Neuroticism is a fundamental personality
trait in the study of
psychology. It is an enduring tendency to experience negative emotional states. Individuals who score high on neuroticism are more likely than the average to experience such feelings as
anxiety,
anger,
guilt, and
depressed mood.
[1] They respond more poorly to environmental
stress, and are more likely to interpret ordinary situations as threatening, and minor frustrations as hopelessly difficult. They are often
self-conscious and
shy, and they may have trouble controlling urges and delaying
gratification. Neuroticism is a risk factor for "
internalizing" mental disorders such as phobia, depression, panic disorder, and other anxiety disorders (traditionally called
neuroses).
[2][3][4]
Emotional stability
On the opposite end of the spectrum, individuals who score low in neuroticism are more emotionally stable and less reactive to stress. They tend to be calm, even-tempered, and less likely to feel tense or rattled. Although they are low in negative emotion, they are not necessarily high on positive emotion. Being high on positive emotion is an element of the independent trait of
extraversion. Neurotic extraverts, for example, would experience high levels of both positive and negative emotional states, a kind of "emotional roller coaster". Individuals who score low on neuroticism (particularly those who are also high on extraversion) generally report more happiness and satisfaction with their lives.
[5]