Glossary: Attitude

“Attitude” in Jungian psychology refers to one’s orientation to the world, both external and internal. It deals with libido, or energy; how it’s gained and how it’s spent. Most people are familiar with the two attitudes, introversion and extroversion (or extraversion). An introvert is basically oriented to the inner world and focuses on subjective experience. They gain energy being alone, and lose it when with others. The extrovert is the opposite; they’re oriented to the external, objective world and lose energy while alone but gain it when interacting with others.

I’ve come to think of it as having different kinds of energy sources: introverts are like wells; water slowly fills them up when they’re able to be alone, but when they’re with others, they’re constantly giving away bucketfuls of their inner water until they need to go back to their inner well and let it fill up again. Libido for extroverts, on the other hand, is more like electricity; like generators, they get more and more “electricity” by sparking off others, but lose energy, slowly winding down, when alone.

Attitude is one of the three axes (as in plural for axis, not the thing you chop wood with) that make up Jung's typology of personality. The other two are the rational (thinking/feeling) and irrational (sensation/intuition) functions. One's location on these three axes determines one's "type".

[Introversion] is normally characterized by a hesitant, reflective, retiring nature that keeps itself to itself, shrinks from objects, is always slightly on the defensive and prefers to hide behind mistrustful scrutiny. [Extroversion] is normally characterized by an outgoing, candid, and accommodating nature that adapts easily to a given situation, quickly forms attachments, and, setting aside any possible misgivings, will often venture forth with careless confidence into unknown situations. In the first case obviously the subject, and in the second the object, is all-important.

-“The Problem of the Attitude-Type,” CW 7, par. 62

Introverted attitude: characterized by an inward flowing of personal energy - a withdrawal concentrating on subjective factors. The introvert is usually ...

     a. happy alone with a rich imagination, and

     b. prefers reflection to activity.

     c. Weakness of the introverted attitude includes ...

          (1) a lack confidence in relation to people and things and

          (2) a tendency to be unsociable, shy, and hesitant.

Extroverted attitude: a standpoint characterized by an outward flowing of personal energy (libido) - an interest in events, in people and things, a relationship with them, and a dependence on them. The extrovert is usually ...

     a. motivated by outside factors and greatly influenced by the environment,

     b. sociable and confident in unfamiliar surroundings, less cautious, less fearful, and

     c. likes organizations, parties, and tends to be optimistic and enthusiastic.

     d. Weaknesses of the extroverted attitude include:

          (1) a dependence on making a good impression,

          (2) easily making and breaking relationships,

          (3) regarding reflection as being morbid and avoiding being alone,

          (4) lacking self-criticism, and

          (5) accepting the morals and conventions of the day - conventional.

Problems between introverts and extroverts

     Each type misjudges the other; they tend to notice the negative aspects of the other.

     a. The introvert is seen as egotistical, dull, and self-centered; the extrovert is seen as superficial and insincere.

     b. Our Western attitude is extroverted; value is put on being outgoing which we consider being well adjusted. The East is seen as inscrutable.

     c. Jung says that there is a marked tendency for either type to marry its opposite (each secretly hopes that the other will take care of the side of the life each lacks).

          (1) All goes well as long as both persons adapt themselves to the needs of life.

          (2) But each person speaks a different language - there is a lack of real understanding and a lack of full companionship.

- “Jung's Psychological Types” (philosophy.lander.edu)

People who prefer extraversion draw energy from action: they tend to act, then reflect, then act further. If they are inactive, their motivation tends to decline. To rebuild their energy, extraverts need breaks from time spent in reflection. Conversely, those who prefer introversion expend energy through action: they prefer to reflect, then act, then reflect again. To rebuild their energy, introverts need quiet time alone, away from activity.

An extravert's flow is directed outward toward people and objects, an introvert's is directed inward toward concepts and ideas. Contrasting characteristics between extraverts and introverts include the following:

Extraverts are action-oriented, while introverts are thought-oriented.

Extraverts seek breadth of knowledge and influence, while introverts seek depth of knowledge and influence.

Extraverts often prefer more frequent interaction, while introverts prefer more substantial interaction.

Extraverts recharge and get their energy from spending time with people, while introverts recharge and get their energy from spending time alone.

- Personality type (Wikipedia)