Spectrum of Introversion

At times I've been regarded as "quiet". At other times, "shy". Other labels that have been affixed to fellow introverts are "timid", "withdrawn", "passive", "anti-social", and "a loner". As much as labels hurt (I can't stress enough the importance of not labeling others in general) it brought me to an important question regarding introversion. Are all introverts alike? Do we share the same traits? Why are we viewed through a dark lens with adjectives like quiet, shy, timid, withdrawn, passive, anti-social, and loners? Or perhaps, is there a "spectrum" of introversion - with some actually fitting the bill of an anti-social loner, while others simply appear quiet and have no problem projecting their thoughts and actions outwards?

Sophia Dembling addresses the topic of types of introverts; an interview with Jonathan Cheek reveals that, with his study, there are four types of introverts, or as he calls it, "shyness". There is shy-secure people who "have some social anxiety but don't need a lot of interaction and don't stress about it." Then there are shy-withdrawn people who " are more anxious about affiliating with others...Shy-withdrawn people struggle more than the shy-secure because in our society, they must frequently do that which makes them anxious." Third, there are shy-dependent people who "want so much to be around others, they are overly accommodating and compliant, and self-effacing...'They are affiliative, they go along to get along. They have a better short-term social adaptation profile but long term, how can you build a relationship based on mutuality if you are volunteering to be the junior partner?'" Last on Cheek's list of the four types of introverts, there are shy-conflicted people who "have a high need for affiliation, but also are anxious about it...'They vacillate and tend to have anticipatory anxiety.'"

Similarly, on Introverted Personality, introverts can be divided into four categories, and two sub-categories within each main group:

Michael Jordan

The first group of this introvert spectrum is Artisans, who "need freedom and impulsiveness to grow and create." The two sub-categories of this group are Crafters and Composers. The Crafters (like Michael Jordan and Lance Armstrong) are "experts and usually perfectionists with tools", and the Composers (like Steven Spielberg) "excel in fine arts and strive to bring a harmony among the physical world and their inner vision." 

Mother Teresa

The second category introverts may be aligned with is Guardians who "attach importance to being accepted by a group or community", to which Protectors and Inspectors are the two sub-categories. The Protectors (like Mother Teresa) "deal very effectively with distressing situations and watch over the downtrodden members instinctively", and the Inspectors (like George Washington) "follow a certain code of discipline and orderliness and keep a watch over the institutions of the society." 

John Lennon

Thirdly, there are Idealists-who "are known for their fiery personality"-can be divided into either Healers and Counselors. Healers (like John Lennon and Kurt Kobain) tend to be "very shy and reserved and try hard to bring about a sense of peace and harmony in the world" while Counselors (like Nelson Mandela) "give importance to personal growth and insist on genuineness." 

Albert Einstein

Lastly, introverts may fall under the Rational category who "give much importance to intellect and proficiency." The two sub-categories of this category are Architects and Masterminds; Architects (like Albert Einstein and Charles Darwin) "aim at shaping up the world according to their vision and are nature’s engineers" while the Masterminds (like Sir Isaac Newton) "are born planners of the universe. They think realistically and have defined goals."

Since I'm only 16 and still finding out about myself, I feel I am closer to the Shy-Secure group of introverts. I have some social anxiety in certain situations (who doesn't?) and don't need a bunch of external stimulation, but for the most part, I don't stress about that which I don't have any control over. However, whether you identify with Inspectors or the Shy-Withdrawn group, it's important to realize that there isn't a "right" introvert category to identify with. We all are okay just as we are... So which type are you?