Neuroticism is a term often mentioned in psychology and personality assessments, but what does it truly mean? The concept of neuroticism has a long history and remains one of the key elements in understanding human behavior and mental health. From its definition to the impact it can have on a person’s life, there is a lot to learn about this fascinating personality trait.
In our blog, we will answer the question, “What is neuroticism?” explain how neuroticism was discovered and classified, describe the common signs of neurotic behavior, and offer a few ideas on managing this personality trait. Hopefully, our guide will help you or your loved one come to grips with neuroticism and learn how to handle it.
What is neuroticism?
In psychology, neuroticism is usually defined as a personality trait characterized by a consistent tendency to experience negative emotions such as anxiety, anger, guilt, irritation, and depression. People who score high on neuroticism are more sensitive when they are confronted with stress—for instance, they may have low self-esteem and struggle to see the bright side of a challenging situation.
Neuroticism is one of the traits included in the Big Five personality test, also known as the OCEAN model. This widely used framework is based on the premise that every individual possesses five major personality traits—openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism. While a high score for neuroticism may seem alarming at first, this trait is common, and it can be managed.
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The History of Neuroticism
The term “neuroticism” dates back to the late 18th century, when William Cullen, a Scottish physician, came up with the word “neurosis” to describe a medical condition associated with a diseased nervous system. For many decades, the concept of neurosis was linked to a mental disorder that has no apparent physical cause.
In the early 20th century, psychoanalysts and psychiatrists started to differentiate between psychosis and neurosis—while the former was connected to the loss of touch with reality, the latter was associated with stress and phobias. Today, neuroticism is no longer considered a mental illness—instead, it is viewed as a personality trait that may or may not be present in a person.
Common Symptoms of Neuroticism
While neuroticism is not officially considered a mental health disorder, several symptoms may be a cause for concern, especially if they negatively affect a person’s life. Here are a few common signs of neuroticism.
Anxiety People with high neuroticism are often worriers—they feel nervous and uneasy even when there is no objective reason to be concerned.
Mood swings, irritability, a short temper, and emotional outbursts—these are typical traits of a neurotic individual who struggles to control their emotions.
Low confidence. It is not unusual for a neurotic person to have a poor opinion of themselves, avoid challenges, and blame themselves when things go wrong.
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The Impact of Neuroticism on a Person’s Life
It is no exaggeration to say that neuroticism can hold a person back and prevent them from achieving their goals. Whether you are struggling with neuroticism yourself or you have noticed this trait in your friend or family member, it is important to understand how neuroticism affects various aspects of a person’s life.
Constant worry and low self-esteem may mean a person does not feel capable of succeeding in their studies or professional career—for instance, a neurotic individual may pass on the job opportunity because they do not believe they will do well in a job interview Moreover, this personality trait poses a danger to a person’s physical health—there is a proven link between chronic stress and heart disease.
Tips to Manage Neuroticism
Fortunately, there are several methods you can try to reduce neuroticism and improve your mental health. Practice the tips below to see what works for you.
Focus on self-care. Set aside time for activities that make you feel good—exercise, meditation, proper nutrition, and sleep should help you feel more relaxed.
Build a support network. Surround yourself with people who listen to you and care about you—open up to your friends and family about your struggles.
Talk to a therapist. A professional mental health provider will be able to diagnose your personality and give you personalized advice suitable for your unique circumstances.
FAQs
What does neuroticism mean?
Neuroticism is a personality trait that is associated with a person’s proclivity to experience negative emotions and struggle to remain calm when facing stress.
What are the Big 5 personality traits?
The Big 5 personality traits, or the OCEAN model, are a personality framework that consists of five traits: openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism.
What are the 5 symptoms of neuroticism?
Typically, the symptoms of neuroticism include anxiety, depression, anger, mood swings, and low self-esteem.
What are the negative effects of neuroticism?
Neuroticism may lead to a person’s inability to succeed in their personal and professional life, as well as poor physical health caused by chronic stress.
Can you treat neuroticism?
There are several ways to manage neuroticism—you can take care of yourself at home, practice relaxation techniques, and talk to a therapist to get a professional opinion.
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Embracing Mental Wellness with Nashville Mental Health
Understanding what neuroticism is and recognizing this personality trait in yourself or your loved one is the first step toward mental well-being. While neuroticism may never fully go away, you can learn to manage it and minimize its negative effects on a person’s life. If you need to get to the bottom of neuroticism and figure out how to deal with it, reach out to Nashville Mental Health.
The team of mental health professionals at Nashville Mental Health is here to assist you. Whether you need a one-on-one consultation with a therapist or personalized tips to cope with neuroticism and other personality traits, our experts will be able to help you. Get in touch with Nashville Mental Health via phone or email to schedule an appointment.
