Extraversion: Implications and Cultural Differences

In the past two blogposts we have taken a test and discussed its results, we have discussed the behavior of extraverts and introverts and what causes intro- and extraversion.

Today is the last blog on this topic. I will explain some of the implications of extraversion and also how different cultures perceive it.

Implications

Extraverted people tend to be much more sensation seeking than introverts. Recent research has shown that extraverts live shorter on average, and this has a lot to do with their tendency to practice more extreme sports, for instance.

Extraverts tend to use drugs and alcohol more casually than introverts, but introverts are more likely to become addicted chronically.

Researchers have found a significant correlation between extraversion and happiness. The more extraverted one is, the higher level of happiness they report, whereas introverts report that they feel more neutral. Also, research suggests that extraverts often have a higher self-esteem

Interestingly, however, the reason for the higher self-esteem and happiness in extraverts might be caused by social desirability. Which leads me to the following topic: the way extraversion is regarded in different cultures.

Cultural differences

Particularly the USA is an “extraverted society”. People are prized for their extraversion. This might be a reason why introverts report lower self-esteem and happiness, because they don’t fit that image, which makes them feel less desirable, which eventually can cause unhappiness and a low self-esteem. As you can see, this often influences test results, and makes it harder to truly measure the correlation between happiness and self-esteem in extraversion.

Societies in other areas of the world such as Central Europe and Japan, and particularly areas where Buddhism and Sufism (a division of the Islam) are the main religions, appreciate introversion in a person. And people who live on islands are generally more introverted than those on the mainland.

Personality in writing

I would strongly suggest that when you’re outlining and writing a character, that you keep their personality traits in mind. Personality can have such a big impact on daily life, especially if you consider how they might be regarded by their peers.

If  you’ve written a character before, how did their personality influence them and their surroundings?

If you have any additional comments or questions, please don’t hesitate to share or ask!