Neuroticism: Definition, History, and Characteristics
Neuroticism is one of the five major dimensions of personality in psychology and is defined as an individual’s tendency to experience negative emotions, such as anxiety, anger, and depression. This trait is closely linked to emotional instability and a vulnerability to psychological distress. Although neuroticism has been studied for many years, it is still an area of active research, with implications both for clinical practice and broader society. This article will provide an overview of the history and research surrounding this construct, as well as its implications.
Definition
Neuroticism is a trait that can be described as an individual’s tendency to experience negative emotions. Specifically, it is characterized by a high sensitivity to negative emotional states, such as anxiety, anger, fear, and depression. Neuroticism has been found to be distinct from other personality traits, such as extraversion, agreeableness, and openness to experience (McCrae & Costa, 1985).
History
Neuroticism has been studied in various contexts throughout history. The ancient Greeks, for example, believed that mental health was associated with the proper balance of the four humors (blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile). In the 19th century, the concept of neuroticism began to take shape, with the development of psychoanalytic theory, which proposed that mental illness was caused by unconscious conflicts between the mind and the environment (Freud, 1923). It was not until the 20th century that neuroticism became a major focus of research, with the development of the Five-Factor Model of Personality (FFM) (McCrae & Costa, 1985). This model proposed that neuroticism was one of the five major dimensions of personality, along with extraversion, agreeableness, openness to experience, and conscientiousness.
Characteristics
Neuroticism is associated with a wide range of characteristics, including emotional instability, anxiety, and moodiness. Individuals who are high in neuroticism tend to be more likely to experience negative emotions, such as fear, anger, and guilt. They may also be more prone to rumination and worry, and more likely to catastrophize negative events. Neuroticism is also associated with a greater risk for psychological disorders, such as depression and anxiety (Kotov, Gamez, Schmidt, & Watson, 2010).
Implications
Neuroticism has important implications for both clinical practice and broader society. In a clinical setting, understanding an individual’s level of neuroticism can help inform diagnosis and treatment. For example, individuals who are high in neuroticism may be more likely to benefit from cognitive-behavioral therapy, which focuses on helping individuals to recognize and manage their negative thought patterns (Butler, Chapman, Forman, & Beck, 2006). In addition, neuroticism has been linked to health behaviors, such as smoking and alcohol consumption, which can have a significant impact on physical and mental health (Kotov et al., 2010).
Conclusion
Neuroticism is one of the five major dimensions of personality in psychology and is defined as an individual’s tendency to experience negative emotions, such as anxiety, anger, and depression. This trait is closely linked to emotional instability and a vulnerability to psychological distress. Neuroticism has important implications for both clinical practice and broader society, as it is associated with a range of characteristics and behaviors. Further research is needed to better understand the implications of this trait.
References
Butler, A. C., Chapman, J. E., Forman, E. M., & Beck, A. T. (2006). The empirical status of cognitive-behavioral therapy: A review of meta-analyses. Clinical Psychology Review, 26(1), 17-31.
Freud, S. (1923). The ego and the id. Hogarth Press.
Kotov, R., Gamez, W., Schmidt, F., & Watson, D. (2010). Linking “big” personality traits to anxiety, depressive, and substance use disorders: A meta-analysis. Psychological Bulletin, 136(5), 768–801.
McCrae, R.R., & Costa, P.T. (1985). Updating Norman’s “adequate taxonomy”: Intelligence and personality dimensions in natural language and in questionnaires. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 49(6), 710-721.