Description: Neuroticism is a personality trait characterized by a tendency to experience negative emotions such as anxiety, fear, irritability, worry, and envy. Individuals with high levels of neuroticism are often more prone to experiencing stress and having intense emotional reactions to everyday situations. This trait can influence how a person perceives and responds to life’s challenges, affecting their emotional well-being and ability to cope with stress. Neuroticism is considered one of the five major personality traits, alongside openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, and agreeableness. It is often associated with a greater vulnerability to psychological disorders such as depression and anxiety. However, not all individuals with high levels of neuroticism develop mental health issues; some may use their emotional sensitivity to be more empathetic and understanding. In summary, neuroticism is a complex trait that can have both negative and positive effects on a person’s life, depending on how it is managed and interpreted in different contexts.
History: The term ‘neuroticism’ was popularized in the field of psychology in the early 20th century, although its roots can be traced back to the work of Sigmund Freud, who explored the relationship between neurosis and personality. Over the years, various psychologists, such as Hans Eysenck, contributed to the understanding of neuroticism by including it in his three-dimensional personality model, which also encompassed extraversion and psychoticism. In the 1990s, the five-factor model of personality, which includes neuroticism, gained acceptance in the psychological community, solidifying its importance in personality assessment.
Uses: Neuroticism is used in psychology to assess individuals’ personalities and their predisposition to experience negative emotions. It is applied in clinical contexts to identify individuals at risk of developing anxiety or depression disorders. Additionally, it is used in research on the relationship between personality and mental health, as well as in studies on well-being and resilience. In various settings, neuroticism can influence performance and job satisfaction, leading to its assessment in personnel selection processes.
Examples: An example of neuroticism in everyday life could be a person who feels overwhelmed by the pressure to meet work deadlines, experiencing constant anxiety and worry. Another example could be someone who, after receiving constructive criticism, feels extremely hurt and begins to doubt their abilities, which may affect their performance in the future. In a clinical context, a patient with high levels of neuroticism might present symptoms of generalized anxiety, leading them to seek therapy to learn how to manage their emotions.
