Extraverts are naturally inclined to engage in the kinds of personal interactions that build rapport with other people. In normal circumstances, this gives them a distinct edge when it comes to succeeding in school or on the job. But in a time of crisis, like the current coronavirus pandemic, when most people are being asked to stay at home, introverts may have the upper hand.
But when limitations are placed on the opportunity to engage with others, extraverts become more vulnerable to the ill effects of solitude on mental and physical health, such as stress, loneliness, depression, immune system suppression, heart disease, stroke, and premature death. Because extraverts are disposed to feel energized by socializing but tend to feel low during extended periods of solitude, they don’t tolerate social isolation as well as introverts, which makes them particularly prone to the adverse health effects of being on their own.
No big surprise really. Office situations, especially in open-plan offices, tend to favour the extravert who can exert their influence in most situations where an introvert may crave some quiet to get their work done. Interesting how the scales tipped with lockdowns and especially where I knew extraverts who never wanted to use video conferencing. So we often hear of the pains that extraverts are experiencing with lock downs but in many cases introverts are not as affected. Rumour has it many introverts are getting more work done than before!
See The Introvert Advantage During Lockdown
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During social isolation, the extravert "edge" could become a major obstacle.