Extroversions and Introversions: Two Ends of the Spectrum of Human Behavior (10-03-2011)

Extroversion and Introversion are ends of the spectrum of our behavior. The traits of each end are measured in degrees of opposition to the other end of the spectrum. Environment and circumstance, though, can influence an individual’s natural personality in more extreme cases.

Carver and Scheier (2008) state “the idea that the influence of traits on behavior is dependent on situations has expanded into a broader view of personality structure, in which traits are individualized linkages between situations and actions. This view accounts for stability over time within the person as well as for variability across situations. This view of the nature of traits provides a sense of process for trait models” (p. 70).

Traits seem to be the structure of personality, yet retaining some fluidity. Perhaps they can be strengthened as a talent or skill. I give Jimmy Fallon as an example. He is very talented in imitating other people. He seems to become this other person that he is imitating. Maybe our traits that we continue to use as the personality that we are most comfortable with, can be developed to give us a better facility for participation in life and to prepare us for the opportunities that arise in everyone’s life to become more assertive, for either our own or someone else’s benefit. Most parents, for example, despite introversion or extroversion will become protective of their child when that child is endangered. Normally most of us will adapt if we feel threatened and need to learn some method of self defense, to return ourselves to a state of comfort again. Assertive behavior is often necessary when dealing with the general population, how introverted or how extroverted we are is dependent upon how much we need to participate within our environments for our own self interests. We normally act according to how much attention we require, or feel uncomfortable with receiving from others.

Perhaps personality is just a self invention constructed within the requirements of the environment and to the degree we are self interested?

Would a person born in one culture be a completely different person in another culture?  What if another culture intruded upon ours and we needed to become more aggressive. Social forces determine how aggressive we are, or how passive we can become.

          I think we are the traits that we chose for ourselves, the ones that will get us the most swiftly to our goals. Getting to embody these traits is just a matter of trial and error, of practice.

Works Cited:

Carver, C.S., & Scheier. M (2008) Perspectives on Personality. 6th ed. Boston, MA: Pearson/Allyn and Bacon. 70. Print.