The brains of introverts look and react differently than the brains of extroverts. The key differences: The prefrontal cortex. Introverts have a thicker prefrontal cortex than extroverts, which means they have more tissue in the area of the brain associated with deep thought and decision-making.
The introverted brain has a higher level of internal activity and thinking than the extroverted brain. It is dominated by the long, slow acetylcholine pathway. Acetylcholine also triggers the parasympathetic nervous system that controls certain body functions and influences how introverts behave.
Introverts are more likely to have a dominance of their right brain, the limbic brain, the emotional and creative brain, the “being” brain.
There's a tendency towards introversion at the highest levels of IQ (National Merit Finalist samples, samples of profoundly gifted students...), but, in the general population, there isn't much of a relationship between extraversion/introversion and IQ.
However, our research at Bandelli & Associates has found that introverts often possess greater levels of Relational Intelligence than extroverts do.
You're an introvert.
It gets better. As an adult, you now leverage your strength for processing, contemplating and thinking things over, which is a trait of highly intelligent people. In fact, more than 75 percent of people with an IQ above 160 are introverted.
Are you born introverted or is it something you become over time? Introverts likely develop due to a combination of both nature and nurture. The way that your body's physiology responds to the outside environment plays a critical role in determining your level of extroversion and introversion.
Because they're quiet by nature, introverts are “natural-born listeners,” writes Kahnweiler. They tend to carefully take in all information and opinions, and only after digesting it, offer a thoughtful answer.
The brains of introverts look and react differently than the brains of extroverts. The key differences: The prefrontal cortex. Introverts have a thicker prefrontal cortex than extroverts, which means they have more tissue in the area of the brain associated with deep thought and decision-making.
Introverts often deal with unique mental health challenges. They may struggle with feelings of isolation or depression, and can be perfectionists to a fault. However, introverts also have many strengths that should be celebrated and can help protect your mental health.
At the heart of the Introverted Thinking type is endless curiosity. These are the people who are constantly learning. If you're an Introverted Thinking person, you probably enjoy teaching yourself new skills, deep-diving into new topics and devoting your time to understanding and figuring out new problems.
According to a study published by the Health Psychology journal, introverts are more likely to suffer from sleep deprivation than extroverts are. They are also more likely to have a lot of nightmares or periods of wakefulness. Because of this, introverts are more likely to feel more tired or less alert during the day.
Interestingly, Laney writes, introverts tend to favor long-term memory over working memory. Extroverts do the opposite, essentially putting information “on the tip of their tongue.” It can be harder to reach into long-term memory to access the information stored there.
Weaknesses: social anxiety, shyness, navigating a predominantly extroverted world.
Why do introverts overthink? Probably because our brains are busier than a stadium on game day. In one study, researchers found that introverts had higher levels of electrical activity in their brains than extroverts.
“Most introverts need to think first and talk later.” When it comes to sex, this means that introverts are observing and dissecting everything that's going on, which is just as tiring as the physical act itself.
Introverts tend to be more prone to overthinking than extroverts, but it's possible for anyone to fall into this trap. Being an introvert means you have a tendency towards self-reflection that can take its toll if you're not careful.
Social fatigue or social burnout happens when you've socialized to the point that you can't do it anymore. Social exhaustion can also be called introvert burnout or introvert hangover.
Introverts tend to experience more anticipatory anxiety and anxiety disorders than extroverts. Anxiety typically means your stress response is constantly activated, even if there's no clear cause for it.
Introverts think deeply about goals and challenges
This high level of focus is also usually applied to key areas of an introvert's life. An introverted leader will often ponder on goals and challenges for a long time and thoroughly flush out their position, before presenting these ideas to a group.
What struggles have introverts had? Introverts can't usually start a conversation but they really want to have conversation. Struggle to handle situations that depends on extroverts. Introverts find it difficult to really have fun even at the crowded party.. they just need some people to enjoy with, not a party.
Introverts' brains are far less driven by dopamine. We don't get the buzz from it that extroverts do, so we don't seek as much external stimulation. Our dopamine sensitivity is an example of our neurotransmitters in action—and it's determined by our DNA.
Practise mindfulness and self-awareness
Introverts tend to be introspective and reflective. Engaging in mindfulness practices, such as meditation, journaling or positive affirmations can help you become more self-aware and improve your overall well-being.
In terms of introversion and extroversion, research suggests that as we age, we become more introverted. This may be due to a variety of factors, such as increased wisdom and self-awareness, which can lead to a greater appreciation for solitude and time alone.
Around one-third to one-half of all people in the U.S. are introverts. Though it looks different in everyone, introverts have many of the same patterns of behavior. In general, introverts: Need quiet to concentrate.