Addressing the imbalance: The downside of extraversion and the upside of introversion

A number of theoretical frameworks (Allport, 1924; Eysenck, 1967; Jung, 1923/1971) suggest that extraverts are more socially skilled than introverts, and much valid research shows extraversion to be a positive trait that contributes to resilience. Yet whereas extraversion tends to be equated in the scientific world and in the popular mind with social ease, well-being and success, the downsides of this trait, e.g. impulsivity, excitement-seeking, recklessness, overconfidence and poor tolerance of monotony and boredom, are often overlooked. The presentation of introversion, the opposed tendency to be reserved and reflective, as necessarily negative and a marker of vulnerability is similarly mistaken, since it has been shown to be associated with many positive characteristics including creativity, imagination, self-reflection, innovation, sensitivity and perseverance. This chapter will examine the myths of extraversion as the clearly and ubiquitously adaptive pole of the extraversion-introversion continuum, discuss contextual and environmental issues that challenge this simplistic view, and take a more complex and realistic look at when extraversion becomes a liability and introversion an asset.