Introverts and Happiness
Introverts and Happiness
The fact that different people will exhibit different traits and behaviors depending on their experiences is absolute. But what brings about this difference, one would ask? The difference in behavior is almost entirely due to the difference in the personality traits. Personality refers to “the combination of characteristics or qualities that form an individual’s unique character” (Buettner 1). Each individual always displays different personality trait. Over the years psychologists have tried to group individuals into different personality groups and today everyone have been grouped into the so called big 5 personality traits. The most conspicuous of these groups are however the extreme personality traits of introversion on the one hand and extroversion on the other hand. Nonetheless it is common knowledge that no one can be an absolute introvert or an absolute extrovert. Even introverts do have some elements of extroversion and so do extrovert posses some elements of introversion. More often than not extrovert have been viewed as the ones who ideally have the most normal lifestyles while the introverts have been considered by many as having some abnormality. Needless to say, extroverts form the majority. Nevertheless, current examination of the introverts lives have started to reveal contrary opinions as the stereotypes that were initially leveled against the introverts begin to be laced out one by. One such stereotype has been the debate about whether or not introverts are equally happy. This paper undertakes to look into the issue of the plight of the introverts with a view to proving that, contrary to the popular beliefs, introverts are actually leading a normal lifestyle and are truly happy.
The difference in personality traits is usually observable in individuals from a very tender age. In the book, The Development of Shyness and Social Withdrawal, the author points out that, “a casual observer of preschoolers free play in
The fact that different people will exhibit different traits and behaviors depending on their experiences is absolute. But what brings about this difference, one would ask? The difference in behavior is almost entirely due to the difference in the personality traits. Personality refers to “the combination of characteristics or qualities that form an individual’s unique character” (Buettner 1). Each individual always displays different personality trait. Over the years psychologists have tried to group individuals into different personality groups and today everyone have been grouped into the so called big 5 personality traits. The most conspicuous of these groups are however the extreme personality traits of introversion on the one hand and extroversion on the other hand. Nonetheless it is common knowledge that no one can be an absolute introvert or an absolute extrovert. Even introverts do have some elements of extroversion and so do extrovert posses some elements of introversion. More often than not extrovert have been viewed as the ones who ideally have the most normal lifestyles while the introverts have been considered by many as having some abnormality. Needless to say, extroverts form the majority. Nevertheless, current examination of the introverts lives have started to reveal contrary opinions as the stereotypes that were initially leveled against the introverts begin to be laced out one by. One such stereotype has been the debate about whether or not introverts are equally happy. This paper undertakes to look into the issue of the plight of the introverts with a view to proving that, contrary to the popular beliefs, introverts are actually leading a normal lifestyle and are truly happy.
The difference in personality traits is usually observable in individuals from a very tender age. In the book, The Development of Shyness and Social Withdrawal, the author points out that, “a casual observer of preschoolers free play in
Cited: works Rubin, Kenneth & Coplan Robert. The Development of Shyness and Social Withdrawal. New York: The Guilford Press. 2010. March 22nd,2013. Cain, Susan. “Quiet: the power of introverts”. Psychology Today. December 9th, 2011. March 22nd, 2013. Surban, Glori. “Why I remain an introvert, though the science suggest extroverts are happier.” The Not-So-Crazy Introvert Celebrates the Quiet Life. June 11th, 2012. March 22nd, 2013. < http://crazyintrovert.com/2012/06/why-i-remain-introvert-though-science.html> Buettner, Dan. “Are extroverts happier than introverts?” Psychology Today. May 14th, 2012. March 22nd, 2013. < http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/thrive/201205/are- extroverts-happier-introverts> Psychology Dictionary. March 22nd, 2013. Helgoe, Laurie. “Revenge of the introvert.” Psychology Today. May 11th, 2011. March 22nd, 2013. < http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/201008/revenge-the-introvert>