Reward

Abstract

“Reward” explores the personality trait of extraversion in the life of Donald Trump. The chapter begins with an evolutionary account of extraversion’s powerful role in human groups, as a personality trait that enables social actors to attract and hold the attention of others. Studied for over 70 years by personality psychologists, extraversion entails social dominance, gregariousness, and the relentless seeking of reward. Donald Trump is one of the most extraverted human beings on the planet today. The chapter traces the development of this trait in Trump’s life and illustrates how it has served Trump well, infusing tremendous energy and primal charisma into many of his social moments, as he moves from one moment to the next in life. Extraversion is one of five broad and basic traits identified by personality psychologists, often called the Big Five.