Extroverts are happier than introverts

The world can be conveniently divided into three- introverts, extroverts, and ambiverts. This can actually have an impact on people’s happiness levels, a new study has revealed. The study published the Journal of Experimental Psychology, has pointed out that those who behave like extroverts have elevated moods.

A group of 131 people were asked to behave like both, introverts, and extroverts for a week, and the differences in happiness levels were compared. However, they were only informed about the characteristics they had to adopt, instead of directly being told if they were related to being introverts or extroverts. The participants were randomly divided into either group.                                                    

The characteristics assigned for being an extrovert required the people to be spontaneous, talkative and assertive. For being introverts they were asked to be deliberate, quiet and reserved. Surveys were then conducted to examine their happiness and wellbeing.

Those who behaved like extroverts had better mood, while those who were introverts were not as happy as extroverts. Sonja Lyubomirsky, one of the authors of the study said, “We thought that introverts would not benefit from acting extroverted as much, or would not be as happy as extroverts.” However, the contrary was true. When introverts took on the attributes of extroverts and behaved in a more talkative way, they got happier.

“The paper suggests if people have a tendency to be more introverted and then intentionally engage in extroverted behavior, they still benefit,” opined Jennifer Beckjord, senior director of clinical services at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital.

To sum up, the authors highlighted that personality has a major role to play when it comes to well-being. This study also supplements research on broadening personality psychology methods.

 

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