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A Tentative Analysis on the Forming Factors of Introversion
Psychology
Sheng Wan1,a,*
1Guangzhou Xiangjiang Middle School, 725 Zhonghai Guanyuan International, Jinsui Road,
Tianhe District, Guangzhou, China
a. 2541489008@qq.com
*corresponding author
Abstract: Introverts differ in their behavior and emotional expression from extroverts. They
tend to be more solitary and deliberate, and are relatively less involved in social activities.
This individual difference has been a topic of concern in psychological research. Introverts
need to understand that introversion is a trait, not a flaw. Exploring the causes of
introversion can help people better understand themselves, their strengths and weaknesses,
and cope more effectively with their emotions and behaviors. At the same time, analyzing
the psychological causes of introversion can also help people better understand others and
improve their communication and interpersonal skills. All in all, this kind of research can
help us better understand human individual differences and improve individual
development and mental health. This paper combs the concept and development of
introversion psychology, analyzes the characteristics of introversion psychology, analyzes
the formation factors of introversion psychology from internal and external causes, and
summarizes the advantages of introversion psychology.
Keywords: introversion psychology, factor analysis, psychological advantage
1. Introduction
1.1. Research Background
Previous studies have found that introversion is linked to a variety of factors, including genetics and
environment [1]. For example, parenting style, socioeconomic status, cultural background, and
biological factors may all influence an individual’s introverted personality traits. In addition, some
studies have also found that introversion personality is associated with some negative psychological
states such as depression and social anxiety [2], which further prompted researchers to explore the
formation of introversion psychological factors. Studying the factors that shape introversion can
help us better understand how individuals develop their personality traits and behaviors. These
studies can reveal the differences between introverts and extroverts in social interaction, emotional
expression, cognitive processing and other aspects, and help promote mutual understanding and
communication between different people.
Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Educational Innovation and Philosophical Inquiries
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7048/16/20231097
© 2023 The Authors. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0
(https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
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1.2. Research Significance
Studying the factors that shape introversion can help us better understand individual differences and
mental health problems in humans. Introverts may face different challenges than extroverts, such as
social difficulties, loneliness and depression. Studying the factors that shape introversion can help
us better understand how individuals develop their personality traits and behaviors. These studies
can reveal the differences between introverts and extroverts in social interaction, emotional
expression, cognitive processing and other aspects, and help promote mutual understanding and
communication between different people. The research significance of the formation of introversion
psychology is also to understand the source and development mechanism of introversion, so as to
better help those with introversion to adapt to the social environment. In addition, such research can
also provide guidance for fields such as human resource management, education and career
counseling. It can help promote the development of interpersonal relationships, help organizations
better deal with the individual differences of employees or students, and improve overall
performance and happiness.
2. Literature Review
2.1. Concept and Development of Introversion Psychology
Introversion refers to a person’s tendency to focus on the internal world, such as their own feelings,
thoughts and feelings, rather than the external world, and to be less adept at expressing themselves
and interacting with others [3]. This type of person usually prefers to be alone and reflective, and is
more inclined to think deeply and self-reflect when dealing with problems. They may feel
uncomfortable or nervous in situations that require a lot of social, expressive, and external
stimulation. Introversion is often considered a normal psychological type, as opposed to
extroversion, which tends to seek external stimuli and social interaction [4].
The concept of introversion originated from the personality type theory of Swiss psychologist
Carl Jung, who divided people into two types: introversion and extroversion [5]. According to Jung,
there are two basic psychological orientations in individual human beings: introversion and
extroversion. Introverts pay more attention to internal experience, self-reflection, independent
thinking and deep exploration, and are usually quiet and reserved. Extroverts, on the other hand,
focus more on external stimuli. Later, in the work of sociologist Max Weber, introversion was seen
as an individual trait more inclined to introspection, self-reflection, and exploration of the inner
world. At the same time, modern psychology defines an introvert as someone who prefers to spend
time alone, thinking about problems, and paying attention to details [6]. Together, these theories
shaped the concept of introversion and have had a profound impact on the study of human behavior
and character.
2.2. Internal Causes of Introversion Psychology
The internal reasons of introversion may include individual personality traits, genetic inheritance,
neurophysiological differences and other factors [7]. For example, some studies have shown that
introverts may have higher pain sensitivity, cognitive control and other traits. Some people are
genetically predisposed to more cautious and introverted responses to external stimuli, which is
related to the composition and function of their genes and nervous system[8]. In addition,
introverted people may be more focused on self-reflection and introspection, and tend to seek
satisfaction and security from inner experiences.
The influence of genetic factors on introversion is complicated, but research suggests that
genetic factors play a role in introversion [9]. These genetic factors may include genes,
Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Educational Innovation and Philosophical Inquiries
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7048/16/20231097
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neurotransmitters and neural circuits. For example, research suggests that genetic variants
associated with introversion may affect the level of dopamine in people’s brains, which can affect
emotional regulation and behavioral control [10]. Some research suggests that the brains of
introverted people may be less responsive to stimulation, possibly due to a thicker cortex [11].
Introverts, meanwhile, may be more likely to use the left hemisphere of their brain when
performing cognitive tasks, which is associated with language and logic [12]. In addition, the study
suggests that the internal nervous system anatomy of individuals may also influence whether they
are more likely to exhibit introverted traits [13].
However, neurobiological factors alone are not enough to explain introversion. Environmental
and socio-cultural factors are equally important.
2.3. External Causes of Introversion Psychology
External causes of introversion include the influence of environment, education and culture, such as
lack of social experience, over-protection and control, and culture that values independent thinking
and self-expression.
Research shows that the environment of growth has an important influence on the formation and
development of introversion psychology [14]. Family, education, social experience and other
aspects can affect individual character development. Some studies have pointed out that family
environment [15], such as parenting style, marital stability and parent-child relationship, has a
significant influence on introversion psychology. Introversion may develop in an environment
where a person is chronically socially inexperienced, overprotected and controlled, or in a culture
that values independent thinking and self-expression. An individual’s family and social
environment can influence the formation of introversion. For example, people who have
experienced negative experiences such as bullying, isolation or neglect are more likely to develop
introversion traits. In addition, childhood stress and trauma can also lead to introversion [16].
Therefore, the growth environment has a great impact on the formation and development of
introversion psychology.
Education can influence the formation of introversion psychology. For example, providing the
right curriculum and environment and encouraging students to actively participate in class
discussions and group activities can help introverted students increase their self-confidence and
social skills. Education can also promote the positive development of introversion by emphasizing
independent thinking, self-expression and self-esteem. However, if education overemphasizes
competitive and extroverted traits, it may cause stress and discomfort for introverted students, thus
exacerbating their introverted emotions and behaviors.
Cultural background has a significant influence on introversion psychology. For example, in
Western cultures, introversion is often seen as an abnormal or a trait that needs to be improved,
whereas in Eastern cultures, introversion is seen as a quality to be respected and nurtured. In
addition, the relationship between individuals and groups in different cultures also affects the
performance of introversion psychology. In individualistic cultures, introverted individuals are more
likely to suffer from social stress and anxiety, whereas in collectivist cultures, introverted
individuals are better able to fit in and fit in with the group. Therefore, it is important to understand
how cultural differences affect introversion.
2.4. Advantages of Introversion Psychology
Introverts tend to be more sensitive, think more deeply, pay more attention, and have an advantage
in processing information and solving problems [17]. Specifically, the advantages of introversion
are shown in the table1.
Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Educational Innovation and Philosophical Inquiries
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7048/16/20231097
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Table 1: Psychological advantages of introversion.
deliberate
Introverts are better at thinking deeply and reflecting on problems because
they tend to make decisions after thinking rather than rushing into action.
independence
Introverts are often more independent[18], less susceptible to external
pressure or groupthink, and have greater self-awareness and self-challenge.
creativity
Introverts are often highly creative and imaginative because they immerse
themselves more in their thoughts and feelings and get inspiration and ideas
from them.
introspection
Introverted individuals are better at self-reflection and self-observation[19],
can better understand their own emotions and needs, and better understand
and handle their own emotions and relationships.
better focus
Introverts are often better at focusing on a task, exploring and learning more
deeply in areas of interest, and accumulating more knowledge and skills.
The advantages of introversion psychology can help individuals perform well in study, work and
interpersonal communication. At the same time, introverts can achieve better team effectiveness by
cooperating with extroverts in a complementary manner [20]. Therefore, introverts should accept
their personality traits and learn to use their strengths to achieve a successful and happy life.
3. Conclusion
Society tends to recognize extroverts and ignore introverts, but by analyzing the advantages
introverts have over extroverts, this article shows that introverts have a superior nature -- introverts
are more likely to succeed. The fact also shows that from history to the present, there have been
prominent introverted personalities. Albert Einstein, who proposed the theory of relativity, Bill
Gates, the founder and chairman of Microsoft, and J.K. Rowling, the creator of Harry Potter, are all
outstanding representatives of introverted personalities. Of course, compared with extroverts,
introverts have certain disadvantages, such as the traditional view that introverts are more
pessimistic and solitary, but this is not because of the disadvantages of introversion itself, but
because introverts themselves and others lack of understanding of introversion. Comprehensive
consideration of the internal and external causes of introversion should be based on a full
understanding of introversion. Introverts should not only avoid self-isolation, anxiety, inferiority,
self-esteem, etc., but also avoid external introvert’s criticism and misunderstanding, to a certain
extent, give play to human nature.
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