What is Neuroticism?

Neuroticism is one of the Big Five Personality Traits, the personality model Sorter uses to understand your customers.

High Neuroticism

Perhaps the most negatively connoted measure of the Big Five, neuroticism relates to the tendency to experience more frequent and intense negative emotions. Highly neurotic people are emotionally volatile and vulnerable to anxiety and depression. They can be self-conscious and impulsive, and have mood swings.

When neurotic people are high in conscientiousness, though, this can lead to an increase in healthy behaviors, like not smoking and eating nutritious foods. They’re also more likely to seek help sooner when faced with illness, which has health benefits. With greater anxiety, neurotic people might be more motivated towards planning and proactive coping. A certain level of anxiety can also help people to remember things.

People who are high in neuroticism like to use music for emotional regulation.

Low Neuroticism

People who aren’t neurotic have good emotional stability. They are content and secure, and they are more capable of weathering negative life events. Those low in neuroticism can regulate their emotions well and remain calm and optimistic.

These individuals have greater security and satisfaction in jobs and relationships, as well as greater performance in jobs. They’re less vulnerable to mental illnesses like anxiety and depression. Overall, this quality can lead to general greater well-being in life.

Curious about your level of neuroticism? Take Sorter’s personality quiz.