Realizations Inc

©Arlene R. Taylor PhD      Realizations Inc

The words Extraversion, Ambiversion, and Introversion refer to the type of brain a person possesses in terms of an internal or external focus, or a somewhat balanced combination of the two. Decades ago Jung surmised that each individual could be placed on a metaphorical continuum somewhere between extremely extraverted and extremely introverted. His observations are being validated through PET Scan Studies. Research is also refining what is meant by differences. For example, in her book The Introvert Advantage, Dr Laney wrote that extraverts are not necessarily more outgoing than introverts.

Your innate relative position on a metaphorical EAI Continuum is vital to your sense of self. The brain tends to take in data more efficiently and process it more effectively when in a preferred environment. If you are not in an environment matches your specific needs for stimulation, you may be unable to engage in quality thinking. Comments in the book, Mapping the Mind, related to brain-scanning studies, appear to corroborate this.

EAI Continuum

Each human brain is believed to arrive on the scene with its own EAI preference already in place. Potentially, the extremes can be identified within days of birth. An infant with extreme needs for stimulation (extremely extraverted) may sleep fewer hours, may stop crying only when passed around the room to a dozen caregivers, and rattle the crib or bang its head on the bed frame in an effort to find stimulation. An infant with low needs for stimulation (extremely introverted) may sleep longer hours, stop crying only when placed in a quiet room or allowed to lie quietly instead of being rocked, and become ill when overstimulated.

Infants who don’t exhibit the extremes of extraversion or introversion fall within the ambiversion range. They have almost equal needs for stimulation and relief from stimulation. Ambiversion is identified by exclusion (e.g., if the infant does not exhibit characteristics of either Extraversion or Intraversion, there is a good possibility the infant is Ambiverted).

Compensating Behaviors
 

Individuals with extremely introverted brains may become overstimulated if they try to keep up with the behaviors of those who are extremely extraverted. In such situations, if extreme introverts try to extravert more than is natural for their brains, they may become fatigued, sick, or even depressed. The extremely introverted brain may exhibit a variety of compensatory behaviors such as:

• Withdraw from the group and run the risk of being labeled a loner, shy, too quiet, or stuck-up
  
• Engage in a solitary activity such as reading, walking alone, taking a nap
  
• Be unable to focus or concentrate (e.g., overloaded with stimuli)
  
• Exhibit immobility or isolation tendencies at least temporarily
  

Individuals with extremely extraverted brains may suffer from insufficient stimulation if they attempt to function in introverted environments. In such situations, individuals with extremely extraverted brains may become quickly bored, restless, or even fall asleep. They may become dependent upon substances (e.g., caffeine, nicotine, amphetamines) to provide chemical stimulation to their brain to help them feel alive, alert, and engaged with life, or may be encouraged to take chemical stimulation in the form of medication (e.g., Ritalin). The extremely extraverted brain may exhibit a variety of compensatory behaviors such as:

• Become restless or anxious
  
• Be unable to concentrate and focus (e.g., attention may wander)
  
• Get into trouble with others or with the law (often unwittingly) in a search for stimulation)
  
• Engage in inappropriate or less than optimum behaviors in an attempt to obtain stimulation (e.g., bang head on furniture, make noises, constantly move around, tap fingers or pencil)
  

Two Sides of a Coin
 

Think of extraversion and introversion as two sides of a coin. Each side appears to be quite similar in appearance for an ambivert, but very different for an extreme extravert or extreme introvert.

According to Benziger and all things being equal, when you engage in activities that match your brain lead, you tend to exhibit behaviors that match your innate position on the EAI Continuum. When you are engaged in activities that are energy-intensive for your brain (e.g., outside your innate brain lead), the more likely you are to exhibit the opposite side of your EAI coin.

For example, extreme extraverts tend to exhibit extraverted behaviors when using innate brain lead functions and exhibit introverted behaviors when using nonpreferred cerebral divisions, and vice versa. If functions outside your brain lead are more rewarded by society, you may develop such strong skills that others may view you as naturally gifted in those nonpreferred energy-intensive functions. Again, this will likely be very exhausting if you continue to try to meet expectations over the long term.