Extroverts may be physically healthier than introverts, according to psychology research in the July, 2009 issue of the journal Brain, Behavior and Immunity. Specifically, extroverted personality traits may be connected to stress chemicals and the ability to withstand stress-related, inflammatory diseases.
The Definition of Extroverted and Introverted Personality Traits
People with extroverted personality traits are more likely to enjoy being in large groups, and to focus on the external world around them. Extroverts get energy from being with people.
People with introverted personality traits are more inward looking and comfortable in small groups. Introverts are energized by being alone.
Research About Extroverts’ and Introverts’ Physical Health
In this psychological research, extroverts’ personality traits were connected with dramatically lower levels of the inflammatory chemical interleukin 6 (IL-6), in aging women in particular. Increased inflammation associated with IL-6 can contribute to clogged arteries, heart attacks, and strokes (making introverts more vulnerable to disease).
"Our study took the important first step of finding a strong association between one part of extroversion and a specific, stress-related, inflammatory chemical," said Benjamin Chapman, Ph.D., assistant professor within the Rochester Center for Mind-Body Research (RCMBR), part of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Rochester Medical Center, and lead author of the study.
Chapman advises caution in interpreting these research findings, as it’s uncertain whether extroverted personality traits cause decreased IL-6, or if low levels of IL-6 are somehow contributing to extroversion. "The next step is to determine if one causes the other,” he says.
How Introverts Can Become Physically Healthier
If introverted personality traits are associated with high levels of IL-6, then a defense against stress-related, inflammatory diseases could involve conscious attempts to be more extroverted. To improve physical health, introverts could try interacting with friends and family more often and look inward less.
Other research shows that social networking and interacting with others leads to longevity or longer lifespans. Extraversion may be a physically healthier personality trait simply because “social butterflies” spend more time with people. Introverts, on the other hand, spend more time alone – which can decrease physical health.
Remember: every person - whether introverted or extroverted - is different! Though this research shows that extroverted personality traits may be connected to the ability to withstand stress-related, inflammatory diseases -- it doesn't mean all extroverts are physically healthier than introverts. Nor does it mean that all introverts are less healthy. This psychological research is simply opening up new possibilties about extroverted and introverted personality traits.
Related Reading:
If you found Are Extroverts Physically Healthier? interesting, read Personality Traits That Predict Longevity and How Personality Traits Affect Your Health.
For more information on introverted and extroverted personality traits, go to Resources for Extroverts and Introverts.
Source:
- University of Rochester Medical Center (2009, June 18). “'Life Force' Linked To Body's Ability To Withstand Stress.”
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen - Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen is a full-time writer and blogger in Vancouver, BC, and the creator of the Quips and Tips blog series.
Join the Conversation