Psychologists have conducted hundreds of studies of the correlates of wellbeing. You might think well-being is determined by your circumstances – such as the size of your social circle or your pay cheque. These factors are important, but it turns out a far stronger role is played by your personality.
In general, research suggests that extroverted people are happier than introverted people. This makes sense as it has been found that extroverted people are more likely to surround themselves with people, which we know is recommended to depressed people to help improve mood.
The two variables that have demonstrated the strongest connection to happiness are neuroticism and extraversion. Specifically, Costa and McCrae (1989) report that those high in extroversion tend to experience more positive emotions.
The more extroverted the individual, the more positive his or her overall outlook. The study also reveals that people with personality traits such as agreeableness conscientiousness, and open-mindedness feel happier.
So which personality types are happiest? ESTPs and ENFJs have personality traits most conducive to life satisfaction and happiness. Both types enjoy being around people, are optimistic, have a great sense of humor, and are always up for trying new things.
Happy people are warm, considerate, respectful, helpful, and pleasant to be around. They do not indulge in envy, jealousy, or gossip, nor do they waste time complaining. Use positive rather than negative language. Happy people focus on what has, is, and can work, rather than on what is problematic.
ENTJ personality types are ambitious to the point of madness, which means they often find it hard to be satisfied with their lives. It's common for them to feel frustrated with where they are in life and be constantly looking ahead to the next milestone.
This understanding feeds into what's known as the 'Big Five Personality Traits', a widely used model among psychologists. The traditional five are openness, conscientiousness, agreeableness extroversion and neuroticism - the latter two being the ones that determine happiness and wellbeing.
What Is the Number One Predictor of Happiness? The Harvard study, having spanned over 80 years and multiple generations, clearly recognizes good relationships as the most significant predictor of overall happiness, life satisfaction, and wellbeing (Waldinger & Schulz, 2023).
Happiness is only partially determined by your genes — the rest is up to you and your environment. The hallmarks of happiness are feeling satisfied, enjoying daily activities, and feeling purposeful. Letting go of perfectionism, exercising, and getting out in nature can all help boost happiness.
According to many researchers, strong social relationships are the most important contributor to enduring happiness for most people. Those who are happiest generally devote a great amount of time to their family, friends, and colleagues. They nurture and enjoy those relationships.
Happiness is a mindset. It comes from within you, not from your outside circumstances. You don't have to have a "perfect" life to be happy. The really great news is that you don't have to be young or old or wealthy or successful in order to be happy.
Your personality facilitates all of the important memories in your life, and is what you are truly remembered and appreciated for. We learn about personalities very early in life.
It is the counterpole of the personality dimension agreeableness. For example, disagreeable people tend to be hostile and abusive to others (2), deceive and manipulate others for their own gain (3), and ignore others' concerns or welfare (4).
S-type personalities can typically get along with anyone and are agreeable by nature. These people are highly collaborative, patient, and prefer to let other's lead the way and take control.
World Happiness Report 2023 leverages six factors “to help explain variation in self-reported levels of happiness across the world” – social support, income, health, freedom, generosity, and absence of corruption.
The INFJ personality type is the undisputed top 1 rarest personality type in the general population coming in at just 2%. INFJs are especially rare among men with only 1% of men qualifying as this personality type. It is slightly more common in women at around 2%.
The rarest personality type is often referred to as the “Counselor” type because of the INFJ personality traits. INFJs are very moral and persistent, and they usually see the glass half full. They prefer to be open with only a select few people and are very good listeners themselves.
The short answer: INFJ (Introverted-Intuitive-Feeling-Judgment) is the most complex Myers-Briggs Personality Type. Let's examine INFJs and why this personality type is so complicated.
ENFJs are known for searching for the goodness in others, and for being able to summon a powerful level of compassion, which means that even when their partner falls short, their acceptance and love is still unwavering. Expressive, nurturing, and supportive, ENFJs love hard because it's the only way they know how.
ESTJs and ESFJs and Cleanliness:
ESTJs and ESFJs like having a sense of order, routine, and homey-ness in their lives. Both types appreciate a clean and tidy living space, but they tend to go about achieving this goal in different ways. ESTJs are very detail-oriented and follow a strict cleaning routine.
Statistically speaking, Assertive Virtuosos (ISTP-As), Architects (INTJ-As), and Logisticians (ISTJ-As) are the least likely to seek affection from everyone, while Turbulent Campaigners (ENFP-Ts) and Entertainers (ESFP-Ts) are the most likely.