In the past, empaths and Introverts have been criticised for being too quiet and too sensitive. However, a slew of new evidence from psychologists suggests that introverts and empaths have a huge amount to offer. Here are 6 of the best psychology books that will make you proud to be an empath or introvert.
Many introverts feel secretly guilty for not being more outgoing and sociable, and many empaths are ashamed or even afraid of their sensitivity. This is largely because we live in a society that has long downplayed the virtue of these traits and celebrated the more aggressive, active and gregarious personality traits instead. But the times they are a changing. Much research has pointed out that we need a balance in our world between the outgoing and the thoughtful, the outward looking and the reflective, our thoughts and our emotions. I have been taking a look at the best psychology books for introverts and empaths to see how this new research can educate and support us and help us to create lives full of meaning and joy.
I think the every best psychology books for introverts and empaths are those that show us how we can use our strengths to improve our lives and create a better society.
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking
Quiet, the international bestseller by Susan Cain, was one of the first books to really examine what it means to be an introvert. This superbly researched and engaging work delves into the differences in brain chemistry between introverts and extroverts. It also explains how society misunderstands and undervalues the contributions of introverts. Cain makes it abundantly clear how much the talents, skills and mind-set of introverts are sorely needed in our world today.
This book will give you the tools to understand yourself better and to make the most of your strengths. It will also make you feel proud to be an introvert.
The Secret Lives of Introverts: Inside Our Hidden World
In The Secret Lives of Introverts, Jenn Granneman explores what it means and how it feels to be an introvert. If you have ever felt different, misunderstood and alone, this book will help you feel like you belong.
This book is a celebration of all things introvert and draws on research with other experts to make the case that introverts have plenty to offer and should be celebrated.
Granneman is a powerful advocate of introverts embracing who they are, and finding their own voice in the world, rather than trying to squeeze themselves into the mould society expects.
Introvert Power: Why Your Inner Life Is Your Hidden Strength
In Introvert Power, psychologist Laurie A. Helgoe explores the inner strengths of introverts and how we can capitalize on this hidden power.
Helgoe demonstrates how we currently live in a society that is geared towards the extrovert personality. However, as many of us know, introverts gain energy through reflection and solitude.
She points out that the pressure to get out and about meeting people and socialising can be enormous. But she suggests that forcing ourselves to act in this way means we miss out on our own sources of inner power.
This book will guide you to take full advantage of your hidden strengths and build a life that supports your essential inner life.
This book is a great resource if you sometimes feel guilty that you would prefer to say at home with a book than go to the office party. But it will also help you makes sure you use your inner strengths to make a difference and achieve your own version of happiness and success.
The Empath’s Survival Guide: Life Strategies for Sensitive People
In this wonderful book, Dr. Judith Orloff, an authority on being an empath, explains the difference between having empathy and being an empath. She accurately describes how we actually feel the pain of others, emotionally energetically and physically.
The book also provides valuable resources to help empaths cope with this powerful experience. Orloff offers techniques to help us stay well, while still fully embracing the gifts of our intuition, creativity and spiritual connection. She helps us to understand how to remain open while also building resilience and practicing self care. She also shows us how to use our gifts in a world that needs them so desperately.
Empathy: Why It Matters, And How To Get It
In Empathy Roman Krznaric looks at the human experience and demonstrates how we are wired for social connection. He argues that empathy is one of the defining features of humanity. He also points out how essential this trait is in so many areas of society and what goes wrong when our leaders fail to develop and harness it.
Krznaric sets out the six life-enhancing habits of highly empathic people. He explains how these skills enable us to connect with others and change our relationships, both personal and within our community and the world as a whole. He also shows us how to develop these essential skills in order to change our lives, the lives of those we care about, and the global community.
Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ
In his seminal book, Emotional Intelligence, Daniel Goleman argues for a broader perspective on human intelligence. While our IQ may be a factor in our success, our emotions also play a huge part. He points out that self-awareness, impulse control, persistence, motivation, empathy and social deftness are essential qualities in making our way in life. Without these skills we are unlikely to be successful in our relationships or work life.
Goleman’s work offers new insights into how our brain’s work and why our emotion are so important in everything we do. He also offers techniques to help us strengthen and nurture our emotional intelligence in order to lead happier and more fulfilled lives.
Closing thoughts
All of these books can help support those of us who are introverts and/or empaths. We are becoming acknowledged in the wider world and deserve to feel proud of our particular insights, talents and skills. If you have ever felt a little lost or misunderstood as an introvert or empath, I would encourage you to read one of these wonderful books. You are not alone, between one third and half of people are thought to be introverts. We no longer need to feel ashamed of our quiet nature or our emotional sensitivity. In fact, we should embrace these aspects of our personalities as characteristics that are sorely needed in our world.
I’d love to hear what you think are the best psychology books for introverts. Please share you insights in the comments below.
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