Costa and McCrae's work has found that from about age 18 to 30, people tend to become more neurotic, more introverted, and less open to new experiences; they also tend to become more agreeable and more conscientious. After age 30, these same trends are seen, but the rate of change dips.
Psychologists have observed intrinsic maturation in people around the world, from Germany, the UK, Spain, the Czech Republic, and Turkey. And it's not just humans; they've seen it happen to chimps and monkeys, too. It's why we slow down as we get older and start enjoying a quieter, calmer life.
It appears our personalities can indeed change, and alongside this our identities shift too. On the question of whether we can change from extroverted to introverted, science says it's possible over decades but in my experience, it can happen much more quickly.
In a post on Quiet Revolution, Cain confirms what you've probably suspected all along—we act more “introverted” as we age. Psychologists call this phenomenon “intrinsic maturation,” and it means our personalities become more balanced as we get older—“a kind of fine wine that mellows with age,” writes Cain.
Introversion isn't totally genetic. It gets influenced by your environment at a young age, and our genes allow a certain amount of flexibility in response. This happens through “set points,” which are the upper and lower limits of how much extroversion your brain can handle.
In 2011, research by psychologists Jennifer Grimes, Jonathan Cheek, and Julie Norem broke introversion into four main types: social introvert, thinking introvert, anxious introvert, and restrained introvert.
Yes, it's true, many types of emotional trauma can cause a person to become more introverted. Even something as small as loud noise can change the way that someone acts.
Introverts are looked down upon for lack of good 'communication skills'. Right from an early age, introverts have to compete very hard with peers, who seem to have no problem in public or interpersonal speaking. What seems to be effortless for peers is actually the most difficult task for an introverted child.
In a post on Quiet Revolution, Cain confirms what you've probably suspected all along—we act more “introverted” as we age. Psychologists call this phenomenon “intrinsic maturation,” and it means our personalities become more balanced as we get older—“a kind of fine wine that mellows with age,” writes Cain.
Albert Einstein
Not only is Einstein one of the most famous scientists in history, but he was also a known introvert. Leaning into his introverted nature, Einstein believed that his creativity and success came from keeping to himself. He said, “The monotony and solitude of a quiet life stimulates the creative mind.”
According to estimates, extroverts outnumber introverts by about three to one.1 Introverts often find that other people try to change them or even suggest that there is something wrong with them. While introverts make up a smaller portion of the population, there is no right or wrong personality type.
Introverts are good at understanding their emotions and regulating their behavior. They're also particularly skilled at reading other people, an emotional intelligence skill that serves them well in relationships.
Not all introverts are the same.
Whenever we think of introverts, we usually think of someone with a shy nature, who is not quite chatty or talkative. Yet, some introverts seem to be pretty talkative. Still, this kind of introvert needs personal time to recharge their batteries.
Yes, emotional trauma can cause a person to become a lot more introverted. Along with something as small as a loud noise more traumatic events can clearly change the way that someone acts.
What Causes Shyness? Shyness emerges from a few key characteristics: self-consciousness, negative self-preoccupation, low self-esteem and fear of judgment and rejection. Shy people often make unrealistic social comparisons, pitting themselves against the most vibrant or outgoing individuals.
Studies1 have shown introverts make excellent parents because of their empathy, listening skills and approach to conflict. However, friction between the need for solo time and the social demands of parenting can leave some people conflicted.
Extreme feelings of shyness are often a sign of an anxiety condition called social phobia. People with social phobia often need the help of a therapist to overcome extreme shyness. Someone with social phobia — or extreme shyness — can overcome it! It takes time, patience, courage, and practice.
Silence nourishes the body.
It literally heightens our well-being by reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, and even regenerating brain cells. Introverts love talking about how we need to recharge our batteries after being around people for too long, because it's a great way to visualize how we replenish our energy.
Introverts may enjoy spending time alone in part because of acetylcholine. According to Laney, this chemical may produce a happy feeling for introverts when they do an activity that focuses them inward, such as quietly reflecting or enjoying a hobby like reading, painting, or gaming.
Introverts can experience a bit of anxiety when they need to speak in social situations. Introducing themselves, talking to a stranger or public speaking are mentally draining for them. These are the examples of a definitely stressful situation out of their comfort zone.
Being an introvert can be challenging at times. Because they often prefer quiet or alone time, some introverts can seem cold, aloof, or even antisocial to others that are more extroverted in nature.
Introverts in distress won't always choose solitude, but if their emotional discomfort is caused by anger, they may seek to isolate themselves from everyone else in the house or building. Angry Introverts are in a sensitive state, and they can easily become overstimulated by too much social contact.
Those with social anxiety may avoid meeting new people – and even when they do meet and enjoy someone, their fears may hold them back from getting closer or inviting the new person to spend time together. Introverts are generally open to connecting with new people, as long as they can do it on their own terms.