In this article you will read about:
Social dynamism versus Introversion
Common Extraversion Traits
Each of the Big Five personality traits is made up of six facets or sub traits. These can be assessed independently of the trait that they belong to in a personality test.
The sub traits of the extraversion domain are:
Friendliness
Gregariousness
Assertiveness
Activity Level
Excitement-seeking
Cheerfulness
High extraversion characteristics
Low extraversion characteristics
- Prefers solitude
- Feels exhausted when having to socialize a lot
- Finds it difficult to start conversations
- Dislikes making small talk
- Carefully thinks things through before speaking
- Dislikes being the center of attention
major personality traits |
They say that extroverts are unhappier than introverts and have to compensate for this by constantly proving to themselves how happy and contented and at ease with life they are.
Causes of Extraversion
The exact reason why people tend to be more extroverted or more introverted has been the subject of considerable debate and research in psychology. As with many such debates, the question tends to boil down to two key contributors:Â nature or nurture.
Genetics
Extroversion clearly has a strong genetic component. Twin studies suggest that genetics contribute somewhere between 40% and 60% of the variance between extroversion and introversion.
Personality traits are heritable, and genetic variation in the production and uptake of neuromodulators such as dopamine may play some role. Dopamine activity has been experimentally linked to differences in personality traits through various methods. Yet, the relationships between genes regulating dopamine activity and global personality phenotypes have been less than consistent. This may be because a large vector of environmental factors (e.g., parental support, negative life events, resource availability) also affect the development of personality traits, resulting in different phenotypes despite similar genotypes depending on the environmental circumstances. This is commonly termed phenotypic plasticity. Taken one step further, this implies that different genotypes may respond differently to environmental factors, resulting in a pattern of genotype by environmental interactions. Studies have shown that in demanding climates, dopamine genes are linked to Extraversion and Neuroticism traits manifestation.
Environmental
On the environmental side, sibling studies published in 2011 have suggested that individual experiences carry greater weight than do shared experiences in families. Also, assortative mating, important in the formation of social attitudes, has little impact on personality.Â
Extraversion and other Big Five Traits
Careers and extraversion trait
It has been argued that how a person’s career unfolds is increasingly affected by their own values, personality characteristics, goals and preferences. See what the best-suited careers for the extraversion (and introversion) trait are
Best jobs for Extroverts
Different jobs require different levels of extraversion. A high level of extraversion may be useful for jobs that require a great deal of interaction with other people, like public relations, social media, teaching and sales. Due to their talkativeness, friendliness and desire to work with and interact with others, extraverted individuals will excel in jobs that involve interactions with others, such as managers, sales personnel or roles in law.
Extroverts will also excel in management, team leading roles and event planning because they have the ability to negotiate and argue with others. Similarly, due to an extraverts desire and enthusiasm to work with others, they may also excel in social, politics and non-profit roles such as youth or aid work.
Best jobs for Introverts
Due to their reserved and withdrawn nature, introverts tend to excel more in individualised and solo work. Introverts often make good scientists because the work is often quiet and solo, or at least in small groups. Similarly, other solo jobs, such as graphic designers or authors, are better suited to introverts because they often do not emphasize socialising.
However, bad news for introverts – studies have actually shown that extroverts are generally more successful than introverts. Perhaps, this is because an extrovert desires to succeed and interact with others, meaning that they will become popular and thus work their way to the top roles with more ease.
Extraversion Famous Persons
The following personalities exhibit a high level of Extraversion:
- Oprah Winfrey – Media mogul known for her outgoing personality and communication skills.
- Winston Churchill – Former UK Prime Minister, renowned for his dynamic public speaking and leadership.
- Bill Clinton – Former U.S. President known for his charisma and interpersonal skills.
- Ellen DeGeneres – Television host known for her outgoing, engaging personality.
- Muhammad Ali – Boxer known for his charismatic, outgoing personality and public speaking.
- Steve Jobs – Known for his dynamic presentations and charismatic leadership at Apple.
- Richard Branson – Entrepreneur known for his adventurous, outgoing nature.
- Lady Gaga – Musician and actress known for her flamboyant and outgoing persona.
- John F. Kennedy – Former U.S. President renowned for his charismatic public image and eloquence.
- Will Smith – Actor known for his charismatic, lively personality.
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Extraversion & Introversion Book Recommendations
Continue expanding your knowledge on the subject of introversion and extraversion traits by reading the best books we have selected for you:Â Â
Click on the icon to see all your thoughts in the Dashboard.
Your Thoughts about Extraversion
It’s highly recommended that you jot down any ideas or reflections that come to mind regarding Extraversion, including related behaviours, emotions, situations, or other associations you may make. This way, you can refer back to them on your Dashboard or Reflect pop-ups, compare them with your current behaviours, and make any necessary adjustments to keep evolving. Learn more about this feature and how it can benefit you.
References
- John, O. P., & Srivastava, S. (1999). The Big-Five trait taxonomy: History, measurement, and theoretical perspectives. In L. A. Pervin & O. P. John (Eds.), Handbook of personality: Theory and research (Vol. 2, pp. 102–138). New York: Guilford Press.
- Tellegen A, Lykken DT, Bouchard TJ Jr, Wilcox KJ, Segal NL, Rich S. Personality similarity in twins reared apart and together. J Pers Soc Psychol.Â
- Laney, M. O. (2002). The Introvert Advantage (How To Thrive In An Extrovert World): How Quiet People Can Thrive in an Extrovert World. Thomas Allen & Son Limited, pp.28
- Fischer R, Lee A, Verzijden MN. Dopamine genes are linked to Extraversion and Neuroticism personality traits, but only in demanding climates. Sci Rep (2018)Â
- Friedman H, Schustack M (2016). Personality: Classic Theories and Modern Research (Sixth ed.). Pearson Education Inc.
- Plomin R, Daniels D. Why are children in the same family so different from one another?. Int J Epidemiol. 2011
