How Different Personality Types May Adapt to Life After COVID-19

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsThe Big 5 Personality TraitsPersonality and Well-BeingAdapting for Life After COVID-19What to Expect Post-PandemicChallenges to ConsiderHow to Cope With Life Post-Pandemic

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

The Big 5 Personality Traits

Personality and Well-Being

Adapting for Life After COVID-19

What to Expect Post-Pandemic

Challenges to Consider

How to Cope With Life Post-Pandemic

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While many people feel excitement and relief about getting vaccinated and returning to “normal life,” not everyone feels the same elation about reverting to previous patterns. Depending on your personality type, you might either be eager to jump back into things, or you might be dreading the transition.

Post-pandemic life won’t look the same for everybody. Efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 affected nearly every aspect of day-to-day life for people worldwide. Recovering from the upheaval that these changes created has the potential to be a difficult process as well.

Personality traits can affect yourhealth and happiness. In particular,extroverts and introvertshad different ways of handling the pandemic.

According to this theory, there are five broad traits that make up basic personality, which are:

Some people are high in these traits, some low, and others are somewhere in the middle. It is your unique combination of traits, this theory suggests, that makes you who you are.

In order to understand how returning to normal routines might affect people with different personality types, it can be helpful to look at what researchers have found about how personality impacted coping during the pandemic.

In one study, students who were high in the personality traits of agreeableness, conscientiousness, andextroversion(also often spelled extraversion) and low on neuroticism were more likely to have better moods and less stress. They were also more likely to participate in health-promoting activities.

However, as the pandemic progressed, the researchers found that extroverts experienced greater decreases in their mood while introverts actually experienced slight increases.

How might people with different personality types fare as they adjust to post-COVID life? Are there special concerns that people with these personality types should consider?

Extroverts

How might extroverts cope with the transition back after the pandemic?Extrovertstend to thrive in social situations and gain energy from being around and interacting with others.Social distancingguidelines meant that many extroverts were cut off from other people, which was a real challenge for many.

A study published in the journalAmerican Psychologistfound that people high in extroversion were also the least likely to comply with shelter-in-place orders during the pandemic.

Research suggests that extroversion is typically linked to better coping skills in general.People with this personality trait often have higher levels ofresilienceand lessstress.

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Introverts

Because many introverts had an easier time coping with social distancing and working from home, the return to the normal patterns of daily life may be more of a challenge for people who tend to thrive on solitude.

For some introverts, the year of the pandemic was a time of personal exploration and freedom from the typical social pressures of work life.

One study found that some people actually thrived amidst lockdowns because of reduced commute times, more time with immediate family, and increased online communication.

While introverts are sometimesmisunderstoodas shy, aloof, or socially anxious, they do enjoy the company of others—as long as they have plenty of time to recharge. As the pandemic wore on, even some of the most introverted personalities found themselves craving social connections at times. But this may not mean that they are looking forward to a full re-entry into a crowded social calendar.

For many, going back to office life can mean the return of activities that leave them feeling drained and exhausted, such as making small talk, attending meetings, and a lack of privacy. The challenge for many people is figuring out how to get back to normal without completely sacrificing the peace and slower pace of life they discovered over the course of the year.

Some people have recognized that their former lives were often centered around activities that were out of step with their introverted personalities. For others, the pandemic has led to increasedself-awarenessand the realization that they have no desire to return to their pre-pandemic way of life.

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Ambiverts

Ambiverts are those whose personality lies somewhere right in the middle of the extroversion/introversion spectrum. People with this personality type have characteristics of both personality types and are sometimes referred to as “outgoing introverts.”

People withambivertpersonalities enjoy being alone, but can ramp up their social behavior in situations that call for it. They enjoy social situations but may need a break once in a while to recalibrate and recharge.

Like extroverts, ambiverts may find the return to post-COVID life easier to deal with. However, while they may have dealt better with quarantine than many extroverts, they likely miss many aspects of their pre-pandemic routines.

Getting back into the swing of things means that many will have more opportunities for the aspects of their social and work lives that they enjoy, including spending more time with other people outside of the home.

No matter what personality type you have, there are several things that you are probably looking forward to as the pandemic eases and more people get vaccinated, including:

When anticipating the return of these activities, people may still experience a sense of trepidation or anxiety. Common concerns include:

The question of how people and society may change in the wake of the pandemic remains to be answered. As society reopens, people of all personality types face many challenges.

A Transformed Workplace

Because of social distancing policies, the world of work has dramatically shifted. Many of the questions people may have had about whether remote work would affect motivation or productivity have been answered.

Workers and employers are now faced with questions about telework practices and how much flexibility will exist in a post-pandemic world. While not everyone can work from home, those who can may be faced with the challenge of deciding if and when they will return to the office.

Safety

Personality may also play a role in how people feel about safety precautions that remain in place as people begin to return to their pre-pandemic activities. While some people are eager to rejoin their co-workers face to face, they may still worry about the health risks even as many people have had the vaccine or are continuing to use sanitation, masking, and physical distancing.

Research suggestedthat extroverts were less likely than introverts to follow certain health precautions during the pandemic, so such patterns may persist going forward.

Loneliness

Even before the pandemic struck, a substantial percentage of adults in the U.S. struggled with feelings ofloneliness. As many non-essential workers return to working in an office, figuring out how to reconnect with co-workers or build new connections can present a challenge for many people.

Extroverts and ambiverts may find it easier to rebuild these social connections. Introverts, on the other hand, may find this much more difficult.

General Stress

Your Mental Health Won’t Just Go Back to Normal After the Pandemic

The reality is that getting back to normal may take some time, and things may never completely be exactly what they were before the pandemic. As you look at this challenge, it is important to find ways to ease yourself back into society in a way that supports your needs.

Practice Self-Care

No matter your personality type, it is important to take care of yourself as you face new challenges.Taking time for yourself, getting enough rest, eating a healthy diet, and practicing relaxation strategies can help. Introverts may find that carving out periods of time to be alone can help ease the stress related to increased socializing.

Lean On Your Coping Skills

Even as the pandemic created stress, it also led people to develop andbuild new coping skillsandincrease resilience. As you deal with different challenges going forward, consider some things that helped you manage your stress and anxiety over the past year. Employing some of those same techniques in other situations can be helpful.

Find a Balance

Because of the changes in the workplace, you may be able to talk to your employer about incorporating more telework into your schedule in the future. For many introverts, this can be a great way to maintain some of the things they preferred about working from home while still participating in face-to-face work.

Of course, not everyone has the option to work from home, change jobs, launch their own business, or find some other way to maintain their work-from-home lifestyle. And it’s important to remember that such choices can come with stress and adjustment periods independently.

The decision to stick to telecommuting may lead to further upheaval and more life changes, so it is important to weigh the potential costs and benefits before making such a choice.

Talk to Other People

It’s important to remember that you aren’t alone in this experience. While everyone’s experiences and feelings may be a little different, other people around you are going through many of the same things that you are.

Havingsocial supportand talking about these struggles with friends and family members can be a way to gain a sense of solidarity.

Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulnessis a technique that involves focusing on the present moment. It can help you let go of worries about the past and anxieties about the future and find a way to be present at the moment.

As you move forward, practice these mindfulness skills and pay attention to where you focus your energies and attentions.

Go Slow

If the thought of returning to normal is making you anxious, you may find that gradually exposing yourself to old routines may help ease you into it. This process is often used as part ofexposure therapyto help people reduce fear and anxiety in the face of a phobic object.

By taking it slowly and progressively increasing your exposure to the things you used to do, you may find that you’re less anxious.

Don’t be afraid to talk to a mental health professional about your concerns about returning to normal life.Online therapyhas become increasingly vital over the course of the past year.

A Word From Verywell

Whilepersonality traitsare associated with different health outcomes, including wellness and coping, it is important to remember that none of these traits are necessarily good or bad. However, understanding the impact they may have on adapting to life after COVID-19 can help you adjust to the new normal.

While the pandemic is likely to have effects that will be felt for years to come, it is important to remember that people are incredibly adept at finding ways to adapt and thrive.

Anxiety and trepidation about these changes are normal, and your unique worries likely depend on both your personality, your support system, and other aspects of your life.

7 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Prentice C, Zeidan S, Wang X.Personality, trait EI and coping with COVID 19 measures.Int J Disaster Risk Reduct. 2020;51:101789. doi:10.1016/j.ijdrr.2020.101789Rettew DC, McGinnis EW, Copeland W, et al.Personality trait predictors of adjustment during the COVID pandemic among college students.PLoS One. 2021;16(3):e0248895. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0248895Götz FM, Gvirtz A, Galinsky AD, Jachimowicz JM.How personality and policy predict pandemic behavior: Understanding sheltering-in-place in 55 countries at the onset of COVID-19.Am Psychol. 2021;76(1):39-49. doi:10.1037/amp0000740Bucher MA, Suzuki T, Samuel DB.A meta-analytic review of personality traits and their associations with mental health treatment outcomes.Clin Psychol Rev. 2019;70:51-63. doi: 10.1016/j.cpr.2019.04.002Evans S, Mikocka-Walus A, Klas A, et al.From “It has stopped our lives” to “Spending more time together has strengthened bonds”: The varied experiences of Australian families during COVID-19.Front Psychol. 2020;11:588667. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2020.588667Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Interim public health recommendations for fully vaccinated people.Czeisler MÉ, Lane RI, Petrosky E, et al.Mental health, substance use, and suicidal ideation during the COVID-19 pandemic - United States, June 24-30, 2020.MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2020;69(32):1049-1057. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm6932a1

7 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Prentice C, Zeidan S, Wang X.Personality, trait EI and coping with COVID 19 measures.Int J Disaster Risk Reduct. 2020;51:101789. doi:10.1016/j.ijdrr.2020.101789Rettew DC, McGinnis EW, Copeland W, et al.Personality trait predictors of adjustment during the COVID pandemic among college students.PLoS One. 2021;16(3):e0248895. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0248895Götz FM, Gvirtz A, Galinsky AD, Jachimowicz JM.How personality and policy predict pandemic behavior: Understanding sheltering-in-place in 55 countries at the onset of COVID-19.Am Psychol. 2021;76(1):39-49. doi:10.1037/amp0000740Bucher MA, Suzuki T, Samuel DB.A meta-analytic review of personality traits and their associations with mental health treatment outcomes.Clin Psychol Rev. 2019;70:51-63. doi: 10.1016/j.cpr.2019.04.002Evans S, Mikocka-Walus A, Klas A, et al.From “It has stopped our lives” to “Spending more time together has strengthened bonds”: The varied experiences of Australian families during COVID-19.Front Psychol. 2020;11:588667. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2020.588667Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Interim public health recommendations for fully vaccinated people.Czeisler MÉ, Lane RI, Petrosky E, et al.Mental health, substance use, and suicidal ideation during the COVID-19 pandemic - United States, June 24-30, 2020.MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2020;69(32):1049-1057. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm6932a1

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Prentice C, Zeidan S, Wang X.Personality, trait EI and coping with COVID 19 measures.Int J Disaster Risk Reduct. 2020;51:101789. doi:10.1016/j.ijdrr.2020.101789Rettew DC, McGinnis EW, Copeland W, et al.Personality trait predictors of adjustment during the COVID pandemic among college students.PLoS One. 2021;16(3):e0248895. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0248895Götz FM, Gvirtz A, Galinsky AD, Jachimowicz JM.How personality and policy predict pandemic behavior: Understanding sheltering-in-place in 55 countries at the onset of COVID-19.Am Psychol. 2021;76(1):39-49. doi:10.1037/amp0000740Bucher MA, Suzuki T, Samuel DB.A meta-analytic review of personality traits and their associations with mental health treatment outcomes.Clin Psychol Rev. 2019;70:51-63. doi: 10.1016/j.cpr.2019.04.002Evans S, Mikocka-Walus A, Klas A, et al.From “It has stopped our lives” to “Spending more time together has strengthened bonds”: The varied experiences of Australian families during COVID-19.Front Psychol. 2020;11:588667. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2020.588667Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Interim public health recommendations for fully vaccinated people.Czeisler MÉ, Lane RI, Petrosky E, et al.Mental health, substance use, and suicidal ideation during the COVID-19 pandemic - United States, June 24-30, 2020.MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2020;69(32):1049-1057. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm6932a1

Prentice C, Zeidan S, Wang X.Personality, trait EI and coping with COVID 19 measures.Int J Disaster Risk Reduct. 2020;51:101789. doi:10.1016/j.ijdrr.2020.101789

Rettew DC, McGinnis EW, Copeland W, et al.Personality trait predictors of adjustment during the COVID pandemic among college students.PLoS One. 2021;16(3):e0248895. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0248895

Götz FM, Gvirtz A, Galinsky AD, Jachimowicz JM.How personality and policy predict pandemic behavior: Understanding sheltering-in-place in 55 countries at the onset of COVID-19.Am Psychol. 2021;76(1):39-49. doi:10.1037/amp0000740

Bucher MA, Suzuki T, Samuel DB.A meta-analytic review of personality traits and their associations with mental health treatment outcomes.Clin Psychol Rev. 2019;70:51-63. doi: 10.1016/j.cpr.2019.04.002

Evans S, Mikocka-Walus A, Klas A, et al.From “It has stopped our lives” to “Spending more time together has strengthened bonds”: The varied experiences of Australian families during COVID-19.Front Psychol. 2020;11:588667. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2020.588667

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Interim public health recommendations for fully vaccinated people.

Czeisler MÉ, Lane RI, Petrosky E, et al.Mental health, substance use, and suicidal ideation during the COVID-19 pandemic - United States, June 24-30, 2020.MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2020;69(32):1049-1057. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm6932a1

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