There are a few key traits that are commonly associated with ambiverts, including:
While ambiverts share some characteristics with both introverts and extroverts, they are unique in that they can draw from both sides of the spectrum. This allows them to be more flexible and adaptable than either type alone.
Ambiverts can also process thoughts and emotions both out loud and internally, meaning that they may benefit from talking out problems with others and processing them through a solitary activity, such as writing.
An ambivert is a person whose personality falls between the extrovert and introvert extremes. They feel comfortable in social situations but also enjoy time alone, balancing between outgoing and reserved behaviors.
An ambivert essentially changes their behavior based on the situation they find themselves in. For example, they may be quite introverted and reserved around strangers but will be more energetic and extroverted around close friends and family.
Other terms some psychologists may use to describe ambiverts are:
Ambiversion is the quality of having both introverted and extroverted personality traits. Unlike introverts, who gain energy from solitude, or extroverts, who feel energized by socializing, ambiverts fall somewhere in the middle.
They often enjoy spending time with others but also value their alone time and need some time to recharge after social interactions.
While many people tend to assume that they are either introverts or extroverts, research suggests that most people are ambiverts.
The term ambiversion was coined in the early 20th century by psychologist Kimball Young. Young believed that everyone has both introverted and extroverted qualities and that everyone falls on a spectrum.
Research suggests that ambiverts may be better salespeople than either introverts or extroverts because they can adapt their approach to the customer. Other studies point to the strength of ambiverts in academics.
Research has shown that ambiversion is fairly common, with estimates suggesting that more than half of the general population are likely to be ambiverts. Despite the prevalence of ambiversion, it is less commonly written about than extraversion and introversion.
This is largely due to the widespread belief that extraversion and introversion are binary traits. As a result, many ambiverts fail to recognize their ambiversion, instead placing themselves on one end of the spectrum or the other. The introvert-extrovert spectrum is a model that suggests that there is a continuum of introverted and extroverted behaviors, with ambiverts falling in the middle.
On one end of the spectrum are introverts, who tend to be quiet, reflective, and reserved. On the other end are extroverts, who are usually more outgoing, assertive, and sociable. Ambiverts fall somewhere in between these two extremes.
