Introverts + Extroverts
Are Extroverts Happier than Introverts?1
Insight into differences between two personality types.
Do You Have Good Character?
What really makes people who they are? Personality is defined as “the combination of
characteristics or qualities that form an individual’s unique character.” It is often misunderstood.
Businessmen and teachers have been trying to figure out how to use the personality of their
workers and students to maximize productivity since the early 1970s, when the idea was first
made popular by psychologist Dr. Carl Jung. Personality can’t be seen or touched and yet
significantly affects how people feel and experience their lives. It is highly correlated to learning
and productivity. But does it relate to well-being and happiness?
Extrovert vs. Introvert
Two major personality types are extroverts and introverts. These types are known to have unique
ways of feeling re-energized and motivated. They each have characteristic ways of interacting
with the world and processing information.
Researchers estimate extroverts make up 50 - 74 percent of the population. These “social
butterflies” thrive under social stimulation. Extroverts focus on their external environment, the
people and activities around them. Extroverts thrive in active, fast-paced jobs, such as politics,
teaching and sales, where quick decisions are commonplace. Extroverts learn by doing and enjoy
talking through ideas and problems. Multi-tasking comes easily to them. Two examples of
famous extroverts are Oprah and current U.S. President, Barack Obama.
The other 16 - 50 percent of the population consists of introverts, who get their energy from
having “alone time.” Careers promoting introvert’s strength include scientists, writers and artists,
although television personalities David Lettermen and Barbara Walters are self-proclaimed
introverts. Introverts enjoy spending time alone or in small groups of people, but may get
overwhelmed in new situations or in large groups of people. They prefer to focus on one task at a
time and observe a situation before jumping in.
1
Buettner, Dan, Thrive, 14 May 2012 and published in Psychology Today. Online.
http://www.psychologytoday.com/collections/201207/introverts-extroverts/are-extroverts-happier-introverts Date of
last access 2013-03-24
As it turns out, the brains of introverts and extroverts are wired differently! The front part of
introvert’s brains is most active and stimulated by solitary activities while the back part of
extrovert’s brains is most active. This part of the brain is stimulated by sensory events coming in
from the external world! In addition, a chemical called “dopamine” is released by our brains
whenever we experience something positive. It’s an automatic reward center and makes us feel
good! Extroverts need more dopamine to feel an effect, whereas introverts have a low dopamine
threshold. They don’t require a lot of stimulation to feel rewarded.
Which Type is Most Successful?
Issues may arise when an introvert and extrovert interact. An introvert may view an extrovert as
bossy and overbearing whereas an extrovert may view an introvert as stuck up or shy. In fact,
shyness is a trait commonly used to describe introvert, but both personality types can be shy.
Shyness is a feeling of uneasiness or anxiety experienced in social situations. Unlike introverts,
who prefer less social stimulation, shy people often crave social interaction, but avoid it for fear
of criticism or rejection.
So which personality type has the real advantage, the extrovert or the introvert? Experience
shows teamed up, the extrovert and the introvert, are a powerful team. Steve Jobs, a charismatic
extrovert, teamed up with introvert Steve Wozniak to co-found Apple Inc.
Are Extroverts Happier Than Introverts?
There’s no clear answer to this question. Current tests consistently rate extroverts higher on the
happiness scale than introverts. However, many of these tests measure degree of happiness using
activities like socializing and interacting with the outside world, both of which extroverts need to
thrive! Introverts do experience happiness when they around other people, but are most happy
when participating in lower-key activities. These are not accounted for on current tests and likely
causes introverts to score lower.
There also appears to be a cultural factor affecting the happiness level of extroverts and
introverts. Many Western cultures tend to favor extroverted personalities, people who act
quickly, appear friendly and are outgoing. Introverts often feel pressure to be extroverts, which
can lead to anxiety or lowered self-esteem. A majority of Eastern cultures tend to encourage
people who are more contemplative, quiet and appear serene. Introverts in these cultures don’t
feel the stigma to be extroverted and so are more accepting of their inherent personality.
Research supports the keys to happiness lie in having a sense of purpose, self-acceptance and a
supportive social network, which both personality types can form.
Perhaps happiness truly is in the eye of the beholder.
