ONLINE. IT'S DESIGNED FOR AND BY INTROVERTS.

$200 prepaid

Definitions

  Introversion. see below

  Apotropaic. Descriptive of "magical thinking," based on the desire to depotentiate the influence of an object or person. Apotropaic actions are characteristic of introversion as a mode of psychological orientation.

"I have seen an introverted child who made his first attempts to walk only after he had learned the names of all the
objects in the room he might touch." [Psychological Types, CW 6, par. 897.]

  Introspection. A process of reflection that focuses on personal reactions, behavior patterns and attitudes, similar to meditation. The difference between introspection and introversion is that the latter refers to the direction in which energy naturally moves, while the former refers to self-examination. Neither introverts nor those with a well-developed thinking function have a monopoly on introspection.

  Individuation. A process of psychological differentiation, having for its goal the development of the individual personality.... Individuation is a process informed by the archetypal ideal of wholeness, which in turn depends on a vital relationship between ego and unconscious. The aim is not to overcome one's personal psychology, to become perfect, but to become familiar with it. Thus individuation involves an increasing awareness of one's unique psychological reality, including personal strengths and limitations, and at the same time a deeper appreciation of humanity in general.

  Meditation. A technique of focused introspection. Jung distinguished between meditation practiced in the East or in traditional Western religious exercises, and its use as a tool for self-understanding, particularly in the realization of projections.

   Orientation. A term used to indicate the general principle governing a personal attitude or viewpoint. One's psychological orientation determines how one sees and interprets reality. In Jung's model of typology, a thinking attitude is oriented by the principle of logic; a sensation attitude is oriented by the direct perception of concrete facts; intuition orients itself to future possibilities; and feeling is governed by subjective worth. Each of these attitudes may operate in an introverted or extraverted way.

  Persona. The "I," usually ideal aspects of ourselves, that we present to the outside world.... Originally the word persona meant a mask worn by actors to indicate the role they played. On this level, it is both a protective covering and an asset in mixing with other people. Civilized society depends on interactions between people through the persona.... Before the persona has been differentiated from the ego, the persona is experienced as individuality. In fact, as a social identity on the one hand and an ideal image on the other, there is little individual about it.

  Rebirth. Jung distinguished between five different forms of rebirth: metempsychosis (transmigration of souls), reincarnation (in a human body), resurrection, psychological rebirth (individuation) and indirect change that comes about through participation in the process of transformation.... Psychological rebirth was Jung's particular focus. Induced by ritual or stimulated by immediate personal experience, it results in an enlargement of the personality. He acknowledged that one might feel transformed during certain group experiences, but he cautioned against confusing this with genuine rebirth.

  Self. The archetype of wholeness and the regulating center of the psyche; a transpersonal power that transcends the ego.

  Shadow. Hidden or unconscious aspects of oneself, both good and bad, which the ego has either repressed or never recognized.

  Symbol. The best possible expression for something unknown.... Jung's primary interest in symbols lay in their ability to transform and redirect instinctive energy

  Synchronicity was defined by Jung as an "acausal connecting principle," an essentially mysterious connection between the personal psyche and the material world, based on the fact that at bottom they are only different forms of energy.

  Type. A characteristic general attitude or function.... Jung believed that the early distortion of type due to parental or other environmental influences can lead to neurosis in later life.

 Typology. A system in which individual attitudes and behavior patterns are categorized in an attempt to explain the differences between people. Jung's model of typology grew out of an extensive historical review of the type question in literature, mythology, aesthetics, philosophy and psychopathology. Whereas earlier classifications were based on observations of temperamental or physiological behavior patterns, Jung's model is concerned with the movement of energy and the way in which one habitually or preferentially orients oneself in the world.   

* The definitions above have been quoted from the Jung Lexicon with the kind permission of Daryl Sharp, PhD, publisher and general editor of Inner City Books. The clothbound Jung Lexicon can be purchased with a credit card by phoning BookWorld at 1-800-444-2524, or can be ordered on-line.

Definitions of Introverts/Introversion

Below are nine different definitions of introverts and introversion from a variety of sources. We are all in the process of developing better definitions for introversion. Take what you like here, and leave the rest. Let's raise consciousness. Introversion is a legitimate personality style!

1.   A mode of psychological orientation where the movement of energy is toward the inner world. * [Jung Lexicon, Daryl Sharp]

2.   A person who tends to shrink from social contacts and to become preoccupied with their own thoughts. [Define Ansme]

3.   Turned toward the inner world of symbols, ideals and forms. An introvert, or introverted type, is one whose dominant function is inwardly focused. Introverts are inclined to express themselves, using their primary function, indirectly, through inference and nuance. [TypeLogic]

4.   By Myers-Briggs' definition, an introvert derives energy from his or her internal world of emotions and ideas, while an extrovert draws from the outside world of people and activities for spiritual sustenance. [CIO.com]

5.   Introverts often: have quiet energy; listen more than talk; think quietly inside my head; think, then act; feel comfortable being alone; prefer to work "behind-the-scenes" ; have good powers of concentration; prefer to focus on one thing at a time; are self-contained and reserved. [Personality Type]

6.   An introvert’s essential stimulation is from within the inner world of ideas and impression, thoughts and reflections. Introverts literally draw energy from attending to the inner world. The bias is toward reflection. Introverts need to do things by themselves so they can turn inward and reflect and thereby rebuild their energy. Introverts think things through in order to understand them. Introverts process internally first, and then come out with the conclusion. They prefer written communication. Introverts may prefer privacy, being with a one or two others or being alone. Introverts give depth to life. In America: Extraversion 60-65%; introversion: 35-40%. [InSpirit Resources]

7.   Introverts take a break and head for the beach, watch TV, or read a book. They are drained by social situations, and keep a few close friends. I's can be life of party but find it draining. They like alone time, and thinking before they speak. I's energy is more directed inward (the world within), towards their own thoughts, ideas, perceptions, and reactions. Yet, according to Jung I's are more into the subjective experience, the world within (rather than the external world), and see the external world as somewhat threatening. Crowds to not energize them. They trust their own judgments and perceptions more than those of others, and will think an idea before expressing it. Isabel Briggs Myers (1995: 56) says Introverts are "more at home in the world of ideas than in the world of people and things." Introverts live in the inner world of thoughts and ideas. [New Mexico State University, College of Business Administration & Economics]

8.   Keirsey suddenly decided to call introverts "reserved persons" (?): On the other hand, Reserved persons (ISFJs, INTJs, etc.) can be said to draw energy from a different source. They prefer to pursue solitary activities, working quietly alone with their favored project or hobby, however simple or complicated it may be, and such isolated activities are what seem to charge their batteries. Indeed, the Reserved can remain only so long in contact with others before their energies are depleted. If required by their job, family, or social responsibilities to be expressive or outgoing -- to make a great interpersonal effort -- they are soon exhausted and need alone time in quiet places to rest and to restore their depleted energy. Thus, if Reserved persons go to a noisy cocktail party, after a short period of time -- say, half an hour -- they are ready to go home. For them, the party is over, their batteries are drained. This is not to say that the Reserved do not like to be around people. They enjoy socializing with others, but at large social gatherings or professional meetings they tend to seek out a quiet corner where they can chat with one or two other persons.... There is some social bias toward expressiveness in American social life, but Reserved persons have no reason to feel that there is anything wrong with them, and should be sure to provide adequately for their legitimate desire for quiet time to themselves. [Keirsey Personality Type]

9. [Introversion] is normally characterized by a hesitant, reflective, retiring nature that keeps itself to itself, shrinks from objects, is always slightly on the defensive and prefers to hide behind mistrustful scrutiny. [Extraversion] is normally characterized by an outgoing, candid, and accommodating nature that adapts easily to a given situation, quickly forms attachments, and, setting aside any possible misgivings, will often venture forth with careless confidence into unknown situations. In the first case obviously the subject, and in the second the object, is all-important.[The Problem of the Attitude-Type, CW 7, par. 62. ] [Sharp on Jung]

10. Visit MorrisCat for a list of attributes.

     For more information, please visit and deeply browse www.theintrovertzcoach.com

  * Extracts in the Jung Lexicon are, in the original, supported by extensive analysis and direct quotes from: The Collected Works of C.G. Jung. 20 vols. Bollingen Series XX, translated by R.F.C. Hull, edited by H. Read, M. Fordham, G. Adler, and Wm. McGuire. Princeton University Press, Princeton,1953-1979.

The names of the individual volumes are as follows:

1. Psychiatric Studies
2. Experimental Researches
3. The Psychogenesis of Mental Disease
4. Freud and Psychoanalysis
5. Symbols of Transformation
6. Psychological Types
7. Two Essays on Analytical Psychology
8. The Structure and Dynamics of the Psyche
9i. The Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious
9ii. Aion: Researches into the Phenomenology of the Self
10. Civilization in Transition
11. Psychology and Religion: West and East
12. Psychology and Alchemy
13. Alchemical Studies
14. Mysterium Coniunctionis
15. The Spirit in Man, Art, and Literature
16. The Practice of Psychotherapy
17. The Development of Personality
18. The Symbolic Life: Miscellaneous Writings
19. General Bibliography of Jung's Writings
20. General Index
C.G. Jung Letters. Bollingen Series XCV. 2 vols. Ed. Gerhard Adler and Aniela Jaffé.Trans.R.F.C.Hull. Princeton University Press, Princeton, 1973.

Memories, Dreams, Reflections. Ed. Aniela Jaffé. Pantheon Books, New York, 1961.

The Freud/Jung Letters. Bollingen Series XCIV. Ed. William McGuire. Trans. Ralph Manheim and R.F.C. Hull. Princeton University Press, Princeton, 1974.

Nietzsche's Zarathustra: Notes of the Seminar Given in 1934-1939. Bollingen Series XCIX. 2 vols. Ed. James L. Jarrett.