Are Extraverts Happier - Research Paper Example

Are Extraverts Happier? Table of Contents 3 Introduction 4 Methodology 4 Results 5 Discussion 7 References 13 Abstract Personality has been directly linked to happiness. There has been consistency in findings linking extroversion to happiness, suggesting that extroverts are happier than introverts are. This paper probes into past research papers to understand whether extroverts are happier than introverts are. From the literature review, there has been a strong agreement among different findings that extraverts are generally happier than introverts. This is in spite of the fact that happy introverts exist. This study concludes that happiness is commonplace for both categories. The assumption is demonstrated by the fact that both personality types can be shy. Additionally, some scientific studies have shown that when introverts and extroverts work together, they make up a powerful team. As a conclusion, this study finds that the answer to the question of whether extroverts are happier is not a clear one because the commonly used scale for measuring happiness appears to favor the view that extroverts are happier than introverts are. The fact that introverts are stimulated by lower-key activities is not factored in the happiness scale. If such factors such as the lesser stimulating activities for introverts were considered, the introverts would score competitively against the extroverts. Key words: Extroverts, introverts, personality, happiness Introduction Personality constitutes all the qualities comprising a person’s unique character. Personality as an abstract element of being adversely influences personal emotions and thus experiences. Happiness is influenced by various factors among which is personality as was noted by Aristotle two millennia ago and as supported by findings in various scientific studies. Since Dr. Carl Jung popularized the idea of personality and happiness, many scientific studies suggest that the extroverts are happier than introverts are. Researchers suggest that about 70 percent of the population comprises the extroverts while the remaining 30 percent comprises the introverts (Lucas, 2001). Extroverts energize by being in social situations while introverts energize by being alone. It is this notion that has led many people to conclude that introverts are not as happy as extroverts because of their preference of being alone, focusing on single activity, analyzing a circumstance before concluding, et cetera. This study will be in depth literature review where various scientific will be compared to see whether extroverts are really happier than introverts. Methodology This study reviews previous scientific studies to understand the relationship between personality and happiness. Materials to be used include scientific journals, books on personality and happiness, survey findings, reliable internet sources, and articles. This study will cross examine the literature review data to conclude on whether, the extroverts are indeed happier than introverts. Results Current happiness ratings indicate that extroverts are happier than introverts. Watson (1937, as quoted in Lucas and Diener, 2001) found out that social relationships and sociability feelings were interlinked and correlated with happiness. Further studies suggested that both positive affect and negative affect are independent facets and that positive affect is more correlated with social practices hence happiness than negative affect. Negative affect is more correlated with neoroticism rather than happiness (Lucas et al., 2001). Some studies suggest that extraversion is more responsive to rewarding stimulus such that their behavioral activation system (BAS) is conditioned and reacts to conditioned rewards and non-punitive inductions (Gray, 1981). Likewise the Behavior Inhibition System is conditioned to respond to punitive, non-rewarding stimulus. The greater happiness recorded by extraverts can be attributed to a greater sensitivity and response to reward stimulus and higher BAS patterns than in introverts (Gray, 1981). Furthermore, the heightened sensitivity towards rewarding induction may lead to heightened levels of happiness recorded for extroverts. Sensitivity to reward is the key feature in this approach whereby manifestation of happiness is due to rewarding social situations. Extroverts have also been shown to respond differently to emotional stimulus compared to introverts. As a result, the extroverts may adventure in search for rewarding social circumstances thus greater happiness fulfillment than introverts. However, there was no difference in response to negative stimulus in both extroverts and introverts. Extroverts responded more to positive stimulus than introverts. In hypothetical situational choice inventories a relationship between degree of extraversion and time spend doing social activities was established. Extraverts rated solitary and solitude situations more positively than introverts if circumstances were positive. In negative unpleasant situations, there was no recognizable difference between extraverts and introverts. This means that extroverts are just happy when there is something positive to be happy about (Hull, 1943). Gray (1970) suggested that social activities induce happiness in both extroverts and introverts alike. However, predisposition, a quality that works best with extraversion as they seek more activities, they report more happiness due to regular participation in the activities as opposed to introverts who are less predisposed. Pre-situation theory supports this suggestion. In contrast, some studies suggest that extraverts and introverts spend equal amounts of time in social activities and that extraverts will experience more happiness fulfillment than introverts even in the absence of others. Introverts and extroverts think differently. Solitary circumstances excite the introverts’ brains while external events excite the extroverts’ brains. Furthermore, more dopamine (a hormone produced anytime there is a positive experience) is released in extroverts because the extroverts require more to feel positive. Introverts do not need much of the dopamine hormone to enjoy the positive reward. Discussion The explanations for why extroverts may be happier are controversial. As seen from the study on previous studies, arguments supporting that view range from social relations as a stimulus for happiness to arguments on brain anatomy and functions. However, even though such studies claim a close linkage between happiness and extroversion, introverts have equal opportunity of being happy. Numerous western cultures seem to support extroverts as compared to introverts and will go a long way to discourage the introverted personalities by encouraging them to be more outgoing, confident, and assertive. On the other hand, eastern cultures promote introverts by encouraging serenity of the inner person. Happiness depends on experiencing the sense of purpose, self-acceptance as well as having a supporting social network. As such I think that both extroverts and introverts can experience happiness. Introverts can also be happy in their own way, just like the extraverts. I think that the understanding of happiness as a determinant of the quality of life is relative also based on our definition of happiness. Considering how we define happiness, I wonder if it is joy, smiling, or does it have other kinds of expressions? I believe that the answer to what happiness entails and in response to such pondering makes a big difference for extroverts and introverts alike. This psychological foundation is not as popular as the psychology that stipulates that extraverts are generally happier than introverts due to the involvement in rewarding social activities and their outgoing nature. However, recent studies have taken a keen interest in the positive side of introversion as a pathway to lasting happiness. The art, rather than science can be traced its origins in religion such a Buddhism, Confucianism, and Christianity which stress more on inner peace and happiness as compared artificial rewards that extraverts derive from rewarding social activities and competition or aggression. Various scientists such as Susan Cain who looks into the art of Flow in her book “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking” have begun a scientific probe into the happiness in introversion (Fleeson et al., 1982). Just like the few scientist who dare to shed new light into introversion as a means to lasting happiness, I think that research findings that focus on extraversion as the ultimate measure for happy people, are in part artifacts of the manner in which extraversion is measured. When reports on differences between the introversion and extroversion qualities are published, I believe that they mainly capture relative differences against a measure of extraversion-mainly focusing on the presence or absence of extraverted qualities. Most studies do not consider positively classified introversion values, only the presence of introversion. Accordingly, extroverts are equally happy. Introversion is a personality factor that is interested in quantity and intensity of interpersonal interaction; level of activity; need for stimulation; and capacity for joy. People who score well in extroversion can be described as talkative, person-oriented, affectionate, sociable, optimistic et cetera. Low scorers (presumably introverts) are considered sober, reserved, aloof, task oriented, quiet, retiring, et cetera. This definition portrays a misconception that low-arousal positive emotions characteristic of introversion such as serenity, calm and tranquility, peacefulness, equanimity, ease, mindfulness, et cetera do not lead to equal measure of happiness for the introverts. On the contrary, introverts are not necessarily unhappy; they are only less exuberant and high spirited. This brings to the point where I feel that if exuberating is not the standard of reference, then we are misunderstanding the true definition of happiness. I represent other introverts and I feel and believe that many research studies only capture a limited type of introversion, the kind that is caricaturized and less nuanced conception of the actual introversion. For instance, a study by Zelenski and his team of researchers in the Journal of Emotion supports the same kind of misconception that introversion plays a role in being less happy. In the study, participants were asked to act like extroverts and introverts, irrespective of personality. As expected, the participants felt better as they behaved as extroverts. However, the study design encouraged people to act extrovertly- bold, energetic, talkative, assertive, et cetera. On the other hand, introverts were asked to act quiet, lethargic, compliant, unadventurous, reserved, etc. In these two scenarios, introverts can and will definitely act extrovertly- assertive, talkative and energetic concerning important things in their life. Everyone certainly felt much better following the directive of the script. Practically from real life experiences, both introverts and extroverts are happier after an activity that involves socializing. However, studies suggest that there is no link between extroversion and caring or need for attachment. Introverts yearn for company just like extroverts do but enjoy it in short small doses or with a few people they are familiar with. In definition, this kind of company does not fit the definition for socialization, and thus in the long run, introverts opt to avoid short burst of company. Introverts also feel better in lower stimulation circumstances and environments as opposed to extroverts. In the process, introverts learn to enjoy the pleasure of solitude as well as deep companionship with a few people. In the process, introverts compare the happiness derived from this against any form of social invitation. Introverts may derive happiness from melancholy. For instance, some forms of music such as songs of love, loss, yearning or sorrow, et cetera may induce feelings of happiness although not the exultant type of happiness. It is rather the kind of marvel at the fragile nature and beauty of the human state. Likewise, introverts mirror negative emotions as their own emotions are mirrored by the songs but with the primary goal of feeling better and making happiness. Some people (mostly introverts) embrace happiness through reaching a flow state. In such a state, the individual is completely engaged and immersed in an activity, neither bored, anxious nor feels inadequate and hours may pass without the person noticing. Others derive happiness from what they have especially their work and family. They may comment positively about how good the weather feels or how beautiful the trees look. However, this is not the kind of happiness that leads to a spontaneous smile on the face, but rather the more quiet and internal. Happiness is about positivity, engagement, meaning, accomplishment, and relationships. When one engages or conducts a meaningful project for the benefits other people and self, positive emotions and feelings naturally follow. One is able to experience equanimity, existing in the midst of everything without feeling the urge to change anything. In this feeling, one accepts and shows interest in whatever is happening at the moment. From this concept, it is possible to be happy even when nothing is going well because there is a great freedom in the capacity of being equanimous. Most introverts possess the equanimous quality and they derive contentment in found in every moment, regardless of what is going on. They have access to a rich inner experience. Introverts are able to embrace happiness beyond the extrovert dominated view to a low-arousal introvert-based feeling of happiness. This is because happiness is found in contentment, appreciation and peacefulness with whatever is ongoing in every moment. Such happiness is more robust, enduring and available anytime. Conclusion Evidently, many researchers tend to agree that extroverts are happier than introverts based on various social factors such as talking with other people about ideas and problems, multitasking, quick decision making, et cetera. Many disagreements may arise as extroverts consider introverts as being shy and introverts consider extroverts as bossy. Extroverts may be happier than introverts in some cases, but generally, both categories of personalities have what it takes to experience happiness in a satisfactory manner. Previous research in the field of personalities has been inclined to the conception that extroverts are happier than introverts due to their assertive, energetic nature in their character; they enjoy and derive happiness from beneficial social situations and activities as opposed to introverts. However, it has been observed that introverted personalities also have some benefits that are accrued to it. They may be able to pay attention to detail and enjoys minute phenomena not noticeable by extroverts such as the beauty of the sky or being immersed and completely indulged in workflow (Hogan, 1982). Introverts may appear unhappy, and be taken away by the misconception that extroverts are happier, but the fact is that both personalities can equally enjoy social situations and derive happiness in unique ways. After all, happiness depends on the beholder. References Argyle, M., & Lu, L. (1990). The happiness of Extraverts. Personality and Individual Diferences,11 (10), 1011-1017. Eysenck, S. B., & Barrett, P. (1985). A revised version of the Psychoticism scale. Personality and Individual Di_erences, 6 (1), 21-29. Fleeson W, Malanos AB, Achille NM. An intraindividual process approach to the relationship between extraversion and positive affect: Is acting extraverted as good as being extraverted? Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. 2002;83:1409–1422. doi: 10.1037/0022-3514.83.6.1409. Gray, J. A. (1970). The psychophysiological Basis of Introversion-Extraversion. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 8 (3), 249-266. Gray, J. A. (1981). A critique of Eysencks theory of personality. 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In: Hogan R, Johnson JA, Briggs SR, editors. Handbook of personality psychology. San Diego: Academic Press. Zohar, A., Zohar, A., Bachner-Melman, R., & Cohen, A. (2015). Review History for Under which conditions can introverts achieve happiness? Mediation and moderation effects of the quality of social relationships and emotion regulation ability on happiness [PeerJ]. Peerj.com. Retrieved 29 October 2015, from https://peerj.com/articles/1300/reviews/ Read More