Reward Sensitivity Theory of Extraversion

What it is

Lucas, Diener, Grob, Suh and Shao tested in four studies whether the parts of extraversion are linked by reward sensitivity or by sociability. Only the reward-related parts loaded on the higher-order factor, which correlated strongly with pleasant feelings, and the authors suggest that sociability may be a by-product of reward sensitivity.

In effect

In the article on the difference between introverts and extroverts, it explains why the core of the trait may lie in what people find rewarding.

What it does not say

It is one account of what holds the trait together. It does not say that introverts find no reward in company.

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