THE HAPPINESS OF EXTROVERTS

Previous studies have found that happiness correlates strongly with extraversion, but the explanation is not known. The present study explores the hypothesis that it is due to the greater participation of extraverts in social activities. One hundred and thirty subjects were given the 29-item Oxford Happiness Inventory, the E-Scale of the EPQ, and 37-item scales for enjoyment and participation in social and other activities. Factor analysis of the last two scales found 4 and 5 factors respectively including two social factors in each case. It was found that extraverts enjoy and participate more in social activities, that happiness is correlated with extraversion and enjoyment and participation in social activities. Multiple regression showed about half of the greater happiness of extraverts can be explained by their greater participation in social activities. © 1990.