Neuroticism: Understanding a Key Personality Trait

Neuroticism, a personality trait characterized by emotional instability and persistent worry, can significantly impact mental health and daily functioning, though evidence-based therapy approaches can help individuals develop effective coping strategies and emotional regulation skills.

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Understanding Neuroticism: A Personality Trait Perspective

Several personality theories have emerged since the beginning of clinical psychology. Studies often cite and utilize the Big Five Personality Test and Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). One of the primary personality profiles of the Big Five test is neuroticism.

While personality tests can provide valuable insights, remember that your results may vary depending on when you take the test. Additionally, aspects of our personalities can change over time. Understanding neuroticism may offer deeper insights into your personality and potential mental health needs.

What is neuroticism?

Neuroticism is a personality type outlined in the Big Five Personality Test.

Neuroticism as a personality trait

Those with neuroticism as a trait may experience the following:

• Persistent worry or distress
• Difficulty maintaining focus
• Emotional instability or intense emotions
• Tendency toward social withdrawal
• Complaints of chronic pain
• Higher susceptibility to mood and anxiety disorders
• Negative emotional responses
• Vulnerability to eating disorders
• Increased risk of depressive disorders

Since neuroticism shares characteristics with symptoms of mental health conditions, if you identify with this personality type, consulting with a licensed clinical social worker through a platform like ReachLink could be beneficial.

What is personality?

Personality encompasses temperament, emotional capacity, and behavioral patterns developed from birth or childhood. It also includes values, morals, and self-esteem.

Personality: a mixture of genetic and environmental factors

While we may inherit certain traits from our biological parents, life experiences can significantly shape our personalities. For example, stress or trauma can cause someone to become more withdrawn or fearful of others, which may present as neuroticism.

The big five personality theory

The Big Five Personality theory was first developed in the 1930s by Gordon Allport and Henry Odbert. These researchers initially gathered 18,000 personality-describing words to create 4,500-word banks. The theory was inspired by trait theory, which proposed examining personality in components rather than as a whole.

In 1946, psychologist Raymond Cattell used this list to develop 181 personality traits. He conducted research to identify the most commonly used words to describe personality. Cattell’s findings gained traction in the 1950s when two researchers created another study with eight large samples to narrow his results to five personality traits.

The five most common personality traits, according to researchers

Their study moved to the National Institutes of Health, where Paul Costa, Robert McCrae, Lewis Goldberg, and Warren Norman concluded that the five most common personality traits in humans were:

• Surgency
• Agreeableness
• Conscientiousness
• Emotional stability
• Culture

Modern categories of personality traits

The current five-factor model, established in the 1980s, includes:

• Openness to experience
• Conscientiousness
• Extraversion and introversion
• Agreeableness
• Neuroticism

The test rates individuals as low or high in each category. After taking the assessment, you can examine all categories and identify which ones you score highest in. For instance, you might score high in extraversion and openness to experiences but low in agreeableness, suggesting you’re a social person who enjoys exploration but may struggle with authority or making accommodations for others.

What does research on neuroticism reveal?

According to studies, neuroticism is a real and impactful personality type. Research indicates that individuals with this trait are prone to anger, anxiety, self-consciousness, irritability, emotional instability, and depression. Researchers believe neuroticism has significant public health implications.

Research on neuroticism: Links to anxiety and other health issues

Studies have associated neuroticism with:

• Cardiovascular challenges
• Immune system dysfunction
• Asthma
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Increased mortality risk
• Reduced quality of life
• Negative interpersonal attitudes
• Excessive worry
• Occupational difficulties
• Relationship dissatisfaction
• Substance use disorders
• Challenges with peer socialization

If you’re struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for support and resources. Support is available 24/7.

Research on the public health implications of neuroticism found that individuals with this trait often respond to threats, frustration, and loss with intense negative emotions, displaying significant emotional distress.

Further research by Alexander Weiss revealed multiple types of neuroticism. People scoring high in anxiety and tension-related neuroticism were more likely to experience adverse health impacts than those scoring high in worry and vulnerability.

What does it mean if you have a “neurotic” personality type?

If you’ve received a neurotic personality type result on the Big Five Personality Test or another assessment, you might experience the symptoms or impacts mentioned above. However, remember that neuroticism doesn’t define you completely. You can choose how to behave and respond to your emotions.

Neuroticism as an indicator of a mental health condition

A neuroticism result might indicate an underlying mental health condition. If you haven’t previously sought support, you might benefit from discussing this with a licensed clinical social worker through ReachLink to determine whether your results suggest an underlying concern.

Is neuroticism another word for mental illness?

Given its association with several maladaptive traits, neuroticism might appear to be an unhealthy personality profile. Some psychologists believe neuroticism as a personality trait doesn’t exist independently and is instead a label to describe mental illness, since many of its associated traits are symptoms of mental health disorders.

Neuroticism as one of the personality traits

Neuroticism is considered a personality trait only when it doesn’t significantly impair daily functioning. If you’re experiencing functional impairment, consider connecting with a licensed clinical social worker through ReachLink for additional support and guidance. Licensed clinical social workers can help develop personalized strategies to manage neurotic tendencies, improve emotional regulation, and foster resilience. Early intervention and ongoing support can prevent neuroticism from escalating into more severe mental health issues.

Ultimately, understanding neuroticism within the framework of the Big Five Personality Test provides valuable insight into how certain emotional and behavioral patterns influence our lives. While neuroticism is associated with challenges such as emotional distress and health risks, it is not an unchangeable destiny. Conscious efforts toward mental health care, self-awareness, and therapeutic interventions can empower individuals to lead fulfilling and balanced lives despite this personality trait.

By recognizing neuroticism as one component of a multifaceted personality, you can approach it with compassion and proactive care rather than judgment or fear. Embracing the complexity of personality traits like neuroticism allows for a more nuanced understanding of human behavior and promotes a holistic approach to mental wellness. If you identify with traits of neuroticism, remember that help is available, and positive change is always possible.