Comparison of Self-Esteem between Introverts

And Extroverts
Jarrel Casey SJ. Buenaventura and Mr. Angelo Carlo Pilapil
Psychology Department, Far Eastern University – Cavite

Abstract. The study is conducted to compare the level of self – esteem of introverts and extroverts. Introversion and extroversion are opposing personality types
which may or may not have an effect on a person’s self esteem. A survey was conducted on 30 participants through random sampl ing of which 12 tested for
introversion and 18 for extroversion. Rosenberg’s Self – esteem scale was used to measure their self – esteem of which scores falling within 15 – 25 will be
considered average. Using a T-test for unequal variance, the two tailed results showed that there is no significant difference in the level of self – esteem of
introverts and extroverts at a 5% level of significance. It only proves that self – esteem does not depend entirely on one’s personality trait and that introverts can
have high self esteem while extroverts may have low self-esteem.

Keywords: Extrovert, Introvert, Self - esteem

INTRODUCTION1

Self-esteem is defined as an individual’s positive evaluation of himself. It is a central construct that is very well studied in
all fields of Psychology (Abdel-Khalek, 2016). It has received both theoretical and empirical attention and only very few studies
have received as much attention. In the past 35 years, over 18,000 researches have been conducted to garner more
information regarding self-esteem.Every individual posses different levels of self-esteem, and each one of them exhibit
different qualities. For instance, extroverted individuals are usually attributed with high self esteem while introverted ones are
attributed to low self esteem (Rich, n.d.). However, this is not always the case. Introverts are not as rowdy as extroverts, but
they posses intellect and skills that are on par with them. Because they do not draw attention to themselves, introverts are
always overlooked, leading to them being labelled as having low self –esteem (Farney, n.d.).

Though there are a large number of varied definitions of introverts and extroverts, psychologists today tend to agree on a
number of points regarding differences between introverts and extroverts: 1) Level of outside stimulation needed to function
well – Introversion is different than being shy (fear of social judgment), it is more about how one responds to stimulation,
including social stimulation. Introverts feel more content with less outside stimulation (for example, talking with a close friend
or reading a book) compared to extroverts who enjoy more outside stimulation (for example, going to parties and listening to
loud music). 2) Work habits – Extroverts tend to tackle assignments quickly, making fast decisions and are comfortable with
multitasking and risk‐taking. Introverts, on the other hand, work more slowly and deliberately, preferring to focus on one task
at a time. 3) Social styles – Introverts can enjoy attending a party or business event, but after a while they would prefer to head
home to relax. Introverts devote their social energies to close friends or family, listen more than talk, think before they speak,
express themselves better in writing than in conversation, tend to dislike conflict and small talk, but enjoy a deep discussion.
Extroverts are often thought of as those who add life to the party. Extroverts lean toward being assertive, dominant, and prefer
being with people rather than alone. Extroverts think out loud, are rarely at a loss for words, prefer talking to listening, and
sometimes speak before they think. Extroverts are comfortable with conflict, but not solitude. Though many people recognize
themselves as an introvert or extrovert, it is probably better to think of there being an introvert to extrovert spectrum and that
we all fall at different points along this spectrum, rather than into the introvert or extrovert “bin.”

Self-esteem basically depends on an individual‘s confidence and satisfaction about his skills and abilities, and it is usually
achieved through experiences of personal success. Self-esteem expedites an individual to cope up with difficult challenges
when it arise and give a faith to overcome it. An individual develop his self esteem from his family. Family members play a very
vital role in the personality formation of an individual. High parental self esteem influences the personality of a child. The
school environment also plays an important role in the development and the creation of self esteem among the children.
People who have high self esteem have low self destructive behavior. Self Esteem can be improved through proper
socialization.

Some people always feel inferior and unable to face the impediments in their life. They always be subservient and accept
whatever others are saying. This kind of attitude will loosen their self respect and confidence. Others will take advantage of
their demerits. In this situation they need to avoid the company of such people and should be able to find the people who will
support them and give value to their abilities.

The researcher seeks to understand and find the relationship between these 2 personalities and self – esteem, in order to
improve the image of introverts and provide proof that self-esteem is not limited to being outgoing and friendliness. This
research will help in understanding that positive evaluation of oneself is more internal than external and that everyone,
regardless of whether or not they are an extrovert or an introvert, posses decent levels of self – esteem.

LITERATURE REVIEW

Self esteem is the summary judgment by which a person can asses himself (Bailey, 2003). Self esteem is a simplistic term
that covers a broad area. Saying that one has a low or high self-esteem does not necessarily mean that that is all there is to it
since these words are not enough to cover the exceptions to one’s situations or traits, and even the exception to the
exceptions.

Self esteem does not remain static throughout the life of a person. In fact, a study shows that self-esteem drops as a
person approaches adolescence (Cai et al, 2014). Adolescence is a period described as being stressful. With the added
negativity to life and the dramatic transition from childhood to adulthood, it affects the growth and fluctuation of a person’s
self esteem. Self-esteem differences are also more consistently obtained or are more pronounced under negative conditions
than under positive conditions. In a review of self-serving biases in attributions, it was concluded that "self-esteem effects are
obtained primarily after failure" (Campbell, 1990).

One journal defines introverts as individuals who like solitude and spending their time alone. (Dossey, 2016). Most
introverts keep their thoughts to themselves and prefer to disclose personal data to a select few people whom they trusted
rather than talk about it to everyone. They also get exhausted by talking to a lot of people and usually “recharges” by retreating
to themselves and away from the crowd. Because introverts are not as outgoing as their polar opposite, extroverts, introversion
is usually regarded as a flaw in character. The supposed inability of introverts to integrate themselves in a fast moving world
that is almost biased towards extroverts led American Psychiatric Association or APA to propose adding an “introverted
personality disorder” to DSM or Diagnostic and Statistical Manual. Even the World Health Organization has almost included
such character to their manual of disease and other health related problems. This only shows that people, especially in the past,
treated introversion as a flaw of character that is very disadvantageous to the point where it was being considered as a
disorder.

Contrary to that, extroverts are usually given the limelight as they are more energetic, outgoing and sociable. A research
about emerging leaders goes so far as stating that the most common character of emerging leaders is extraversion (Spark et al,
2018). Introverts have been shown to be able to function as an extrovert and enjoy it, however, they are more likely to commit
errors than when they stay as introverts. Extraversion has also been linked to effective leadership because of their ability to
communicate their thoughts and assert their wants to other people, making communication between individuals easier than
when introverts do the talking.

In another research, the researchers focused more on the biophysical aspect of introverts and extroverts. Researchers
found that extroverts are geared towards response while introverts are geared towards introspection (Stahl et al, 2004). When
they performed a visual choice reaction time, introverts showed a faster a reliably shorter latency in stimulus-locked LRP than
extraverts, which means that introverts have faster stimulus analysis than extroverts.

The concept of self is a dynamic center of awareness, emotions, judgment, and actions that are organized into a distinctive
whole and are set contrastively, against social and natural background. The self of an individual varies greatly depending on
one’s own culture. From the Western perspective, self is composed of individual attributes such as ambitions, good humor, and
extravert qualities. Markus and Kitayama (1991) differentiated two kinds of self: independent and interdependent. The
independent self is viewed as a bounded entity. It is more or less integrated, unique, and motivational. However, the
interdependent self is a sense of self that is more flexible and is connected to the social context that emphasizes on distinctive
quality. Singelis (1994) opined that these two images of self can coexist among individuals and they can be measured. People
can best distinguish their own self by discovering unique talents. Fernandez, Paez, and Gonzalez (2005) reported that less
interdependent quality and more independent self-construal are characteristics that are more typical of hierarchical cultures
than of individualism. Moreover, high interdependent quality and low independent self-construal are characteristics more
highly present in egalitarian cultures than in collectivist cultures.
 Synthesis

Self esteem is a facet of human personality that is more internal than external. Self – esteem is how one person judges
himself and puts value in his own person. It is a broad topic and has been researched multiple times, linking it with different
traits and characters of the human persona. Self – esteem is also dynamic in nature, and does not remain unchanged and
fluctuates just as a person matures. It is usually changed after failures.

Jung (1976) divided personality into two part, one Introvert and second are Extrovert. Nature of introvert personality
people are imaginative, self centred and idealism. Introverts are often characterized by their capacity for inward reflection and
a need to understand the world before they experience it. They may be easily over stimulated by new ideas and unfamiliar
situations. Introverts need time to take in new information and compare it to internal experiences, in order to understand it
and respond to it. This is why introverts seek time away from the outside world, in order to process and reflect on new
information (Laney, 2001). In group situations, such as during a classroom discussion or at an office meeting, introverts may
appear reluctant to share their ideas, but this may be because they need to take time away from the group to fully develop
these ideas first (Cain, 2012). Introverts can be capable of profound insights when they are afforded the time and space to think
things through. To the rest of the world, introverts may appear shy or anti-social, but they are just social in different ways. They
often prefer to spend time is smaller groups, or one-on-one, and usually like to get to know new people more slowly. If
introverts focus their energy and attention inward, extroverts focus it outward. They crave the stimulation they get from
engaging with the world outside themselves. In contrast to introverts, extroverts “need to experience the world to understand
it; they tend to like a lot of activity”. Extroverts tend to appear much more social because they are eager for the stimulation
that comes from meeting new people. They also tend to think and talk at the same time, and formulate their ideas best by
saying them out loud (Laney, 2001). Because of these qualities, extroverts often meet new people easily and often do well in
social situations. In discussing one of the defining qualities of extroverts, Tieger and Barron-Teiger said: “Many extraverts find
that their preference helps them at work because they generally can think quickly on their feet. When asked a question, they
just start talking. Eventually they come up with an answer, and usually they can persuade others that it makes sense”.

Introversion and extraversion are two opposing characteristics. While introverts are more introspective, extroverts are
more responsive. Because of the introvert’s preference of being alone, introversion was once seen as a huge flaw and disorder
because it makes the individual lean more on non-communication with other people. Because introverts prefer their own
company and are very selective in their friends, they are labelled as shy.

Extroverts on the other hand are more outgoing and sociable, making them more suited to the fast-moving pace of the
modern world. Because of these, extraversion is often seen as the “better” character than introversion. However, recent study
shows that this is not case, as introverts actually possess better reaction and analysis of external stimulus more than extroverts.

METHODOLOGY

The study is a quantitative research, which means that it will be using objective measurements as well as statistical and
numerical analysis of the gathered data to make a comprehensive and reliable research. For this study, the variables are self-
esteem and the introversion/extraversion of the research participant. Self-esteem is the dependent variable, which means that
it is the variable in which the researcher is interested in. As defined above, self-esteem has no universal meaning but is
understood as summary judgement by which a person asses himself.

The introversion/extraversion of a person will be the independent variable for this study, given that it will be the variable
affecting the self-esteem of the person. Jung defines introversion as the inward reflection of a person to a stimulus while
extraversion is the outward reflection to such.

Since the study is a quantitative research, the researcher will be conducting a survey using questionnaires to determine
the level of self-esteem of a person. The Rosenberg Self-esteem scale is a 10-item likert scale developed in 1965 by Dr. Morris
Rosenberg (Bonham-Carter, n.d.). Although the test is old, it is still one of the most widely used self-esteem scale to date. The
researcher will also be using an abridged but scientifically validated 10-item introversion/extraversion test from
psychologytest.com.

A sample size of 30 participants age 18 and up will be taken as research participants through random sampling method. It
may range from a student to a working adult to ensure that the population will be well represented. Participants will first be
asked if they are an introvert or an extrovert before letting them take the introversion/extraversion test. This is to asses if the
participant knows their personality type. After the introversion/extraversion test, the 10-item Rosenberg Self-esteem scale test
will be administered to measure their self-esteem.

For the Rosenberg self-esteem, the test will have 10 questions, 5 of which if answered strongly agree, will denote high self-
esteem and 5 of which if answered strongly-agree, will denote low self-esteem. There will be 4 choices, to which corresponding
points will be given. For question numbers 1,3,4,7 and 10, SA = 3, A = 2, D = 1 and DA = 0. For questions 2,5,6,8 and 9, SA = 0, A
= 1, D = 2 and SD = 3. Scores ranging from 15 – 25 are considered average, 14 and below are considered low-self esteem while
scores ranging from 26 – 30 are considered to have high self-esteem.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Comparison of Self-Esteem between Introverts

And Extroverts

Extraversion and introversion are two opposing personality traits introduced by Jung. Extroverts are the outgoing type of
person while introverts are often described as shy. However, this connotation is incorrect as introverts are not shy per se, but
are actually more focused on inward reflection and reaction to stimuli contrary to their opposite, the extroverts. Because of
this, introverts are often mistaken for having low self-esteem. With that in mind, this study aims to compare the self-esteem of
both introverts and extroverts with self-esteem as the dependent variable and the introversion/extraversion as the
independent variable. T-test was used to arrive at the conclusion.

The survey result shows that out of the 30 research participants, 12 are introverts and 18 are extroverts. The following
tables show their test scores in the Rosenberg Self-esteem scale.
Introvert Self – esteem Scores
14 19 26 18
15 17 25 21
20 17 13 12

Table 1. Self – esteem Score of the 12 introvert participants

The table shows that out of the 12 introverts, 3 had low self esteem, 1 had high self esteem while the rest have
average self-esteem. The µ = 18.08333, with a δ = 19.53788.

Extrovert Self – esteem Scores

24 27 20 26
23 18 20 25
23 13 18 22
20 11 19 -
25 21 26 -

Table 2. Self – esteem Score of the 18 extrovert participants

The table shows that out of the 18 extroverts, 2 got below average scores, 3 got high scores for self-esteem while the
remaining 13 participants scored between the normal range. The µ = 21.16667, with a δ = 19.08824.

𝛿1
With the variance of both variables now present, the F-test will be computed using 𝐹 = where δ1 = the larger
𝛿2
variance while δ2 = the lower variance. Since the value of F= 1.023556 < Fcrit= 2.568428, then the T-test for unequal variance
will be used. The table below shows the result at α=5%.
 Introverts Extroverts
Mean 18.0833333 21.1666667
Variance 19.5378788 19.0882353
Observations 12 18
df 28
t Stat -1.880426
P(T<=t) one-tail 0.03612017
t Critical one-tail 1.71088207
P(T<=t) two-tail 0.07224034
t Critical two-tail 2.06389855

Table 3. T-test Computation for Unequal Variance

Since the study aims to compare the self-esteem of introverts and extroverts and the null hypothesis is that there is little
to no difference in their self-esteem, if P>0.05, then the null hypothesis will be accepted. In the table above, it is shown that the
P = 0.07224034 for two tail test and 0.07224034 > 0.05, which means that the null hypothesis is accepted.

With the result of the survey and the test statistics, it shows that there is not much difference in the self-esteem of
introverts and extroverts. Given that self-esteem is in assessment of one’s self, it will still depend on the person and his
judgment of himself. While extroverts are usually attributed with high self –esteem, the results showed that even they can have
low self-esteem despite being outgoing and being a people person. Same goes for the introverts, the results showed that they
can still posses high-self esteem despite being more reflective and inward.

This only implies that personality traits do not define entirely one’s self –esteem although it does have an effect. Although
both introvert and extrovert scores are within the normal range for the scoring of self - esteem, (15- 25), the mean score of the
introverts are in the lower end of the scale while the extroverts are on the higher end. In a society mostly dominated by
extroverts, introverts do not get much opportunity to increase their self-esteem. For instance, school activities are mostly
centered on students mingling with other people, which is the strong suit of extroverts and which puts introverts at a
disadvantage. Even the companies are encouraging extroverts to be in the workforce because most jobs require constant
communication and small talks with other people, which again, is disadvantageous for the introverts who prefer working with
their selves.

This is important because it shows that introverts are always receiving the shorter end of the stick and most of the time,
they cannot utilize their full potential because of an environment that favors extroverts more. It is also important since the
study proves that self – esteem is not just about being outgoing or having a lot of acquaintances. Self – esteem is how you see
yourself, and one’s self –esteem increases as if a person does things that makes them feel good, regardless of whether or not it
includes a lot of socialization or not.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, self – esteem is the judgement one gives on himself. It Is being comfortable in one’s own skin, achievements
and life. Although self – esteem does not have a universal meaning, it is an assessment of oneself and reflects the person’s
inner thoughts about himself. Introversion and extroversion may play a role in the person’s level of self – esteem, but it does
not necessarily mean that being an extrovert will mean that you have high self esteem, nor will introversion be an indication of
a person’s low self – esteem. In comparing the self – esteem of introverts and extroverts, the result shows them being both
within the average range although some tested for low or high self –esteem.

This result can be used in creating an environment that would help provide both introverts and extroverts a safe space to
utilize their full potential and fulfilment. Creating an environment that will not force introverts to interact with a lot of people
will be helpful and making a more productive workforce or producing quality students who excel in their fields because they
have the chance to hone their skills.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The test results will be helpful in providing institutions such as schools and corporations insights on how to make the most
out of their students or employees. This will be most helpful in the Industrial setting. For instance, although most introverts
have average self esteem, they are in the lower end. If companies recruit introverts, they can give them a job that does not
need to always socialize with other people and will give them ample time to be with their own thoughts. With this, their self –
esteem will increase. Employees with high self – esteem are more likely to perform well on their jobs, thereby increasing
productivity and helping the company minimize losses and maximize profits. Putting extroverts in the frontlines of a company
where they can communicate with other people and mingle with the crowd will also help in making them feel that they are
doing fulfilling jobs, which in turn increases their self – esteem. As with the case of introverts, this will also increase their
productivity level.

As for academic institutions, giving extroverted students activities that would require them to group with other people or
interact with other students will be helping them to develop their skills. It will also be helpful if professors refrain from putting
introverts into groups, pressuring them and hindering them from exhibiting their skills to the fullest. Academic institutions
should be a place for students to learn, not a place for them to be subject to a communal thinking by forcing them to always
abide by the norm.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The researcher would like to thank the professors who helped in making this study possible, the participants who willingly
and enthusiastically answered the survey questionnaires with honesty, the parents who encouraged the researcher to keep
going despite the ups and down, to the friends who helped gave their moral support and to the friend who supported the
researcher despite their busy work schedule.

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