Ambivert: who he is, characterization of the psychotype and what is the difference between extrovert and introvert

In 1923, the founder of analytical psychology, Carl Gustav Jung, divided all people into two types: extroverts and introverts.

The main criterion that determines these differences, according to the psychiatrist, was the direction of libido movement. In extroverts it is directed to the outside world. They are characterized by active interaction with others. It is important for such people to be in a circle of like-minded people. They get energy from the attention of others.

In introverts, on the contrary, libido is oriented to internal processes. Such people are used to staying in their own thoughts and reflections. They do not like public places, they are uncomfortable among large crowds.

Three years later Jung supplemented his theory with another type – ambiverts. Although he did not officially declare it. The term “ambivert” was coined by American psychologist Edmund Conklin. The word “ambi” translates as “both”, that is, it means two types of behavior. Because they are characterized by the traits of both extroverts and introverts. The scientist called such individuals more flexible and adaptive. As a result, they are more effective in work and life.

Experts from the Laboratory of Human Psychophysiology at the University of Maryland have calculated that 68% of the world’s population are ambiverts.

Índice

Who is an ambivert?

psychologist, body therapist, coach, sensation expert.

For me, an ambivert is a harmonious person. He has all internal psychological and emotional components balanced. He is well aware of his strengths and weaknesses, knows how to value himself, has excellent personal boundaries, is open to the world and new things.

Ambivert is a term that describes people who are in between extroverts and introverts. They are not pure representatives of either of these personality types, but have traits and qualities of both.

It is worth noting that it is better to view extroversion and introversion as a manifestation in the current period of time rather than a permanent state. Bright and long manifestation of one or another personality folds is usually associated with compensation for some internal problems. When a person resolves his contradictions, learns new models of behavior, then he magically becomes different, more prone to ambivertion.

To understand this, it is necessary to look inside a person. The individual has a thinking sphere. What is it given for? Everyone can dream, contemplate, think. These are pleasant processes. Does he do it in society or more often in solitude? Of course, the second option.

On the other hand, we are social beings. We like communication. We can’t do without it. One of the strongest fears a person has is rejection by society. So both the thought sphere and social interaction are important. By disabling these states completely or partially, an individual will experience some discomfort. He may not even realize why this is happening.

These are two necessary manifestations of personality. When these processes are balanced, realized, accepted and well developed, a person is happy and successful in all areas of life.

Pros and cons of ambivert

Thepros are that they can easily adapt to different situations, circumstances and changes. Ambiverts have the ability to be flexible and this is useful in different areas of our lives. They also have a wider social circle and know how to find common ground with different people. It is peculiar to them to dispose to themselves, at the same time such people easily recognize manipulators. They quickly cope with both monotonous work and creative tasks.

However, there are disadvantages. Ambiverts may have difficulty choosing between social activities and solitude. They are characterized by feeling dissatisfied if they spend too much time alone or socially. They may also have difficulty recognizing their needs.

Signs of an ambivert

psychologist, NLP master, marriage and family therapist

Uncertainty in choosing between socializing and being alone can lead to ambiverts not always knowing what they really want. Such people need time for self-development and relaxation to maintain a balance between interaction and solitude. Some may feel uncomfortable or insufficiently confident if they can’t decide which type they belong to. This causes stress. So I suggest figuring out.

How to realize that you are a representative of this type of personality or someone close to you belongs to it? Pay attention to the following distinguishing features:

Likes to communicate with others, but also needs loneliness to recover strength and openly gives it to understand.
Always finds common ground with people. He is flexible and can be friends with different personality types.
Does not like to be the center of attention, but sometimes shows himself cheerful and energetic.
Feels like a fish in water, working both in a team and independently.
Often switches between fun company and solitude.
Likes to spend time in small groups, but sometimes withdraws into himself and prefers to be alone.
Open to making new acquaintances, but not always eager to do so.
Sometimes shows himself as a very emotional and open person, but also knows how to hide his feelings. He controls his emotions and does not always show them to others.
Is able to adapt to any situation and quickly adapt.
Is not afraid of change and is ready for new challenges of life.

If you have found in yourself several of these signs, most likely, you are an ambivert. Now it remains to accept yourself as you are, remember the weaknesses and develop the strengths. If sometimes you feel that you want to be alone with yourself, and then you are suddenly drawn to socialize, it’s normal. There is no need to be embarrassed about your peculiarities and try to adjust to a certain type of personality.

How to communicate with ambiverts?

If you decide to show manipulation in relation to this type of personality, then, alas, you will not succeed. They have a well-developed intuition. They do not give in to blackmail and various kinds of coercion. In communicating with them it is better to choose the tactic – “tell the truth and nothing but the truth”.

When he is not burning desire to go somewhere, do not put pressure on him. Give him time to be alone with himself. This is how he rests and recovers.

By the way, when you need to just listen to you, then safely turn to ambiverts. They are excellent listeners.

What are ambiverts like at work?

This personality type copes well with both routine and creative tasks. Such an employee will be universal, for the solution of any kind of questions to him you can turn to him.
It is inherent in them to solve even difficult tasks. Therefore, entrust them with the fulfillment of responsible projects. Ambiverts are not afraid of challenges and risks.
When it is necessary to organize any activity, to speak at an event, to give a lecture or hold a seminar – it is better to entrust it to them. Moreover, they themselves do not mind putting themselves forward for this role.
If you need to trust someone to analyze or research a problem, feel free to contact them. No one else will handle it so thoroughly.

What professions are suitable for ambiverts?

Counseling psychologist, current member of NABS, counseling member of OPPL

Professions are suitable for ambiverts where they will be able to combine their abilities as well as strike a balance between socializing and working alone. What options are worth considering?

Human Resources (HR). On the one hand, there are many different situations where you can apply such skills as searching and interviewing candidates, solving complex, conflict situations, advising employees on development, participating in the formation of the organizational structure. On the other hand, there is a large block of analytical work that must be done independently.
Helping professions (doctors, psychologists, social workers). So he will be able to show his social position, to help people. In addition, this type of activity involves a lot of diagnosing, analyzing and directly helping patients or clients themselves. It will not be difficult for them to listen to others a lot, analyze, show empathy and select a strategy of help. At the same time, there’s a pretty big block here that goes beyond contact with others. It’s about training, professional development, supervision, analysis, teaching, counseling. That’s going to appeal to our hero as well.
Data analytics. Ambiverts are exactly the kind of people who can be on the “you” with big-data. Why does it suit this personality type? In addition to researching, working with numbers and highlighting trends, they will be able to present and communicate the results of their labors to other employees at a decent level. It’s typical for them to seclude themselves for analysis, but still participate in many meetings and calls.
Sales and Negotiation. In this case will come in handy ambiverts ability to listen and hear others, to be able to analyze and make the right decisions. At the same time, they will easily find a balance between pressure and intrusiveness. As a result – have delicate sales.
Journalism. Here a person will have to perform completely different duties. He needs to be in the center of events, constantly communicating with a large number of completely different people, interviewing, commenting. But you also need to work a lot with information, process it, spending time at the computer alone.
Organization, conducting events. Due to artistic data, he manages to create a great atmosphere of the holiday and entertain guests. At the same time, his analytical mind allows you to think through and develop a scenario, organize the event from start to finish, without missing anything.
Politics, diplomacy. Occupy high positions is peculiar to them, because it is a personality with leadership skills, they easily achieve goals, withstand competition and publicity. Ambiverts will not be difficult to conduct fruitful negotiations. They easily solve complex public problems.
Sports. Purposefulness and leadership help them to achieve great success on Olympus. To be in the spotlight, to perform on the international stage, as well as to work on mistakes, to sort out difficult moments – under the power of ambiverts.

It should be noted that this type of personality is contraindicated to load the work, which consists of monotonous operations or, conversely, requires constant activity and manifestation outside. It is necessary to observe the balance.

What hobby to choose ambivert? Such people will come to taste team sports and chess. Also remember that they tend to be artistic, which means that any creative activities – from karaoke songs to running their own blog – will suit them perfectly.

Examples of famous ambiverts

Jana Ryabets: You can also find this personality type among movie characters. For example, James Bond, Han Solo (“Star Wars”), Harry Potter and Tony Stark (Iron Man from the Marvel Cinematic Universe).

Hollywood actors who are among them are: Ryan Gosling, Emma Watson, Robert Downey Jr. and Jennifer Lawrence.

Other notable personalities include: social activist Martin Luther King, theoretical physicist Albert Einstein, chemist Dmitri Mendeleev, and cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin.