Extraversion

Extraversion is often characterized by a distinct preference for social interaction and external stimuli. Individuals who exhibit extraverted personality traits tend to thrive in social settings and display an enthusiasm for engaging with others. In some cases, extroverts may be referred to as “the center of attention,” exhibiting behaviors¹ like talkativeness, approachability, and a preference for group activities. These individuals are commonly perceived as outgoing, friendly, and energetic, possessing a natural knack for initiating conversations and forming connections.

In contrast, individuals low in extraversion, often referred to as introverts, tend to be more reserved and quiet and prefer solitary activities or smaller social gatherings. Extraverts are sometimes described as confident and unafraid of taking risks. They might be more optimistic and less likely to dwell on difficulties and setbacks than others. Extroverted people are sometimes characterized as flexible and may have no problems making spontaneous decisions.

Because extraversion is just one personality trait out of several people typically possess, these signs may not apply to everyone. For example, some extroverts may prefer a more controlled, organized environment and may be less comfortable with spontaneity. Others might enjoy social interaction and thrive in social settings but aren’t comfortable as the center of attention. 

An individual showing signs of extraversion doesn’t necessarily mean they identify as an extravert. Some people who prefer to spend time alone or with one or two loved ones learn to exhibit an extroverted temperament due to factors like cultural influences, workplace expectations, or societal norms.

While experts aren’t entirely sure what causes an individual to express extraverted (or any personality) traits predominantly, the origins of extraversion are thought to be related to a combination of genetic predispositions² and environmental influences:

Neurological factors

The idea that personality is shaped by brain chemistry is not new, but research has yet to identify precisely how it is related. Regarding extraverted behaviors, one hypothesis suggests that individuals with more active dopamine systems are more predisposed to demonstrate extraversion and an assertive personality. (often referred to as “the dopamine hypothesis”), a trait commonly associated with extraversion. 

Genetic factors

Researchers estimate that 20% to 60% of temperament is determined by genetics, including extraverted personality traits. A 2018 study published in the National Library of Medicine found evidence that genetic differences in certain populations may be associated with personality traits like extraversion and neuroticism, but only in areas with demanding climates. 

Environmental factors

While they don’t necessarily predetermine an individual’s behavior and temperament, environmental conditions like culture, life experiences, lifestyle choices, and geographical location often influence personality. 

Research into the role that environment plays in personality development is ongoing. Still, older landmark twin and family studies indicate that while genetics does play a role in personality, this influence may be mostly indirect through the effect of genetics on the environment. Further research may reveal more about the impact of the environment on personality. 

Extraversion is a prominent dimension of personality that tends to manifest through an array of distinct sub-traits that collectively shape an individual's social inclinations and behavior. Adjectives that might be used to describe extraversion include the following: 

• Dynamic
• Action-oriented
• Assertive
• Charismatic
• Spotlight-embracing
• Affable
• Sociable
• Thrill-seeking
• Conversational
• Outgoing

The six facets

More modern perspectives on the concept of extraversion typically focus on behaviors exhibited by extroverted people and the deep-rooted psychological motivations behind them. For example, an extrovert may display clusters of traits such as gregariousness and warmth in social situations to influence other people’s opinions of them. Some models of extraversion posit there are six facets of the extraverted personality, each motivated by specific goals, including the following: 

• Gregariousness: A person with this trait may be motivated to entertain an audience, establish a connection through communication, or enjoy someone’s company.
• Assertiveness: Assertive extroverts may aim to support others in meeting goals, be a leader, or get others to comply with tasks. 
• Warmth: Warmth toward others might be motivated by an aversion to loneliness. Warmth is a tool often used to make new friends and let people know the individual is safe to connect with. 
• Activity: An active extrovert may like to “stir up” a situation to make a positive impression or in an attempt to achieve a challenging task. 
• Excitement-seeking: Excitement-seekers may be motivated by a desire to break from routine and avoid boredom. They may use this trait to entertain others and provide an exciting atmosphere.
• Positive emotions: Positivity in extraversion may be used to connect with others on a deeper level. These extroverts may appear more attractive or interesting to others. 

While extraversion often has positive attributes, Jung also acknowledged there might be potential challenges associated with this orientation. For example, extroverts may experience difficulty with introspection and be more susceptible to external influences. Additionally, their preference for external stimulation may lead to a tendency to overlook their internal thoughts and feelings.

Older studies have linked traits of extraversion, neuroticism, and conscientiousness in certain people, finding they are often reliable predictors for internalizing disorders such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and social anxiety disorder.

Carl Jung’s personality theory outlines four types of extroverts, including the following: 

Extraverted sensing

Sensors are typically influenced and inspired by the world around them. They tend to be detail-oriented, focusing on what they observe and experience in the present. This focus may inform the individual’s sense of values and morality. Outside sensory experiences may elicit intense emotions in extraverted sensors. They tend to be kinesthetic, visual learners and may be more comfortable learning information through demonstration or hands-on experience. 

Extraverted feelers

Feeling extroverts find the most satisfaction from social interactions by gaining inspiration from listening and talking to others. They are often concerned with maintaining harmony within a group and may be talented at reading others’ emotions to bring people together. They may display high levels of empathy, prefer to follow social norms, and place a high value on civility.

Extraverted intuitives

These types of extroverts may enjoy deep, meaningful interactions with others. They might be natural abstract thinkers and tend toward activities that challenge their intellect. Extraverted intuitive people often think ahead, dwelling in the future and focusing on possibilities and opportunities rather than absolutes. 

Extraverted thinkers

Extraverted thinkers are often considered decisive, goal-oriented, and high achievers. They are typically objective and methodical, preferring to make choices based on logic rather than emotion. Individuals within this personality type are often organized and may be cast in leadership roles.

Understanding extroversion 

Jung believed that a combination of extroverted and introverted traits is ideal for understanding extroversion. Edmund S. Conklin later coined the term “ambivert” to describe such a combination, adding another layer to the extraversion spectrum.

Ambiverts can be classified as “extraverted introverts,” or individuals who can be extraverted in certain situations, around specific people, or when it’s necessary in the circumstances. Some lean more towards introverted extraversion, characterized by extroverted behaviors with the desire for “downtime” between or before social engagements. They may also benefit from solitude and introspection more than a typical extrovert. 

Although the term “ambivert” has waxed and waned in popularity throughout the decades, these nuances may illustrate the complexity of human personality and the myriad of ways in which individuals express their extraversion.