Otroverts: An Emerging Personality Type

You’re probably somewhat familiar with some standard personality types, like introvert and extrovert. But a newly coined way to describe certain personality traits is starting to catch fire: otrovert.

It’s a new concept and not yet backed by much research. But that hasn’t kept a lot of people from musing on this emerging personality type.

Health psychology fellow Alivia Murdock-Frazier, PhD, explains the origins of otroversion and what we know about it so far.

What is an otrovert?

An otrovert is typically described as someone who can socialize just fine but doesn’t really care about fitting in. They don’t feel tied to group identity or approval.

The idea of otroversion is new. It was introduced to the lexicon in 2025 by psychiatrist Rami Kaminski, MD. His book, The Gift of Not Belonging, was the first to put forward a definition of otroverts.

Unlike introversion, extroversion or ambiversion, otroversion isn’t a recognized personality type. At least as of now.

“It’s more of an idea that people are seeing in themselves and feeling a connection to,” Dr. Murdock-Frazier says. “It’s very new and not currently a fully defined or researched concept.”

Otrovert personality characteristics

Because otroversion isn’t fully defined in research, there’s no strict set of traits. But a few themes tend to show up.

“Otroverts are described as independent and not really fusing with a group or group ideals,” Dr. Murdock-Frazier explains. “But at the same time, they’re also emotionally intelligent and can fit in well in social settings.”

Let’s take a closer look at some traits of an otrovert:

• A strong sense of independence: Otroverts tend to focus on being their own person rather than following group norms. “They may live their lives as autonomous and independent, without giving much consideration to what other people think,” Dr. Murdock-Frazier describes.
• Comfortable in social settings: Otroverts can participate in social situations and even enjoy them. But they don’t rely on them for a sense of identity or self-worth. Otroverts often lean toward deeper, one-on-one connections instead of large group dynamics.
• Little concern about fitting in: Otroverts can feel a sense of “otherness” and aren’t driven by peer validation. “You might feel like you don’t fit in with others. Or you do fit in, but you don’t care if you do,” Dr. Murdock-Frazier explains.

In his book, Dr. Kaminski points to artist Frida Kahlo as one possible example of otroversion in action. Despite being socially engaged and respected, Kahlo maintained a strong sense of individuality.

“She was independent,” Dr. Murdock-Frazier notes. “Her life and work reflected a person who could connect with others while still standing comfortably apart from group norms and expectations.”

Struggles of this type

Otroversion can be empowering, but it can also come with challenges. Again, this isn’t yet backed by rigorous research. But based on what we understand so far, Dr. Murch-Frazier suggests some ways otroversion may prove difficult.

• Being misunderstood: Others might see your independence as aloofness or assume you’re not interested in connecting.
• Living in a group-focused world: Many parts of life — like school, work and social circles — emphasize belonging and teamwork. That can feel limiting if you don’t naturally relate to group identity.
• Questioning your social needs: You might wonder whether not caring about fitting in is a strength — or something to worry about.
• Wondering if you should change: If your personality makes certain situations harder, you might feel pressure to adjust or live in a way that doesn’t feel authentic to your preferences.

How it’s different from other personality types

Let’s take a quick look at the differences between otroversion and more well-established personality types:

• Introverts prefer less stimulation and may feel drained by socializing. Otroverts don’t necessarily seek solitude or quiet reflection.
• Extroverts gain energy from being around others. Otroverts can thrive at parties and in groups, but don’t feel compelled to be surrounded by people.
• Ambiverts are equally energized alone or in groups, putting them right in the center between extroversion and introversion. Otroverts would probably fall elsewhere on that spectrum.

Otroversion likely doesn’t replace other existing personality types — and it’s not a formally recognized category of its own. Instead, it may sit alongside other well-known personality frameworks, like the Big 5 personality traits.

“There’s a well-researched extroversion-to-introversion spectrum,” Dr. Murdock-Frazier says. “Otroversion is likely somewhere on that spectrum, but we don’t have enough research to know exactly where.”

That means you could identify as introverted or extroverted and also relate to otroversion — like some extra flavor that rounds out your personality.

As research continues, experts may better define where otroversion fits. For now, it’s best viewed as a possible way to describe and understand your personality and preferences — not a fixed category of its own.