With the advent of the Big Five personality taxonomy, neuroticism was no longer seen as a mere transient response to life difficulties, but as a personality trait that tends to endure over time.
The Big Five’s domains—neuroticism, extraversion, openness, agreeableness and conscientiousness—are sometimes said to be orthogonal, that is, statistically unrelated. But empirical research has consistently shown that Big Five extraversion is negatively related to neuroticism. Or, to put it differently, introverts—on average—score higher in neuroticism than extraverts.
Big Five neuroticism assesses for the presence of negative thoughts, moods or emotions, as well as the stability of one’s emotional state over time. Individuals with more negative thoughts, moods, and emotions, along with those reporting emotional instability, will score higher on this measure. The stability element is captured in the assertive (A) vs. turbulent (T) variable that some have begun appending to the Myers-Briggs types (e.g., INFJ-T). So if it’s true that introverts are less emotionally stable, we can expect a higher number of turbulent vs. assertive introverts.
In light of research suggesting that extraverts are generally happier and less neurotic, there seems to be an underlying sentiment among some Big Five and positive psychology theorists that it’s somehow better to be extraverted. Understandably, some Myers-Briggs typologists, such as Katherine Hirsh, have stridently objected to this practice of tacitly casting introverts as more neurotic and not okay as they are. Indeed, the Myers-Briggs community has always defended the preferences and importance of all types, seeing each as having a unique and valuable role in the world.
That said, it’s not my intention to crusade against the Big Five. After all, if we live in a society that in many ways favors extraverts, it shouldn’t surprise us if extraverts turn out to be a bit happier. And if maximizing happiness is the ultimate objective, as it seems to be for many people, we can see why it might be tempting to promote extraversion as a means to a happier life.
But as is often the case, this issue is not as simple or clear-cut as it initially seems. For one thing, scoring high on neuroticism requires an individual to first be attuned to, and honest about, one’s inner life. Those with less self-awareness will typically opt for the socially desirable (i.e., low neuroticism) responses. And I suspect that extraverts are more susceptible to this.
Extraverts tend to relish high levels of external stimulation. They love being busy, having lots of projects and obligations, keeping the television on for background noise, and enjoying a breadth of social engagements. In many respects, the extraverted mind is not confined to their cranium, but extends into the outside world; it exists between them and the environment. As Jung observed, extraverts get absorbed in “the object”—the outer / objective world. The upshot, with respect to this post, is that extraversion affords fewer opportunities for introspection which, for many extraverts, is perfectly fine. Indeed, sitting quietly with themselves and looking inward can be just as unsettling for extraverts as noisy social gatherings are for introverts.
Introverts are less anxious about, and desirous of, quiet moments (yes, literal quiet). External quiet opens the door to introspection, that is, to noticing what’s happening in one’s mind, body and soul. Within these internal quarters a number of things can transpire—some good, some neutral, and some difficult; not unlike what happens in the outside world. The main difference is introverts feel more at home and skilled with inner navigation, including dealing with difficult issues that may arise during introspection. Nevertheless, I suspect that introverts’ proclivity for introspection may play a role in their higher neuroticism scores. Let’s now consider some of the potential perks and downsides of introspection:
Potential benefits of introspection:
- Harvesting creative or original ideas
- Solving challenging problems
- Coming to terms with difficult emotions or life experiences
- Gaining insight for self-understanding / improvement / direction
Potential downsides of introspection:
- Feelings of loneliness, social isolation, fear, etc.
- Over-analysis to the point of being counterproductive
- Snowballing of negative thoughts and feelings
- Dissatisfaction when ideals / fantasies fail to materialize
It’s relatively easy to imagine how certain aspects of Big Five neuroticism—anxiety, depression, and self-consciousness—could feasibly be made worse by excessive rumination or introspection. As mentioned above, if something goes awry, there can be a snowballing of negative thoughts, moods, and feelings. By contrast, it’s harder to envision extraverts becoming more depressed by doing what comes naturally to them, such as spending more time with other people. Rather, extraverts are probably more susceptible to insidious health problems or breakdowns stemming from burnout. They run at full tilt until their body can’t take it any longer.
With this in mind, we arrive at a key question for introverts: Is introspection worth it? Put differently, should introverts be willing to risk unhappiness or dissatisfaction for the sake of self-reflection?
Most introverts will, and maybe even should, consider this a silly question. Asking introverts (especially intuitive (N) introverts) to avoid self-reflection is like asking a fish to stop swimming. Whatever the potential downsides of introspection, introverts will consider the risks of forgoing it to be far greater. It’s not unlike functioning as a “starving artist” versus resigning oneself to a monotonous job with good pay. The good paying job might look good on the surface and seem like the “more reasonable” thing to do. But there’s something deeper at stake, something we might call spiritual, which carries more weight for the introvert. If introverts sense that, through introspection, they are ultimately moving toward something more meaningful, they can shoulder whatever difficulties and hardships they encounter along the way.
While abstaining from introspection is rarely a feasible option for introverts, it’s nonetheless possible, and probably advisable, to find ways of maximizing its benefits and minimizing its risks. One seemingly straightforward skill, although easier said than done, is knowing when to turn it off, that is, realizing when it’s time to switch gears for a while and let the subconscious do its thing. As mentioned earlier, it’s possible for introverts to over-analyze things to the point where it’s counterproductive.
Another useful skill, often associated with meditation practices, is learning to acknowledge, then let go of, negative thoughts and emotions. By nipping negative emotions in the bud, introverts can curtail the snowballing effect discussed earlier. In short, developing skills like these can help introverts enjoy the gifts and rewards of introspection with fewer unwanted side-effects.
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Related Posts:
Turbulent (T) vs. Assertive (A) Personality
Anxiety & Self-Awareness: How Introverts & Extraverts Differ
Steve says
Having a introverted temperament myself, I’ve struggled with many of the “downsides” of introversion that you’ve listed. I’ve addressed my fears and disappointments by asking myself the following question: how can I extrovert this thought? If I’m worried about something, what can I do to prepare? How can I turn an imagination into a story or piece of art? How can I turn a relational issue into a meaningful conversation? Putting action to my thoughts gives me a sense of control and resolution that alleviates fear and disappointment.
A.J. Drenth says
Great point Steve. As my sidekick Elaine has occasionally remarked, introverts need to find ways of effectively “turning what’s inside out,” with the opposite being true for extraverts.
Shawna says
I just came out of a 36 hour voluntary self isolation in my bedroom and your post details the exact reasons I felt compelled to shut out the outside world completely. Just being in silence letting the “subconscious do it’s thing” is amazingly restorative. Thanks for an insightful and timely post.
A.J. Drenth says
Thanks for sharing your comment and experiences Shawna.
Valvolt says
Amazing article as usual, sir.
I’m an INTP and have bought all your books because I really feel understood by your insights, and I see you as a mentor now.
This article made me realize all the pros and cons of being introvert… and by the way, I think that the most useful articles for INTPs are those that talk about detailed pros and cons of everything relevant to the personality theories.
I now know that I need more extroversion because the cons are outweighing the pros for me, at this point of my life.
Thanks for sharing this pearl of wisdom
A.J. Drenth says
You’re welcome Valvolt. Glad you enjoyed the post!
Gary P Leason says
As an ENTP-A, I would just remind everyone that extroversion is an act of will. “To be or not to be” anything requires an existential embrace of the realities of life, not their mental constructs. Shakespeare’s philosophy pronounced through the vehicle of HAMLET is not an introspective battle with the problems of his angst. Instead, this bright and witty ENTP prince keeps his melancholy at bay through the execution of plots and plans that he believes “will capture the conscience of the King.” The imposition of his dead father’s demands for retribution and vengeance are archaic vestiges of an overly emotional mind. These appeals to the primitve rules of primogeniture are anathema to this university educated modern. Caught between the Fe rock of social norms and the Ti ‘hard-place’ rationality of a materialist mind, Prince Hamlet’s impetuosity is just a symptom of his rage over the loss of his independence. Extroversion demands engagement with the actual, while Introversion shrinks from the dangers inherent in uncontrolled environments. Extroverts are always ‘battled hardened’ by experience, while Introverts cower in the bowers of their worst imaginings.
Robin F. says
I so enjoyed this post and today I really needed the affirmation it brought. I was laughing to myself before I got to the end of this line “With this in mind, we arrive at a key question for introverts: Is introspection worth it? Put differently, should introverts be willing to risk unhappiness or dissatisfaction for the sake of self-reflection?” I should have known your conclusion before I read it. I am 60+ years old and its taken me the better part of 42 of those years to come to terms with my true self (INFP). I think many introverts spend a good amount of youthful time trying to behave like extroverts until exhausted by the effort. Thanks to good work like yours, we can hopefully come to appreciate our own unique qualities sooner than later and share with those younger (two of six of my own children are introverts) that they are unique by design sparing them years of suffering. I hope to be able to enjoy your work for many more years!
Dan says
I find introspection satisfying. Always something in my experience or my schema to connect new thoughts or ideas to. It’s like keeping a drawer full of unmatched socks with new ones steadily coming in. I’m always finding something that “fits” or “connects” with something else.
And yet, I also find wine satisfying. And we all know what too much of that can do.
Sheila says
Thanks a lot for this article, as an introvert I feel it’s so spot on.
Just very recently I used the exact same words to describe my worry about becoming too engaged with ‘doing’ in the external world – losing the spiritual (in a non-religious, non-esoteric sense), something that is so deeply built-in and necessary for me. It was quite reassuring to read this here.
I guess, as always, it’s a question of balance.
As usual, I really appreciate your observations!