Dissimilar mechanisms underlie perceived happiness of the introverts and extraverts: A Thematic Analysis             

Extraverts have been reported to be happier than introverts. The study explored the mechanisms behind differences in the perceived happiness of the introverts and extraverts. The verbatim transcriptions of semi-structured interviews were analyzed through the thematic analysis. Five themes were generated: dissimilar conceptualizations of happiness, differences in the inclination towards happiness, dissimilar loci of happiness and differences in the sources of happiness. The extraverts were more inclined towards short-lived and dynamic nature of happiness whereas permanency, meaningfulness, and stability pervaded in the meaning of happiness by the introverts. The introverts valued internal and achieved sources whereas external and ascribed sources of happiness find expressions in extraverts. Thus, both introverts and extraverts reported perceived happiness that suggested dissimilar sources and mechanisms. Further studies may help a better understanding of the positive life outcomes of personality using qualitative methods and live experiences. Psychological interventions may be developed keeping these findings in mind. Keywords: extraversion; happiness; introversion; thematic analysis; personality.