What Is An Ambivert? Characteristics Of Ambiversion As A Personality
The term “ambivert” is used to name the personality trait that expresses characteristics of both introversion and extroversion, that is, it is a midpoint between the two.
To better understand the concept, we must understand introversion and extraversion not as independent and separate categories, but as poles of the same dimension, giving the possibility for subjects to place themselves on this continuum. There is no one who is 100% at one of the extremes, but rather it is usual to present attributes, peculiarities, of both categories.
Ambiversion is considered to be the most functional trait, since it is what allows the subject to be flexible and show different modes of action and thus be able to adapt to the different situations that arise. To better understand this way of being, in this article We will talk about ambiversion and ambiverted people explaining the characteristics of this form of personality.
Ambiversion is a personality trait, this being defined way of being as a middle ground between extraversion and introversion It is common that when we ask about each person’s personality, we differentiate between introversion and extroversion as two independent categories, valuing them as a dichotomy, either you are one thing or you were the other. But really, as with many other personality traits, no one can fit themselves 100% into one category.
To better understand the term, we must consider the introversion and extroversion distinction as two poles of a continuum, that is, as a dimension, where each subject places ourselves more or less close to one of the extremes, being able to show characteristics of both. Thus, ambiversion refers to this middle point, to subjects who equally show traits of the two poles and who, depending on the situation in which they find themselves or the person with whom they interact, can further enhance one mode of behavior or another
Beginning of the use of the term
The first to use the term ambivert was Edmund S. Conklin in 1923, making explicit something that was already obvious, that the vast majority of people did not classify themselves completely into one of the two poles, introverted or extroverted. This author therefore proposed a new category, ambiverts, defined as healthy, normal, with the capacity for adaptation and flexibility, who could act differently depending on the situation.
This new category was not very successful in the world of mental health, since it was another way of referring to normal subjects, and it also did not show interest as it was not a group of subjects to whom an intervention could be applied. Later, in years closer to the present, the use of the concept “ambithymia” gained more strength Even so, we must be aware that it does not represent the discovery of a new category, but rather the name given to the majority located in intermediate positions in the extraversion-introversion dimension.
Characteristics of introversion and extraversion
Before addressing the concept of ambivert in more depth, it may be useful for your understanding to better understand the characteristic features of introversion and extroversion. The first author to study these two categories was the psychoanalyst Carl Jung, already stating that no one can place themselves 100% at one extreme.
The introversion trait is linked to the ability to introspect, with the greatest interest and attention to one’s own inner world. They are subjects focused mainly on their own thoughts and emotions. For their part, individuals considered extroverts show more interest in knowledge of the outside world, in social relationships with other subjects.
Likewise, these defining characteristics of each one also make them different or work better in some circumstances than in others. For example, introverts work better in the morning compared to extroverts, who work better at night; In addition, introverts prefer a quiet environment, without noise, to be able to concentrate better, and, on the other hand, extroverts will prefer a noisier environment, they work better with music.
In this way, nothing implies that one of the traits is better than the other; That is, being an introvert will not be better than being an extrovert, nor the other way around. In the end, what will mean whether one way of being or another is better or not is the ability to adapt and the state of the subject in different situations and, given a given context, how he or she feels. Of course, ambiversion flows between different patterns of behavior, so these people often have a more flexible way of behaving, thus showing more possibility of adaptation and therefore less discomfort
Characteristics of ambiverts
Now that we know better the main traits of introverts and extroverts, keeping in mind that ambiverts are the point or rather the intermediate region of the dimension, it will be easy for us to deduce the characteristics of this personality trait. Below we will mention the most common behaviors of these subjects, classifying them into different categories to make it easier to understand.
In the social sphere, as expected, we observe intermediate behavior: They are individuals who like to hang out with their group of friends, but do not always feel like interacting ; They have the ability to maintain a pleasant conversation, feeling at ease; They have a varied group of friends with people of different personalities; They are well considered by other people, they look to them as references; It is easy for them to connect and understand others easily, they have moments in which they perform the role of transmitter, that is, they are the ones who talk the most, but on other occasions they prefer to listen.
2. Cognitive processes
On a cognitive level, they are flexible people, with the ability to adapt to different situations and events. Sometimes they may show indecision, debating between doing things calmly and thoughtfully or acting somewhat impulsively, but not extremely impulsively
They may show difficulty defining themselves or expressing to those around them how they feel or find themselves. They are considered by the individuals around them as wise people, they tend to ask them and take their opinion into account and they are capable of being productive in different environments and ways of working, both when the dynamic is individual or group.
3. On an emotional level
They show ease in finding the positive or good part of the situation, a fact that allows them to have fun in most circumstances As we have already seen, they can have difficulties explaining to others how they feel, sometimes even they themselves cannot identify their internal state.
4. At a behavioral level
In this case we once again see characteristics of the two poles, so they will like to make more group or busy plans such as going out partying, but they will also enjoy being alone or doing calmer activities such as reading or going for a drink with friends. In this way, orWe will observe periods of activity and other quieter ones, with the need for less constant stimulation
To make it easier for you to understand each point of the dimensions or categories, let’s give an example of the response or behavior that each person would do in the same situation. For an extrovert, an example of a good night is going out partying with friends, meeting a lot of people, talking to new people and coming home late; On the other hand, an introvert’s best plan at night is to have dinner at home with friends and watch a movie together or play a board game.
For his part, the ambivert will not be able to choose between the two previous plans, since there will be days where he prefers to stay calm at home and others where he will need and want to go out and party.
Are ambiverts very common?
Looking at the different characteristics that constitute the ambiversion trait, we see that the one that stands out the most is flexibility and ability to adapt in different areas, whether social, behavioral, cognitive or emotional This flexibility, this ability to flow, in the end is what allows you to lead a more functional life, achieving a better state of health.
Ambiversion is considered in some respects the best personality trait, since it shows the best of each pole, introversion and extroversion, it has the ability to act in one way or another as suits it and allows it to adapt better.
As we have already pointed out previously, everyone shows characteristics of both categories, in other words, we would all be ambiverts. Finally, we must keep in mind that personality traits are described as dimensions; For this reason it is not necessary to differentiate into rigid categories or groups. It is better to consider each case individually to be able to assess its characteristics and know what action strategies you can use to be more functional, this is the main usefulness and not the intention of seeking to classify ourselves.
Thus, we consider that ambiversion is associated with the concept of normality in statistical terms, since it shows the most adaptive attributes and occurs with higher percentages in society. It is more important to understand the need to be flexible to achieve greater functionality than to use the term as such.
This greater tendency to show combined characteristics of the two terms is also perceived when we ask subjects to describe or place themselves at one of the extremes, introverted-extroverted; We see how the majority are not able to classify themselves into just one and will report that they can vary depending on the moment or the situation.
