What Does The Research On Neuroticism Say? Understanding Personality

You may have heard the word “neurotic” in casual conversation, perhaps in the context of someone making fun of themselves for often wanting to double-check that they locked their car or to describe someone’s preparation efforts before a significant presentation at work. 

While “neurotic” might have become a colloquial term for anything related to worrying, neuroticism is a core human personality trait that can significantly impact a person’s life and interactions. It may be valuable to understand the relationship between neuroticism and mental health, particularly its association with mental health disorders. 

What is neuroticism?

Neuroticism is one of the “Big Five” personality traits designated as significant by personality researchers in the 1950s. The other four traits are openness, conscientiousness, extroversion, and agreeableness. Researchers have defined neuroticism as “the trait disposition to experience negative affects (moods), including anger, anxiety, self-consciousness, irritability, emotional instability, and depression.” 

Neuroticism is a personality trait that refers to the likelihood of someone experiencing negative emotions. In the early days of psychological care, mental health conditions were sometimes called “neuroses,” and people with mental illnesses were referred to as “neurotic individuals,” “neurotic people,” or “neurotics.”

In the 21st century, such language is considered outdated, as mental health conditions are recognized as being influenced by various factors, including past experiences and individual differences. However, a person’s tendency towards neuroticism may significantly affect their mental health.

Signs of high neuroticism

People with high levels of neuroticism may experience negative emotions more intensely than people with lower levels of this trait. They may also be more easily overwhelmed by such feelings, which may contribute to a vicious cycle of negative affectivity. There are several psychological and emotional traits associated with neuroticism, including the following:

• High levels of negative emotionality and negative thinking
• Low levels of self-esteem
• Pervasive feelings of guilt and self-blame, as well as a tendency to apologize when one hasn’t made a mistake or to interpret ordinary situations as negative
• Physical symptoms like aches and pains without any apparent medical explanation
• Predisposition to anxiety, high stress, perfectionism, a lack of emotional stability, and obsessive thought patterns
• Becoming quickly overwhelmed by and showing intense emotional reactions to situations perceived as stressful

Such traits may show up uniquely, depending on the situation. Some people with high neuroticism may engage in overt behaviors, like acting clingy, provoking arguments, instigating controversy or drama, complaining, or sabotaging others. Conversely, some people with high neuroticism levels may internalize their traits by ruminating excessively or replaying situations in their minds, procrastinating and avoiding, or spending too excessive time on tasks.

The relationship between neuroticism and mental health

People with neuroticism tend to experience more adverse mental health outcomes and neurotic behaviors. If a person is predisposed to neuroticism and experiences a potential life stressor, such as the death of a loved one, marriage, divorce, relocation, enormous public health implications, a job change, or parenthood, they may be more likely to undergo an episode of depression or anxiety. 

Mental health conditions

Neurotic tendencies have been linked to the development of anxiety disorders, eating disorders, mood disorders, and somatic symptom disorder, a mental health disorder in which a person excessively focuses on physical symptoms and worries they are indicative of a serious health condition. In the past, this disorder was referred to as hypochondria. 

Unhealthy coping mechanisms

Because neuroticism can lead to negative feelings, anxiousness, and emotional instability, people with neurotic tendencies may be at a higher risk of developing unhealthy coping mechanisms to numb unpleasant emotions. Substance use is one of the most common methods, but emotional eating, excessive shopping, and compulsive gambling can also be problematic ways of processing neurotic feelings.

If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.

Physical illness 

Because mental and physical health are intertwined, high levels of neuroticism are often associated with an increased risk of physical illnesses. These conditions may include asthma, eczema, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), immune system issues, and cardiac concerns. Neuroticism can also cause a negative feedback loop related to symptoms of physical illness, in which anxiety about symptoms can make them worse and decrease the likelihood of a positive response to medical treatment. 

Decreased quality of life

Neurotic tendencies may lead to a decreased quality of life. People with higher levels of neuroticism experience more ill will and resentment toward other people in their lives and may be likely to experience difficulties with their jobs, worry more than people without neurotic traits, and have more relationship conflict. 

This situation can result in a feedback loop, as more conflict in relationships can lead to less stable relationships and a diminished support system, which can increase the likelihood of anxiety and unhealthy coping mechanisms. 

Support for high levels of neuroticism

There are several ways to manage neurotic emotions and behaviors that can mitigate the risk of developing mental and physical health conditions. One method of processing negative thoughts and emotions can be practicing mindfulness. Mindfulness involves observing your brain and body without judgment. It can connect you more closely to your inner processes and give you a sense of perspective. Standard mindfulness methods include meditating, deep breathing, and journaling about your thoughts and feelings.

Therapy

If you are becoming caught up in your own mind, it may be beneficial to consider speaking with a mental health professional. Talk therapy and other forms of therapeutic treatment have been found to be effective in decreasing many of the symptoms and behaviors associated with neuroticism. However, if anxious thoughts and excessive worry make it difficult for you to reach out and set up an in-person therapy appointment, you can also try online therapy. 

Available through platforms like BetterHelp, online therapy empowers the participant to choose when, where, and how they meet, whether via videoconference, phone calls, or text messaging. Your dedicated licensed therapist can work with you to reach your goals and (thoughtfully) prompt you to challenge negative perceptions, which are real but not necessarily true.

Scientific research indicates that online therapy may be as effective as traditional in-person therapy at treating various mental health conditions and providing support for life challenges, including neurotic tendencies and behaviors. One study found that clients with mental health conditions commonly associated with high levels of neuroticism, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and panic disorder, expressed high levels of satisfaction after undergoing a course of online therapy treatment. If you want to learn how neuroticism may be affecting your life and ways to shift the pattern, online therapy could be a beneficial tool.