Biological Introversion/Extraversion

[wedekit]

Well, I learned about the Biological model of I/E in my Theories of Personality class. I asked my teacher how well it related to Jung's version and she told me that there was some overlap but overall it is an unexplored area. So I thought I would do some casual exploration...

Basically, I's are more quickly and strongly aroused when exposed to external stimulation. Introverts are also more easily overwhelmed by the stimulation of parties, loud music, or social gatherings while extraverts find this kind of stimulation pleasant. On the other end of the coin, extraverts are quickly bored by slow-moving movie plots and soft music while introverts often find these subtle sources of stimulation engaging. When trying to study in a library, research has found that introverts typically will pick quiet study rooms away from all stimulation while extraverts prefer to sit out in the open amidst the stimulation.

Another difference, according to the biological model, is that extraverts are much more sensitive to the idea of rewards. This leads to impulsive behavior which makes them more likely to be found on a roller coaster or at a party. However, this also means that if an extravert thought going on a walk alone would be pleasing, they would be more likely than an introvert to actually do it.

Although I do not wish to address this piece of information as I do the others, research in the biological approach has found that extraverts are happier. This is, in short, due to their ability to appreciate and pursue social experience (commonly found to be a key factor in overall happiness) and their ability to appreciate rewards. As far as rewards go, research has found that extraverts are more pleased with their own accomplishments than introverts, and do not react as badly to failure as introverts. (Of course the problem I see with this is that social experience and rewards do not even begin to describe what constitutes happiness. These two things are items that are measurable by experimentation while I'm sure at least some of the things introverts find happiness in are not as easily measurable. I personally don't see happy as something experienced but rather something obtained.)

So, in summary: Introverts are much more sensitive to stimulation than extraverts.

So, I wish just wondering if whoever reads this feels like it is in some way descriptive of their MBTI I/E preference? I personally feel like the biological model of an introvert fits me well.

Thanks.

[disregard]

I definitely agree.

I am an extravert (biologically, at least), and I can vouch for preferring my "alone" time still to be in the vicinity of other people. I am a very happy person because of what you mentioned-- I know how to get the experience I need to maintain that equilibrium, and I do it. It is generally unlikely for me to feel overwhelmed by stimulation, unless I'm tired or hungry, then I will become cranky and want to withdraw. Interaction pumps me up, like sunlight to a plant.

[wedekit]

Originally Posted by Dana

I definitely agree.

I am an extravert (biologically, at least), and I can vouch for preferring my "alone" time still to be in the vicinity of other people. I am a very happy person because of what you mentioned-- I know how to get the experience I need to maintain that equilibrium, and I do it. It is generally unlikely for me to feel overwhelmed by stimulation, unless I'm tired or hungry, then I will become cranky and want to withdraw. Interaction pumps me up, like sunlight to a plant.

The funny thing is I can't even imagine what that must feel like. Too much stimulation and I panic, lol.

[Athenian200]

I agree with it. One thing I noticed about myself is that I don't seem to get excited about things as often as other people... as if things that are meant to be seen as rewards don't stimulate me as much. I don't feel that strong a sense of accomplishment for a job well done. I feel only a sense of balance, which is upset towards negative if something goes awry.

It's almost as if my mind is designed to work on the principle, "avoid negative consequences" rather than "seek the best outcome."

[philonightmare]

I am the same as Dana when it comes to getting pumped up with social interaction and external stimuli. If I don't get enough in a day, I become easily agitated. I cannot sit in the quietest areas of the library without going slowly insane and wondering what is going on elsewhere.

I usually sit on a floor which is generally quiet but talking to neighbors/talking on your phone is permitted. I avoid the floors where you can hear a pin drop. But I also avoid the floors where there is too much uncontrolled noise --but the visual stimulation of seeing so many people comforts me. I will be irritated if there is noise while I am going through a moment of intense concentration.

[bluebell]

Originally Posted by wedekit

The funny thing is I can't even imagine what that must feel like. Too much stimulation and I panic, lol.

Ha. Exactly. I find walking through the food hall at the mall overwhelming - noise, bright lights, crowds. I get really tense and I can't think.

However, I quite like working in an open-plan office. The noise and people are somewhat comforting (heh, unless there is LOUD conversation right next to my desk). Work is usually enough to satisfy my need for interacting with other people.

[disregard]

Originally Posted by bluebell

Ha. Exactly. I find walking through the food hall at the mall overwhelming - noise, bright lights, crowds. I get really tense and I can't think.

I hate situations like that too. I think the preferred source of stimulation varies from person to person.

[whatever]

I love interacting with people- I enjoy my job because I spend my shift talking to interesting people who I may not have had the opportunity to meet anyways. I even get bored with silence at home- I am almost always playing music, have the TV on (not watching it- I just like the noise!) or am talking to myself like a crazy person

I even listen to classical music obnoxiously loudly

shopping malls are hideous though- I don't like crowds *shudder*

[bluebell]

Originally Posted by whatever

I even listen to classical music obnoxiously loudly

I listen to heavy metal obnoxiously quietly.

shopping malls are hideous though- I don't like crowds *shudder*

I go when it's quiet. Even then, the bright lights and stuff are distracting. And yep, crowds, ugh.

[wedekit]

Originally Posted by bluebell

I listen to heavy metal obnoxiously quietly.
I go when it's quiet. Even then, the bright lights and stuff are distracting. And yep, crowds, ugh.

Hahaha, yeah, I totally like to go places when I know NOBODY is there. I even prefer driving later at night when no one is on the streets or freeways. An iPod was my savior walking to class because I could just tune everything else out and concentrate on listening to music and walking. Unfortunately I lost my USB cord so I haven't been able to use it in the last 3 months (I ordered a new one today, finally). I was forced to be "sociable" under those circumstances. At least I have a new skill under my belt... smalltalk.