Psychology of Extraversion

Book excerpt: Extraversion is a personality trait characterised by gregariousness, excitement-seeking, and positive affect. Sociability is also considered an important part of extraversion, as persons that enjoy social activities prefer being with others rather than being alone. In this book, the authors present topical research in the study of the psychology of extraversion. Topics discussed include the correlates between subjective well-being and extraversion; the cross-cultural measurement of extraversion; a study of extraversion associations with neuroticism, openness to experience, agreeableness, conscientiousness, mental health and religiosity; extraversion and its impact on physical functionality in old age; the implications of extraversion in different aspects of psychological health and work life; extraversion and stress; personality and post-traumatic growth; an examination of the relationship between extraversion, optimism and happiness; the downside of extraversion and the upside of introversion; and the role of extraversion in predicting burnout.