Your Brain On

Your Brain On... Introversion

Jun 19, 2024

Exploring introversion in the brain, genetic vs learned traits, predicting introversion in infants, debunking myths, dopamine's role, self-identification for introverts, and improving energy management.

36:03

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Quick takeaways

Introversion should not be confused with social anxiety, emphasizing the need to redefine discussions around introversion.

Genetic predispositions play a significant role in introversion, impacting plasticity and neurobiological responses to rewards.

Deep dives

Introversion and Extroversion Spectrum Misconceptions

Introversion, often misunderstood as a disorder due to social media, is highlighted as not being a disorder like ADHD. The misconceptions of introversion on social media create a blurring line between introversion and social anxiety, risking the trivialization of recognized disorders. The episode emphasizes the need to redefine how introversion is discussed and explores the neuroscience behind introversion and extroversion, shedding light on the spectrum's practical implications.

Intro

2min

Exploring the History and Traits of Introversion

9min

Exploring Dopamine's Role in Introversion and Nature Versus Nurture

3min

Exploring Temperamental Differences and Introverted Traits in Infants and Adults

8min

Longitudinal Study on Infant Temperament and Neural Activity

3min

Introversion, Inhibition, and Social Anxiety: Exploring the Neuroscience of Personality Traits

9min

Closing Thoughts on Understanding Introversion

2min

Do introverts/extroverts have different brains? Are you born introverted? Is introversion neurologically harmful?

The definition of introversion has been blurred in the social media age. We all know introverts are more likely to enjoy alone time, and may find social settings more challenging, but what’s less clear is: why? And is introversion the same as social anxiety?

In this episode, we discuss:

• How common introverted traits can be observed in the brain

• The nature vs. nurture debate of whether introversion is genetic, learned, or both

• The multi-decade study which posed the question: can introversion/extroversion be predicted in infants?

• Why personality types aren’t as trivial as they may seem

• How introverts can become more extroverted, and vice versa

We’re joined by two renowned writers whose books have explored the intricacies of introversion:

• JENN GRANNEMAN, author of ‘The Secret Lives of Introverts’ and ‘Sensitive’, and founder of ‘Introvert, Dear’, a website and community centered on introversion

• SCOTT BARRY KAUFMAN, cognitive scientist, host of The Psychology Podcast, and author of ‘Wired to Create’

‘Your Brain On’ is hosted by neuroscientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.

Drs. Ayesha and Dean are now welcoming patients via the Brain Health Institute: https://brainhealthinstitute.com/

‘Your Brain On... Introversion’ • SEASON 2 • EPISODE 8

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LINKS

Jenn Granneman:

on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenngranneman

Introvert, Dear: https://introvertdear.com/

Scott Barry Kaufman:

Scott’s website: https://scottbarrykaufman.com/

on Twitter (AKA ‘X’): https://x.com/sbkaufman