The Gift of Introversion

IV. Introversion vs. Extroversion
The trait of Extraversion–Introversion is a central dimension of human
personality theories. The terms introversion and extraversion were popularized by Carl
Jung, although both the popular understanding and psychological usage differ from his
original intent. Extraversion tends to be manifested in outgoing, talkative, energetic
behavior, whereas introversion is manifested in more reserved and solitary
behavior. Virtually all comprehensive models of personality include these concepts in
various forms. Examples include the Big Five model, Jung's analytical psychology, Hans
Eysenck's three-factor model, Raymond Cattell's 16 personality factors, the Minnesota
Multiphasic Personality Inventory, and the Myers–Briggs Type Indicator.
Extraversion and introversion are typically viewed as a single continuum, so to be high
in one necessitates being low in the other. Carl Jung and the developers of the Myers–
Briggs Type Indicator provide a different perspective and suggest that everyone has
both an extraverted side and an introverted side, with one being more dominant than
the other.
Rather than focusing on interpersonal behavior, however, Jung defined introversion as
an "attitude-type characterized by orientation in life through subjective psychic contents"
(focus on one's inner psychic activity) and extraversion as "an attitude type
characterized by concentration of interest on the external object" (focus on the outside
world).
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