How Extroversion in Personality Influences Behavior

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsExtroversion vs. IntroversionCommon TraitsIs It Extroversion or Extraversion?CausesExtroversion and BehaviorHow Common Is Extroversion?Can You Become More Extroverted?

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Extroversion vs. Introversion

Common Traits

Is It Extroversion or Extraversion?

Causes

Extroversion and Behavior

How Common Is Extroversion?

Can You Become More Extroverted?

Extroverts feel energized when they spend time socializing with other people.

At a Glance

It is important to remember that extroversion and introversion represent a continuum. While some people might tend to be at either of the two extremes, most people aresomewhere in the middle.

People high in extroversion tend to seek social stimulation and opportunities to engage with others. These individuals are often described as being full of life, energy, and positivity. In group situations,extroverts(extraverts) are likely to talk often and assert themselves.

Introverts, on the other hand, are people who are low in extroversion. They tend to be quiet, reserved and less involved in social situations. It is important to note thatintroversionand shyness are not the same.

People low in extroversion are not afraid of social situations. They simply prefer to spend more time alone and do not need as much social stimulation.

Extroverts are often unfairly stereotyped as overly talkative or attention-seeking. In reality, they simply gain energyfrom engaging in social interaction. People who are high in extroversion need social stimulation to feel energized. They gain inspiration and excitement from talking and discussing ideas with other people.

1:33Signs You May Be An Extrovert

1:33

Signs You May Be An Extrovert

Common Extroversion Traits

You may have noticed that sometimes the term is spelled extroversion, and other times it’s spelled extraversion. So what’s the difference? Does that subtle difference in the letter affect the meaning? Is one more correct than the other?

So while extravert is the original spelling, extrovert is also accepted.

What Causes Extroversion?

The exact reason why people tend to be moreextroverted or more introvertedhas 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:nature and nurture.

Genetics

Extroversion clearly has a strong genetic component. One study found that the interaction between more than 700 genes has a larger impact on personality than environmental factors.

Twin studies suggest that genetics contribute somewhere between 30% and 60% of the variance in personality traits, including extroversion and introversion.

Environment

While genetics play an important role, environmental influences also help shape personality. Sibling studies suggest that individual experiences carry greater weight than shared experiences in families.

Variability in this trait may be linked to differences in cortical arousal. Extroverts tend to need more external stimulation, while introverts tend to become stimulated very easily, according to some researchers.

Is Personality Genetic?

How does extroversion affect behavior? Researchers have found that being high in thispersonality traitis linked to a number of different tendencies. In addition to contributing to personality, this trait may also play a role in career choices.

According to researchers, extroversion is associated with leadership behavior.Since extroverts are more likely to assert themselves in groups, it makes sense that they often take on leadership roles when working with other people.

Those high in extroversion are often described as having a very positive outlook on life as well as being friendly, energetic, and highly adaptable.

As you might imagine, high levels of extroversion can be particularly well suited to jobs that require a great deal of interaction with other people. These might includes jobs in teaching, sales, marketing, public relations, and politics.

Introverts prefer less social interaction, so jobs that require lots of independent work are often ideal. Writing, computer programming, engineering, and accounting might appeal to a person low in extroversion.

While it might seem like everyone in your circle of friends and acquaintances is more extroverted than you, research indicates that extroversion is less common than previously thought.

In a study published in 2015, researchers found that extroverts tend to be overrepresented in social networks. Becauseoutgoing, popular people tend to have a lot of friends, they are disproportionately represented in social networks.

The researchers also suggested that there are two key factors that determine who people become friends with. Extroverts tend to be very sociable, making them more likely to form new friendships than introverts. People also tend to form friendships with people with similar levels of extroversion as themselves.

While extroverts are more likely to become friends with other extroverts, introverts tend to forge relationships with both introverts and extroverts. To extroverts, it seems like most people are also extroverted because that personality trait is overrepresented among their group of friends and acquaintances. Introverts, however, might have a better grasp of the true structure of social networks.

Are You an Extrovert? Try Our Quiz

If you’re wondering where on the scale of extroversion and introversion you fall, ourfast and free quizcan help you figure it out!

What to Know About Introvert Dating

If you tend to be more introverted, you might wonder if it’s possible to become more extroverted. One 2020 study found that wanting to become more extroverted was one of the most common personal development goals.

This likely stems from the fact that extroversion tends to be more celebrated in modern society. Extroverts seem to gain social acceptance more readily, so there is little wonder that many people might want to enjoy that perceived ease when it comes to group belongingness.

Psychologists suggest that a completeshift in your underlying personality is unlikely. Personality has a strong genetic component, and studies generally show that the broad dimensions that underlie personality are relatively stable throughout life.In other words, you’re not likely to be able to change from a reserved introvert to an outgoing extrovert.

However, you can adopt more extroverted habits. Or, at the very least, you can take steps to feel more comfortable and confident in social situations.

8 Signs You Might Be an Introvert

Adopt Extroverted Habits

While you might be naturally inclined to spend more time alone or with a small group of close friends, you can act outgoing for periods when needed. For example, if you’re meeting a new client at work or attending a social event with your partner, you might try to act like an extrovert.

Be Intentional

Acting extroverted in social situations can bedraining for most introverts. One way to deal with this is to adopt extroverted tendencies in cases that offer the most significant benefit. For example, you might try actingmore extroverted at work or in social relationships.

Trying to be extroverted all of the time can lead to exhaustion andburnout. Being intentional about when you act more extroverted can ensure that you are not overdoing it.

Schedule Downtime

Avoid Limiting Self-Beliefs

If you think you can’t do something because you are not extroverted enough (such as giving a presentation at work or attending a social event), spend some time examining your self-beliefs andself-talk.

Instead of believing that your abilities areset in stone, practice developingmore positive self-beliefsfocused on the things you can change.

You might not think that you can change your entire personality (nor would you even want to). Instead, you might tell yourself, “I can be more outgoing at the Christmas party,” or “I am capable of giving a great presentation.”

RecapIf you tend to be more of an introvert, it is possible to “fake” extroverted traits to adopt more extroverted habits. Just make sure that you are practicing positive self-talk and scheduling time for yourself to recharge.

Recap

If you tend to be more of an introvert, it is possible to “fake” extroverted traits to adopt more extroverted habits. Just make sure that you are practicing positive self-talk and scheduling time for yourself to recharge.

What This Means For YouIf you are more of an extrovert, you probably still enjoy some time to yourself to unwind from time to time. And if you tend to be more of an introvert, you can find ways to adopt more extroverted habits as needed. In either case, learning more about your personality can give you a greater understanding of yourself, your preferences, and your needs.

What This Means For You

If you are more of an extrovert, you probably still enjoy some time to yourself to unwind from time to time. And if you tend to be more of an introvert, you can find ways to adopt more extroverted habits as needed. In either case, learning more about your personality can give you a greater understanding of yourself, your preferences, and your needs.

Reasons to Learn More About Your Personality Type

12 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.McCabe KO, Fleeson W.What is extraversion for? Integrating trait and motivational perspectives and identifying the purpose of extraversion.Psychol Sci. 2012;23(12):1498‐1505. doi:10.1177/0956797612444904Condon M, Ruth-Sahd L.Responding to introverted and shy students: Best practice guidelines for educators and advisors.Open Nurs J.2013;3(07):503. doi:10.4236/ojn.2013.37069Scientific American.The difference between extrAversion and extrOversion.Zwir I, Arnedo J, Del-Val C, et al.Uncovering the complex genetics of human character.Mol Psychiatry. 2020;25(10):2295-2312. doi:10.1038/s41380-018-0263-6Koenig LB.Twin studies in personality research. In: Carducci BJ, Nave CS, Nave CS, eds.The Wiley Encyclopedia of Personality and Individual Differences. 1st ed. Wiley; 2020:415-419. doi:10.1002/9781118970843.ch139Plomin R, Daniels D.Why are children in the same family so different from one another?.Int J Epidemiol. 2011;40(3):563-82. doi:10.1093/ije/dyq148Kehoe EG, Toomey JM, Balsters JH, Bokde AL.Personality modulates the effects of emotional arousal and valence on brain activation.Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci. 2012;7(7):858-70. doi:10.1093/scan/nsr059McCabe KO, Fleeson W.What is extraversion for? Integrating trait and motivational perspectives and identifying the purpose of extraversion.Psychol Sci. 2012;23(12):1498-505. doi:10.1177/0956797612444904Feiler DC, Kleinbaum AM.Popularity, similarity, and the network extraversion bias.Psychol Sci. 2015;26(5):593-603. doi:10.1177/0956797615569580Baranski E, Gray J, Morse P, Dunlop W.From desire to development? A multi-sample, idiographic examination of volitional personality change.Journal of Research in Personality. 2020;85:103910. doi:10.1016/j.jrp.2019.103910Sanchez-Roige S, Gray JC, MacKillop J, Chen CH, Palmer AA.The genetics of human personality.Genes Brain Behav. 2018;17(3):e12439. doi:10.1111/gbb.12439Wood W.Habit in personality and social psychology.Pers Soc Psychol Rev. 2017;21(4):389–403. doi:10.1177/1088868317720362Additional ReadingHogan R, Johnson J, Briggs S, eds.Handbook of Personality Psychology. Academic Press.

12 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.McCabe KO, Fleeson W.What is extraversion for? Integrating trait and motivational perspectives and identifying the purpose of extraversion.Psychol Sci. 2012;23(12):1498‐1505. doi:10.1177/0956797612444904Condon M, Ruth-Sahd L.Responding to introverted and shy students: Best practice guidelines for educators and advisors.Open Nurs J.2013;3(07):503. doi:10.4236/ojn.2013.37069Scientific American.The difference between extrAversion and extrOversion.Zwir I, Arnedo J, Del-Val C, et al.Uncovering the complex genetics of human character.Mol Psychiatry. 2020;25(10):2295-2312. doi:10.1038/s41380-018-0263-6Koenig LB.Twin studies in personality research. In: Carducci BJ, Nave CS, Nave CS, eds.The Wiley Encyclopedia of Personality and Individual Differences. 1st ed. Wiley; 2020:415-419. doi:10.1002/9781118970843.ch139Plomin R, Daniels D.Why are children in the same family so different from one another?.Int J Epidemiol. 2011;40(3):563-82. doi:10.1093/ije/dyq148Kehoe EG, Toomey JM, Balsters JH, Bokde AL.Personality modulates the effects of emotional arousal and valence on brain activation.Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci. 2012;7(7):858-70. doi:10.1093/scan/nsr059McCabe KO, Fleeson W.What is extraversion for? Integrating trait and motivational perspectives and identifying the purpose of extraversion.Psychol Sci. 2012;23(12):1498-505. doi:10.1177/0956797612444904Feiler DC, Kleinbaum AM.Popularity, similarity, and the network extraversion bias.Psychol Sci. 2015;26(5):593-603. doi:10.1177/0956797615569580Baranski E, Gray J, Morse P, Dunlop W.From desire to development? A multi-sample, idiographic examination of volitional personality change.Journal of Research in Personality. 2020;85:103910. doi:10.1016/j.jrp.2019.103910Sanchez-Roige S, Gray JC, MacKillop J, Chen CH, Palmer AA.The genetics of human personality.Genes Brain Behav. 2018;17(3):e12439. doi:10.1111/gbb.12439Wood W.Habit in personality and social psychology.Pers Soc Psychol Rev. 2017;21(4):389–403. doi:10.1177/1088868317720362Additional ReadingHogan R, Johnson J, Briggs S, eds.Handbook of Personality Psychology. Academic Press.

McCabe KO, Fleeson W.What is extraversion for? Integrating trait and motivational perspectives and identifying the purpose of extraversion.Psychol Sci. 2012;23(12):1498‐1505. doi:10.1177/0956797612444904Condon M, Ruth-Sahd L.Responding to introverted and shy students: Best practice guidelines for educators and advisors.Open Nurs J.2013;3(07):503. doi:10.4236/ojn.2013.37069Scientific American.The difference between extrAversion and extrOversion.Zwir I, Arnedo J, Del-Val C, et al.Uncovering the complex genetics of human character.Mol Psychiatry. 2020;25(10):2295-2312. doi:10.1038/s41380-018-0263-6Koenig LB.Twin studies in personality research. In: Carducci BJ, Nave CS, Nave CS, eds.The Wiley Encyclopedia of Personality and Individual Differences. 1st ed. Wiley; 2020:415-419. doi:10.1002/9781118970843.ch139Plomin R, Daniels D.Why are children in the same family so different from one another?.Int J Epidemiol. 2011;40(3):563-82. doi:10.1093/ije/dyq148Kehoe EG, Toomey JM, Balsters JH, Bokde AL.Personality modulates the effects of emotional arousal and valence on brain activation.Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci. 2012;7(7):858-70. doi:10.1093/scan/nsr059McCabe KO, Fleeson W.What is extraversion for? Integrating trait and motivational perspectives and identifying the purpose of extraversion.Psychol Sci. 2012;23(12):1498-505. doi:10.1177/0956797612444904Feiler DC, Kleinbaum AM.Popularity, similarity, and the network extraversion bias.Psychol Sci. 2015;26(5):593-603. doi:10.1177/0956797615569580Baranski E, Gray J, Morse P, Dunlop W.From desire to development? A multi-sample, idiographic examination of volitional personality change.Journal of Research in Personality. 2020;85:103910. doi:10.1016/j.jrp.2019.103910Sanchez-Roige S, Gray JC, MacKillop J, Chen CH, Palmer AA.The genetics of human personality.Genes Brain Behav. 2018;17(3):e12439. doi:10.1111/gbb.12439Wood W.Habit in personality and social psychology.Pers Soc Psychol Rev. 2017;21(4):389–403. doi:10.1177/1088868317720362

Condon M, Ruth-Sahd L.Responding to introverted and shy students: Best practice guidelines for educators and advisors.Open Nurs J.2013;3(07):503. doi:10.4236/ojn.2013.37069

Scientific American.The difference between extrAversion and extrOversion.

Zwir I, Arnedo J, Del-Val C, et al.Uncovering the complex genetics of human character.Mol Psychiatry. 2020;25(10):2295-2312. doi:10.1038/s41380-018-0263-6

Koenig LB.Twin studies in personality research. In: Carducci BJ, Nave CS, Nave CS, eds.The Wiley Encyclopedia of Personality and Individual Differences. 1st ed. Wiley; 2020:415-419. doi:10.1002/9781118970843.ch139

Plomin R, Daniels D.Why are children in the same family so different from one another?.Int J Epidemiol. 2011;40(3):563-82. doi:10.1093/ije/dyq148

Kehoe EG, Toomey JM, Balsters JH, Bokde AL.Personality modulates the effects of emotional arousal and valence on brain activation.Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci. 2012;7(7):858-70. doi:10.1093/scan/nsr059

McCabe KO, Fleeson W.What is extraversion for? Integrating trait and motivational perspectives and identifying the purpose of extraversion.Psychol Sci. 2012;23(12):1498-505. doi:10.1177/0956797612444904

Feiler DC, Kleinbaum AM.Popularity, similarity, and the network extraversion bias.Psychol Sci. 2015;26(5):593-603. doi:10.1177/0956797615569580

Baranski E, Gray J, Morse P, Dunlop W.From desire to development? A multi-sample, idiographic examination of volitional personality change.Journal of Research in Personality. 2020;85:103910. doi:10.1016/j.jrp.2019.103910

Sanchez-Roige S, Gray JC, MacKillop J, Chen CH, Palmer AA.The genetics of human personality.Genes Brain Behav. 2018;17(3):e12439. doi:10.1111/gbb.12439

Wood W.Habit in personality and social psychology.Pers Soc Psychol Rev. 2017;21(4):389–403. doi:10.1177/1088868317720362

Hogan R, Johnson J, Briggs S, eds.Handbook of Personality Psychology. Academic Press.

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At a Glance#

Signs You May Be An Extrovert#

Common Extroversion Traits#

What Causes Extroversion?#

Genetics#

Environment#

Are You an Extrovert? Try Our Quiz#

Adopt Extroverted Habits#

Be Intentional#

Schedule Downtime#

Avoid Limiting Self-Beliefs#

Recap#

What This Means For You#