Neuroticism

Neuroticism Personality Trait

Neuroticism is characterized by sadness, moodiness, and emotional instability and is typically defined as a tendency toward anxiety, depression, self-doubt, and other negative feelings.

Neuroticism is characterized by sadness, moodiness, and emotional instability. It is typically defined as a tendency toward Anxiety, Depression, Self-doubt, and other negative feelings.

A Neurotic Personality is characterized by persistent, often disproportionate, worrying, and Anxiety.

Neuroticism and Emotions

People with high in this trait tend to experience mood swings, Anxiety, irritability, and sadness. Conversely, those low in this trait are more stable and emotionally resilient.

High Neuroticism can lead an individual to focus on and dwell on the negative aspects of a situation rather than the positives. As a result, they may become frustrated, furious, or angry as they struggle to cope with life stressors.

In contrast, people with low levels of Neuroticism find it easier to remain calm. As a result, they are less affected by stressful events. In addition, they can maintain a more proportionate perspective on events, which results in them often worrying less and experiencing lower stress levels.

People who are higher in Neuroticism tend to experience negative emotions more frequently than people who are low in Neuroticism. Their negative emotions tend to be more intense and last longer.

Neuroticism and Stress

Although the defining feature of Neuroticism involves negative emotionality, people who are high in Neuroticism also display a general sense of insecurity and vulnerability.

People high in Neuroticism are more afraid of things that don't bother other people very much and tend to worry more about bad things that might happen in the future. 

People high in Neuroticism also tend to overreact to everyday hassles and frustrations. As a result, they get bent out of shape more quickly than people low in Neuroticism. 

At the other end of the continuum, people who are very low in Neuroticism walk through life with a certain amount of Stability and are more satisfied with life.

Neuroticism and Health Issues

People high in Neuroticism also experience a more significant number of health problems. For example, they have a higher mortality rate and are particularly likely to get heart disease.

Not only does a high-stress level create some medical issues directly, but negative emotions can compromise the immune system, making it harder for the body to deal with whatever problem the person has.

The connection is so strong that some psychologists have called Neuroticism a significant public health problem.

Traits

These traits are commonly associated with neuroticism:
  • Awkwardness
  • Pessimism
  • Moodiness
  • Jealousy
  • Testiness
  • Fear
  • Nervousness
  • Anxiety
  • Timidness
  • Wariness
  • Self-criticism
  • Lack of confidence
  • Insecurity
  • Instability
  • Oversensitivity

Facets of Neuroticism

1. Anxiety
  • Your level of Anxiety. How frequent and how easily you feel anxious.
2. Angry Hostility
  • Your tendency to feel anger, frustration, or bitterness.
3. Depression
  • Your tendency to feel guilt, loneliness, depression, and despair.
4. Self-Consciousness
  • How easily you experience Social Anxiety. Measures Shyness.
5. Impulsiveness ­
  • Your tendency to give in to cravings and the ability to delay gratification.
6. Vulnerability
  • How you handle stress.​

High Neuroticism

Others may describe you as emotionally reactive – emotionally, you experience extreme highs and extreme lows.

You can also be very anxious; others may describe you as somewhat pessimistic.

You tend to worry about how others perceive you.

Your thoughts often keep you awake at night.

Although being neurotic may sound alarming, research has found that those who score high in this trait are typically very successful.

Research has recently found that people who score high in neuroticism are incredibly hard-working, no matter what.

You tend to think through future challenges that may arise, a trait that helps you handle challenges that arise.

Because you worry about what others think of you, you can do your best to build relationships with your supervisor and coworkers

Neuroticism can be a trait that helps you excel at work.

Neurotic individuals typically do well in careers as entrepreneurs and jobs they are genuinely passionate about.

Common Traits:
  • Experiences a lot of stress
  • Worries about many different things
  • Gets upset easily
  • Experiences dramatic shifts in mood
  • Feels anxious
  • Struggles to bounce back after stressful events

Medium Neuroticism

At times, you can be anxious or emotional; at other times, you are relaxed and calm.

Your mood may fluctuate slightly, depending on the day.

You describe yourself as a realist.

Considering many factors, you don’t tend to be overly optimistic or overly pessimistic and can view problems clearly and realistically.

Your neurotic traits – such as worrying about how others perceive you – make you successful in your career.

Coupled with your ability to remain level-headed, you have an outstanding balance of traits to be a natural leader.

You try your best at everything, even if nothing is in it.

People who are moderate in neuroticism make great employees and supervisors.

People who are moderately neurotic typically do well in helping careers, such as counseling or public service.

Low Neuroticism

You are very emotionally stable. While others may experience emotions of extreme highs and extreme lows, you tend to stay somewhere in the middle.

Others often describe you as calm, level-headed, and optimistic.

Because you tend to "go with the flow" in life, you have difficulty understanding people who are highly emotional or anxious.

Those who score low in neuroticism have difficulty understanding and spending time with people who are highly neurotic.

You typically prefer spending time with relaxed people like yourself.

In stressful situations, you can remain calm and think clearly.

Others typically seek guidance when this occurs, and you are a natural leader in many situations.

Because those who score low in neuroticism are so level-headed, they tend to do well in leadership roles.

They typically make great managers and executives.

Common Traits:
  • Emotionally stable
  • Deals well with stress
  • Rarely feels sad or depressed
  • Doesn't worry much Is very relaxed

How to overcome the negative effects of Neuroticism

Before we condemn Neuroticism, many neurotics are intelligent, creative, reflective, and sensitive.

Being neurotic does not interfere with a person’s motor functions or reasoning ability.

A little worry and anxiety are necessary for our survival mechanism.

Therefore, we are all neurotic to different degrees.

Since many studies have shown that Neuroticism may have a genetic/biological cause, the following are a few ways for people to overcome Neuroticism to achieve happiness and success:
  • Before you react, consciously ask yourself how you can look at something differently.
  • Believe that if other people can cope with their stressful lives, you can do it too!
  • Give yourself daily affirmations such as:
“I am in control of my life.”

“It’s ok. Everything will be ok.”

“It’s not the end of the world.”

“Things will be better tomorrow.”

It’s a form of self-hypnosis that replaces negative emotions with more positive ones:
  • When you start feeling anxious, distance yourself from the situation and clear your head.
  • Deep breathing helps calm the mind and the body. Take ten slow and deep breaths when you start panicking.
  • Surround yourself with positive and supportive people.
  • Burn off negative emotions through physical activity or exercise.
  • Do more rewarding activities. It will help you feel good about yourself.
  • Seek professional help. A therapist can work with you to resolve internal conflicts. ​