Extroversion is a personality trait typically characterized by outgoingness, high energy, and/or talkativeness. In general, the term refers to a state of being where someone “recharges,” or draws energy, from being with other people; the opposite—drawing energy from being alone—is known as introversion .
Extroversion and Life Outcomes
Extroversion has been linked to a number of potentially positive life outcomes, research shows. Those who lean toward extroversion tend to be happier, more successful, and more likely to be leaders than introverts. They may also have more sexual partners and struggle less with mental health concerns than those who are more introverted.
Does that mean, then, that it’s “better” to be extroverted? Not necessarily. Anyone who identifies strongly as an introvert or an extrovert is likely to argue that their type holds the greater advantages—but in reality, there are pros and cons to each. Recently, some researchers have proposed an “ambivert advantage,” theorizing that ambiverts—individuals who fall near the middle of the introversion-extroversion scale—may be better off overall than those at either extreme.
It depends on your definition of “better.” Extroverts are typically more successful at work than introverts—but they’re also more likely to die young or experience infidelity . Introversion is perceived as less socially desirable and introverts may struggle more with anxiety or depression —however, the trait has also been linked to intelligence and giftedness.
Research tends to find that, on average, extroverts score higher on happiness measures than introverts. This doesn’t mean that introverts are always unhappy, however—and some experts speculate that extroverts’ higher scores may be strongly influenced by greater societal acceptance of extroversion .
Explore More About Extroversion
For a comprehensive understanding of extroversion, read our complete guide: