Neuroticism, one of the Big 5 personality traits, is typically defined as a tendency toward Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Depression, self-doubt, and other negative feelings. All personality traits, including neuroticism, exist on a spectrum—some people are just much more neurotic than others. In the context of the Big 5, neuroticism is sometimes described as low emotional stability or negative emotionality.

Some self-deprecating comedians and complainers wear their neuroticism as a badge of honor, but in truth, people with neurotic dispositions are more prone to anxiety, mood disorders, and additional unfavorable social and emotional outcomes.

Classification of Neuroticism

• Worry About Things: Individuals high in neuroticism often have a tendency to worry excessively about various aspects of their lives, whether significant or trivial.
• Easily Disturbed: These individuals may find themselves easily upset or disturbed by events or circumstances that others might find manageable.
• Frequent Mood Swings: People with high levels of neuroticism often experience dramatic mood swings, feeling very high or very low within short periods.
• Irritability: A tendency to get irritated quickly and easily is another hallmark of neuroticism. This can affect personal and professional relationships.
• Feeling Blue: Persistent feelings of sadness or "feeling blue" are common among individuals high in neuroticism, often leading to depressive episodes.

Explanation of Each Point

• Worry About Things: This aspect of neuroticism involves a pervasive sense of anxiety and concern over various life situations. This constant worry can lead to a chronic state of stress, affecting both mental and physical health.
• Easily Disturbed: Being easily disturbed means that individuals with high neuroticism have a lower threshold for stress and anxiety. Minor setbacks or challenges can lead to significant emotional turmoil.
• Frequent Mood Swings: The frequent and intense mood swings experienced by neurotic individuals can make their emotional state unpredictable. This variability can complicate their relationships and their own sense of well-being.
• Irritability: High irritability means that individuals are more likely to react negatively to minor provocations. This can strain interactions with others and lead to conflicts in various settings.
• Feeling Blue: A tendency to feel persistently sad or down can lead to more serious mental health issues such as depression. This chronic sadness can impact overall life satisfaction and functioning.

Neuroticism has been defined somewhat differently by different psychologists, but at its core, it reflects a general tendency toward negative emotions. The term derives from the historic concept of neurosis, which referred to a form of mental illness involving chronic distress.

A person’s level of neuroticism can be assessed by personality tests that ask individuals to rate the extent to which they:

• worry about things
• are easily disturbed
• have frequent mood swings
• get irritated easily