Low Neuroticism: Helpful Or Harmful?

Neuroticism is a personality trait that generally exists on a continuum from high to low. While people with very high neuroticism may exhibit unstable emotions and high stress reactivity, those with low neuroticism are typically less reactive and more emotionally stable. Though high neuroticism is sometimes stigmatized and viewed negatively, there may be some benefits to neuroticism that can contribute to productivity, healthy lifestyle choices, and a predisposition to creativity. Low neuroticism can sometimes come with drawbacks, such as risk-taking, low creativity, and a heightened risk of inflammation. If you’re experiencing mental health challenges related to high or low neuroticism, consider seeking professional insight and guidance from an online or in-person therapist.

Defining neuroticism

In general, there are five overarching types of personality traits, or character structures: 

• Extraversion (sociability)
• Agreeableness (kindness) 
• Openness (creativity)
• Conscientiousness (thoughtfulness)
• Neuroticism (degree of emotional stability)

Each of these traits can be scored on a scale from low to high, and they tend to be relatively fixed and long-lasting character elements that can be identified by assessing feelings, habits, attitudes, and behaviors.

Neuroticism can be defined as a personality trait typically characterized by how much people feel threatened, unsatisfied, and distressed on a daily basis. 

Though first conceptualized in ancient Greece, neuroticism is generally still relevant in modern psychology, and it can explain a lot of variability in the way some mental health disorders are internalized.

The difference between low and high neuroticism 

Neuroticism typically exists on a continuum, from very low to very high levels of neuroticism, with most people falling somewhere between these extremes. High neuroticism is often characterized by susceptibility to the following: 

• Experiencing frequent, overwhelming stress
• Extreme mood swings 
• Feeling afraid, fearful, doubtful, or anxious 
• Having difficulty adjusting to change or returning to baseline after experiencing something stressful (low resilience)
• Being impulsive or volatile 
• General tendencies toward negative feelings and pessimism
• Self-doubt
• Self-consciousness
• Socioemotional anxiety, or worry about initiating and fostering relationships with others

Overall, individuals with high neuroticism usually have difficulty regulating emotions and handling stress, which may lead to the development of maladaptive coping mechanisms, such as substance or alcohol misuse. 

Though neuroticism is normally categorized as a personality trait and not a mental health disorder, these symptoms can often be improved with treatments like therapy and medication. Never start or stop taking any form of medication unless instructed to do so by a licensed medical professional.  

People with low neuroticism may exhibit: 

• Highly stable emotions
• The ability to handle stress well (less reactivity) 
• High resilience
• Shamelessness
• Fearlessness
• Infrequent sadness or low mood

In general, people with low neuroticism tend to be less reactive to stressors and not as prone to experiencing negative self-perception, self-blame, rumination, and shame. While those with low neuroticism may experience fewer overwhelming negative emotions, they do not necessarily experience more frequent positive emotions. 

The helpful side of low neuroticism

Some aspects of low neuroticism can be beneficial, including the following: 

• Less rumination: People with low neuroticism are usually less likely to linger on unproductive negative thoughts and worry. Because rumination can emphasize negativity, it may contribute to the development of depression or anxiety, or worsen pre-existing mental health conditions. 
• Lower risk of some psychiatric disorders: High neuroticism is frequently associated with the development of several mental disorders. In a study of 108,038 adults in the UK, researchers found associations between neuroticism and anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, substance use disorders, bipolar disorder, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). 
• High executive functioning: Executive function generally refers to a skillset that influences self-control, the ability to focus despite distractions, and the ability to plan ahead to achieve goals. High executive functioning can enable prioritization, filtration of information, and impulse control. High neuroticism can be predictive of low executive functioning, partially due to high emotional reactivity limiting impulse control.  
• Ability to cope with stressors: A central feature of low neuroticism can be emotional stability and low reactivity to stressors. While individuals with low neuroticism are not necessarily immune to experiencing stress, they tend to react more calmly to stressors. 
• Openness to constructive criticism: People with low neuroticism tend to be less self-critical and less threatened by constructive criticism, whereas people with high neuroticism tend to be more likely to be sensitive to any kind of criticism. 
• Fewer negative emotions: People with low neuroticism typically experience lower levels of negative emotions and fewer emotional fluctuations. 

When low neuroticism can be harmful 

There can be both strengths and weaknesses to low neuroticism. The following may be seen as some of the common challenges associated with low neuroticism: 

• Risk-taking: While risk aversion associated with high neuroticism can limit opportunities for rewards, sometimes, the worrying that comes along with neuroticism can prevent people from taking unnecessary risks. Overall, individuals with low neuroticism may be more willing to take risks that could be harmful. 
• Low creativity: People who are higher in neuroticism are typically more creative than those with lower neuroticism. For example, Isaac Newton was thought to be highly neurotic and spent a lot of time obsessing over scientific problems, but that rumination likely enabled him to develop creative approaches to physics that altered the fundamental understanding of this field of study. Some scientists speculate that neuroticism and creative thinking exist in the same area of the brain, linking the personality trait with higher levels of creativity. 
• Low levels of healthy anxiety: Anxiety is often discussed negatively, but there can be some benefits to experiencing anxiety that people with low neuroticism may miss out on. Healthy levels of anxiety can push people to work hard, stay motivated, consider options carefully, improve health, and be excited about life events. Anxiety can also be protective, providing warning signs when things become unsustainable and need to change.  
• Heightened risk of inflammation: Individuals with both high levels of conscientiousness and high levels of neuroticism (termed “healthy neuroticism”) tend to engage in fewer unhealthy behaviors (such as smoking cigarettes or drinking in excess), have lower body weight, and be more physically active than those with low neuroticism.

Low neuroticism combined with other character elements

There can be potentially serious challenges when very low trait neuroticism is combined with other traits, such as low conscientiousness and antisocial attitudes. Gregg Henriques, Ph.D., a professor of psychology at James Madison University, has found that this combination can result in serious impulsivity, recklessness, extremely little consideration for interpersonal relationships, and other damaging behaviors. While negative emotions can be painful to experience, they can also be protective against harmful behaviors like these. 

How to determine your level of neuroticism

If you’re interested in learning more about your personality traits, you can take a Big Five Personality Test for free. While this test may provide you with some insight into your personality, it is not guaranteed to be accurate.

Benefits of online therapy

High neuroticism can be predictive of anxiety and depressive disorders, which may interfere with day-to-day life. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based approach to talk therapy that typically emphasizes reframing negative internal dialogue to address maladaptive behaviors and thoughts. Internet-based CBT is often available through online platforms like BetterHelp, which can provide a more convenient, affordable, and one-on-one setting to discuss challenging thoughts and behaviors. Through video chats, phone calls, or in-app messaging, individuals can meet with a licensed therapist to discuss issues concerning personality traits like neuroticism or anything else on their minds.

Effectiveness of online therapy

A 2017 review of 373 peer-reviewed articles found that online CBT can effectively address symptoms of many psychiatric disorders, including those associated with high neuroticism. In this study, researchers discovered that web-based CBT generally reduced the frequency and severity of the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, phobias, and panic disorder, as well as depressive disorders, PTSD, and more. They also found that these online interventions were usually more cost-effective, increasing individuals’ access to care and treatment.

Takeaway

Neuroticism can be seen as one of five major personality traits. It usually influences responsiveness to stressors, emotional stability, and negative internal dialogue. Individuals with high neuroticism tend to experience more emotional fluctuations, rumination, self-consciousness, and impulsivity. Individuals with low neuroticism, on the other hand, are typically more emotionally stable, less reactive to stressors, more adaptable, and less likely to engage in negative self-talk. While there can be benefits and drawbacks to both low and high neuroticism, online therapy can be helpful should this personality trait contribute to negative thoughts, behaviors, or feelings. Online CBT can effectively address symptoms of internalized mental illnesses, such as anxiety and depression, which often accompany high trait neuroticism.