If you identify as an introvert, you might find that the path to greater happiness lies in stepping out of your comfort zone. Recent studies suggest that introverts who adopt behaviors typically associated with extraversion—essentially, putting on a façade of sociability—can experience increased levels of happiness. This might make you reconsider the notion of always being genuine.
According to Dr. Emily Grayson, a psychologist at the University of Riverside, who co-authored the study featured in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, the research indicates that altering one’s social behavior can be a tangible goal for many individuals. “Behaving in a more extraverted manner appears to enhance overall well-being,” she noted. Interestingly, psychologists prefer the term “extravert” due to its academic history and Latin roots, where “extra” signifies “outside.”
The Study’s Approach
The study began with the assumption that in American culture, extraversion is often viewed more favorably than introversion, even reflected in the language we use. To minimize bias, researchers opted for more neutral descriptors. For instance, they referred to extraverts using terms like “talkative,” “assertive,” and “spontaneous,” while introverts were described as “deliberate,” “quiet,” and “reserved.” College students participated in the study, alternating between acting as either introverts or extraverts, based on the guidance provided.
Participants were instructed to embrace their assigned traits, being as “talkative, assertive, and spontaneous” as they could manage for a week, followed by a week of embodying “deliberate, quiet, and reserved” behaviors. Throughout the study, researchers sent reminders to encourage adherence to their assigned roles. After each week, participants completed assessments to gauge their emotional well-being.
Findings and Implications
The results revealed that most participants reported increased happiness during the week they acted as extraverts, while their well-being diminished during the introverted phase. Surprisingly, those who faked extraversion did not report any discomfort or negative effects. “Our findings show that a shift toward more extraverted behavior can lead to significant improvements in well-being,” Dr. Grayson stated. “Manipulating personality-related behavior over just one week may be more feasible than previously assumed, with surprisingly powerful effects.”
However, the researchers cautioned that consistently pretending to be extraverted could have negative long-term consequences for overall happiness if continued beyond the study’s timeframe. They also noted that the age of the participants—predominantly college students—might influence how these behaviors affect older adults.
The Importance of Authenticity
While the idea of adopting extraverted behaviors may seem appealing, it’s important to remember the value of authenticity. Many individuals find it challenging to connect with those who are not genuine, and maintaining friendships with insincere people can be exhausting. As highlighted by the researchers, faking one’s personality over an extended time could potentially have an adverse effect on mental health.
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Conclusion
In summary, while introverts may find a temporary boost in happiness by adopting extraverted behaviors, it’s essential to balance this with authenticity to maintain long-term well-being.