Introversion = Social Anhedonia?

[Da Blob]

In psychology, anhedonia (< Greek αν- an-, without + ηδονή hēdonē, pleasure) is an inability to experience pleasure from normally pleasurable life events such as eating, exercise, social interaction or sexual activities.
Anhedonia is recognized as one of the key symptoms of the mood disorder depression - from WIKI

As someone who suffered the experience of anhedonia during a episode of Depression, I am now wondering if there is not a variety of depression and anhedonia related just to social environments?

I mean, I just do not enjoy the company of other people in the manner that so many others do. I do not seek out others in the hope of a pleasurable experience. I wonder if this is a weakness or a strength?

I wonder if this is a type of depression in itself, that is a mood disorder of some kind? re: People are not a source of good moods for me, generally speaking.

Is this anhedonia connected with the Jungian concept of introversion?

 

[asmit127]

In the definition it mentions "normal" - are you normal or are you you? So long as you get pleasure out of something it doesn't matter if it's unusual. I'm very happy and I never seek out people for fun either. I also don't like night clubs (loud, repetitive dance music + dancing), getting drunk (even at a house party with good music at a reasonable level), taking endless photo's to go on facebook along with keeping it updated with your "marital" status religiously and watching all your hundreds of "friends" you haven't seen in years' profiles hoping to get some gossip and all of these would be considered "normal" sources of pleasure for someone my age. Not to mention endless discussion of talent shows currently on TV and fantasising over the most attractive contestant!

No doubt there will be people who consider it depression as you suggest, but it's depression at not fitting in, not accepting who you really are. Putting things like this in a box is just an excuse to sell more anti-depressants IMO.

As to it being a weakness or a strength I see it as a strength, I don't hate being around people but I don't need to waste time seeking company either, which gives me more time to do whatever I want (usually not alot!.

Is the dislike of "normal" a trait of introversion? From the number of threads on here about it it seems so, but it's who you are so shouldn't be a source of depression

 

[Ermine]

I disagree. Sure, there are people with anhedonia who are introverted, but I think it's a faulty generalization. For example, I'm very introverted, and typically come up as 100% introverted on the tests. But at the same time, I can enjoy typical extroverted activities such as dances, parties, and other social functions. The key is that I am free to go or stay, and I only go to the said social functions on occasion.

And I think not seeking out others is neutral in itself. It has its pros and cons just like extroversion does. Though introverts will have a harder time in social situations, they are also much more independent. Extroverts may typically be more socially adept, but they will be less independent as a result.

 

[Beat Mango]

I agree in that socialising is primarily a drive, not a skill. I think it's like how some people are asexual - they just don't have the drive for sex. Similarly, some people are asocial, to varying degrees. No amount of learning "social skills" will fundamentally change that.

 

[Cognisant]

Anhedonia can also be intentionally self inflicted, an example being a misanthropist who undertakes anhedonia as an ideal in order to justify their beliefs; practicing self deprivation in pursuit of attaining a higher personal standard so that they may look down upon those who lack such self discipline.

I'm unfamiliar with self inflicted anhedonia being practiced in socialization, there's no reward/motivation to drive such behaviour, unless of course one seeks alienation.

 

[citrusbreath95]

I mean, I just do not enjoy the company of other people in the manner that so many others do. I do not seek out others in the hope of a pleasurable experience. I wonder if this is a weakness or a strength?
Is this anhedonia connected with the Jungian concept of introversion?

It can be both a weakness and a strength depending on the circumstances. A strength, as you don't rely on people, or depend on them and can get much accomplished if wanted (well for me anyway) yet it can be a weakness as you miss out on fun when others are having it... I get this way a lot. It seems that nearly everywhere I go with people I am always bored or uninterested. Yet, another good thing comes out of this. Others depend a lot on being entertained and being social By being this way, you could sit in your room reading and it could be more pleasurable than going to a party. So, while others depend on other people for happiness, you can make yourself happy. I have a friend, and when her friend left, after 3 seconds she was already complaining to me about being lonely...yeah. I don't think this anhedonia is connected with introversion, as I know some people who are surely introverts yet who love social events. I suppose I have some of this anhedonia, but I don't see it as a mental disorder, or anything bad I just see it as clearly not needing others for happiness