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It started out as a whim, but turned into an eye-opener. In May 2003, I asked my Newsletter readers to take an online Myers-Briggs personality test and email the results, along with their diagnosis. Although this was strictly a readers' poll and not a scientific study, and bearing in mind the risks inherent in pigeonholing personalities, the findings were striking enough to indicate I might be on to something.
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Tuesday, January 6, 2009
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It appears to me that the conclusion here takes unsupported leaps in logic. The quote about positive results from maintaining outside-of-self relationships/habits is made by an E___. I would put forward that we Introvert Types would be better energized by regularly devoting time to inside-of-self pursuits -- but only if those pursuits were "politically correct" according to whatever surrounding network of people is available in our lives. Unfortunately, interior pursuits are too often snubbed as frivolous, self-patronizing, egotistical, worthless fluff... and incorrectly so.
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to share that the figures cited for prevalence of different MBTI types in the US poplulation were updated in the late 1990s (sorry I don[t have the exact date but someone at www.apti.org (Association for Psychological Type International website) could tell you. Most recent results:
ReplyDeleteE and I were almost even in reported prevalence, 49% and 51% respectively , a huge surprise.
INFP and INTP were found to make up between 5 and 6%, not 1% each.
INFJ is still uncommon, about 2%.
Interesting article, John - you have succinctly summed up one of the major personality dichotomies in my marriage (my wife being the extroverted one, and I being the one who wants to stab himself in the eye after listening for an hour to the conversations people are having in a bar). I find it strange how people can neglect their inner life, or not even have one really, and focus all their attentions on social interaction as a means of fulfillment. Of course, there needs to be a balance, and being imbalanced can lead to isolation and depression in some cases. I think that playing music with others can help a lot in this respect - introverts can communicate with others on a level that does not necessitate painful small talk. Drum circle, anyone?
ReplyDeleteHey, Anonymous. Funny you mention drum circle. I play didgeridoo and bring it to a drum circle. :)
ReplyDeleteHi, found your article quite enjoyable. I can really relate to the necessity of "extroverted" activities despite being an intense introvert. In fact, I think you've motivated me to force myself to jump into the ice water.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your thoughts.