Positive traits of introversion

[JC]

I am an introvert and am greatly alarmed by the negative connotation the
word has. It also bothers me that so many people define both introversion
and extroversion in terms of outward behaviors as opposed to them being
mental states (of course these people know nothing about psychology).
So I'm interested in hearing what all of you think is good about
introverts.

Thanks and I
look forward to reading your posts.

[Zannie]

Introversion and extroversion are really about how a person recuperates lost
energy- ex. some people need to be around people to regain energy
(extroverted) and others need solitude, to be alone to recharge
(introversion). Neither one is better than the other, merely different.
There has been much misunderstanding concerning what is meant by these two
terms as I understand it.
: )

"JC" <xmac...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:uTFd7.14141$1p1.1...@bgtnsc04-news.ops.worldnet.att.net...

[OhSojourner]

JC wrote:

------------------------------------------------------------------------

I posted an article here a few weeks ago titled "Introverts and Extroverts"
regarding a study that was done using PET scans. Here it is again:

http://www.uiowa.edu/~ournews/1999/march/0329intro-extro.html

Brain activity differs in introverts and extroverts, UI study shows

IOWA CITY, Iowa -- A University of Iowa study adds to growing evidence that
being shy or outgoing may be all in your head. Investigators looking at
cerebral blood flow and personality found more conclusive signs of different
brain activity in introverts and extroverts.

This is the first study to reveal the connections between activity of the
thalamus and introversion and extroversion, said Debra L. Johnson, Ph.D., UI
assistant research scientist in psychology and the study's lead investigator.
"We found more evidence that people might be shy or outgoing because of the way
their brains are structured."

Previous studies have shown that introversion and extroversion are based on
variations in brain function, but those studies did not describe all the
locations found in this study. The UI researchers examined 18 healthy
individuals using positron emission tomography (PET) scans, which can provide a
high-resolution image of the entire head.

The PET scans revealed that introverts have more activity in the frontal lobes
of the brain and anterior, or front, thalamus. These areas are activated when a
person's brain takes on internal processing such as remembering, problem
solving and planning. Extroverts exhibit more activity in the anterior
cingulate gyrus, temporal lobes and posterior thalamus. These areas are
typically thought to be more involved in sensory processing such as listening,
watching or driving.

The differences in cognitive style and sensory-processing relate to the
qualities associated with introversion and extroversion. True introverts are
quiet, inwardly focused and reclusive. Extroverts are gregarious, socially
active and sensation seeking.

"Introverts get more of their stimulation internally, whereas extroverts seek
outside sources," Johnson said. "Extremely introverted and extroverted
personalities are two ends of a continuum, with most people falling somewhere
in between."

Johnson added, "The implication is that one personality trait ‹ introversion
or extroversion - isn't right or wrong. These variations in brain activity
suggest that a lot of our individual differences have an underlying biological
cause."

The subjects, 10 men and eight women, first took personality tests to determine
the extent to which they were introverts or extroverts. The researchers later
had the subjects lie down with their eyes closed while the PET scan measured
brain activity.

"Lying quietly allows the mind to be free and do what it naturally does,"
Johnson explained. "When a part of the brain becomes active, there is increased
blood flow to that region, which shows up on the PET scan."
The findings were published in the February issue of the American Journal of
Psychiatry.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

If introverts aren't as concerned with socializing, and are better at
remembering, problem solving and planning, they would probably excel at tasks
requiring solitude, concentration and figuring things out -- and there are
plenty of important occupations that require the above (the sciences come to
mind).

I wonder how many self-professed computer geeks are introverts?

[Taechon]

JC wrote in message ...

You are incorrect in your assumption of the "world's view of introverts."
It is primarily Western countries that favor the extrovert. Asian
countries, China, Japan, Korea, Viet nam, Thailand, etc... definatley favor
the introvert. Strong opinions, or displays of emotion are considered rude
and ill mannered. Displays of such behaviors will cause significant social
consequences. It is much easier to be an introvert in an Asian country.
You would be considered polite and respectful.

You must emember that Western countries have a strong sense of
individualism. Stand out, be your own man, pull yourself up by your own
boot-straps. In contrast, Japan, for example, has expressions like, "It is
the nail that sticks out that gets beaten down." Many Asian cultures have
been influenced by Confusianism and this stresses the idea of Harmony. "The
group is more important than the individual." This is very much opposed to
the individualistic idea of "Every man for himslef," in Western cultures.

This in no way implies that one sysyem is better than another. Both present
significant social problems. Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucinism have very
different world outlooks than the Protistant Work Ethic.

[Taechon]

Of course the following study does not address the issue of the cause of
altered brain activity between introverts and extroverts. Is the brain
activity effected by the act of being introverted or extroverted? Or is
there a cause of introversion or extroversion based on brain activity. The
brain may not be structured one way or the other. The person, culture,
society, may structure the brain. Now we are back to the old argument which
comes first, biology or culture. It is interesting that brain activity is
altered by one's choice to be introverted or extroverted, but what does it
have to do with the price of tea in China?

Introversion and extroversion may not be a result of brain function. This
is a basic biomedical model based on cause and effect. It is just as
reasonable to say the brains function is a result of introversion or
extroversion. In other words, brains are structured a specific way because
people are introverted or extroverted.

OhSojourner wrote in message
<20010813032413...@mb-mh.aol.com>...

[John 'the Man']

"Taechon" <ka...@kornet.net> wrote in message
news:9l88o8$5gn$1...@news1.kornet.net...

> Introversion and extroversion may not be a result of brain function. This
> is a basic biomedical model based on cause and effect. It is just as
> reasonable to say the brains function is a result of introversion or
> extroversion. In other words, brains are structured a specific way
because
> people are introverted or extroverted.

Nonsense! This is not a philosophy ng.

As long as one can not switch at will from Introversion to Extroversion one
can safely assume that normal adult brains are hard wired just as much as
any brain damage subject's behavior is hard wired in the brain.

[Taechon]

John 'the Man' wrote in message ...

Actually you should look at some "brain damage" studies. The younger a
person is when the damage occur, the more likely they are to make a full
recovery. There is nothing hard-wired in a brain. That's actually one of
the most fascinating things about it.