Parameters of introversion-extroversion are widely used in psychological science in the process of research and categorization of personality types and their characteristics. Ambivert is a concept that corresponds to the middle on the I-E line. The development of this phenomenon was carried out by Carl Gustav Jung and Hans Jürgen Eysenck, who had slightly different views on this problem.
K. G. Jung and his introversion-extroversion theory
In the basis of this classification, the psychoanalyst placed such a criterion as the direction of the individual's libido. If the energy goes out into the external environment, extraversion manifests itself, therefore such a person loves social and practical life and does not like immersion in an imaginary inner world, the realm of reflection. If the libido is directed inward, then introversion manifests itself, which means the desire to imagine, reflect, do various imaginary, and not real, operations with objects of the external world. And the ambivert - who is it? This parameter occupies an intermediate position.
K. G. Jung argued that there are no pure types, so the ambivert is a completely normal state of the individual. The scientist compared these categories with the heartbeat: alternations between systole (contraction) -introversion - and diastole (relaxation) - extraversion. But mostly a person adheres to one parameter and acts within its framework.
Nobody says one type is good and the other is bad. Each has its own negative and positive qualities. It happens that an individual in a stressful situation changes the line of behavior. The best option is ambivert. The characteristic features of both parameters are combined in one person. This makes him flexible, able to react differently depending on the situation and the relevance of this or that method.
It is common for introverts to be interested only in their thoughts, inner experiences. They are in their own world, in which they feel good, but this is fraught with a loss of contact with reality. A striking example is the absent-minded scientist.
Extroverts are characterized by a special involvement in the world of things. They have good contact with reality, they are interested in what is happening in society. Alienation of the internal environment is about them. The world influences introverts, and it, in turn, is influenced by extroverts.
K. G.'s change of heart Jung
Time passed, science did not stand still, and the scientist K. G. Jung changed and improved his views a little. In addition, he stated that the ambivert is the most adaptive type, because he has the properties of both an extrovert and an introvert. The psychoanalyst also developed a doctrine of the psychological functions that make up I-E, namely, thinking, feeling, sensation and intuition.
G. Yu. Eysenck and his theory of introversion-extroversion
G. YU. Eysenck borrowed the above concepts from K. G. Jung, but filled them with a different meaning. For a scientist, these are two poles of one superfactor, which is defined as a complex of personality traits that correlate with each other and has a genetic determination.
Typical features of an extrovert are sociability, optimism, impulsiveness, a wide circle of friends and acquaintances, not very strong control over emotional experiences. The typical introvert is characterized by shyness, remoteness from other people except those close to him, planning his actions, calmness, love of order, control over feelings.
Ambivert is a person who has a fuzzy expression of the traits of the two parameters described above. If you use the test, then such an individual is gaining an average number of points. But still, an ambivert can lean towards either extraversion or introversion.
K. Leonhard's views
Psychiatrist K. Leonhard reinterpreted the concept introduced by C. G. Jung in his own way, and believed that extraversion is characterized by lack of will, susceptibility to outside influence, and introversion is a strong will.
But it should be remembered that the classification of this scientist refers to pathological manifestations of personality.
