An extrovert is an outgoing, sociable person who focuses on external stimuli. They may struggle with solitary activities and have a higher risk of delinquency and drug abuse. Self-tests can help determine where one falls on the introvert-extrovert spectrum.
Basically, an extrovert, also spelled an extrovert, is an outgoing, assertive, and very sociable person. Extraversion and its opposite, introversion, form the ends of a continuum that describes one aspect of each person’s personality. The concept of extraversion and introversion was popularized by the work of psychologist Carl Jung.
Jung described an extrovert as a person whose psychic energy is directed outward. While most modern psychologists don’t believe in the existence of “psychic energy” per se, they do agree that an extrovert is more focused on things external to the self: other people, exciting situations, and the like. An extrovert may feel bored on their own and can typically achieve more when working in a team. A common stereotype of the extrovert is “the life of the party.”
In Western culture, particularly in the United States, the extrovert is viewed as socially superior to the introvert, as they genuinely enjoy the company of others in large groups. The extrovert is often perceived as engaging and exciting. A study by psychologist David Myers found that extroverts are more likely to be “happy” than introverts, although the reason for this correlation is unknown. Other studies have revealed that the extrovert experiences more blood flow to parts of the brain that deal with the senses and emotional response.
However, there are some downsides to being an extrovert. Extroverts can struggle in school, especially higher education, due to the amount of solitary study often required to do well. An extrovert will probably enjoy socializing with peers more than reading books and taking notes alone in her room. Additionally, extroverts have a higher incidence of juvenile delinquency, likely due to their drive to seek excitement. Extroverts also have a more potent dopamine response than introverts, making some more prone to drug abuse.
If you’re unsure whether you’re an extrovert, there are self-tests available in many books and online to help you determine where you fall on the spectrum. Keep in mind, however, that most people are some combination of introvert and extrovert.
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