How the Big 5 Trait of Neuroticism Affects Your Feelings, Outlook, and Approach to Risk

Get to know yourself through the “Big 5” trait of neuroticism, and see how your neuroticism level affects your feelings, outlook, and approach to risk.

“Are you ok?”

Emma was puzzled. One minute she and her husband Jeff were having a pleasant conversation; the next minute, Jeff’s mood drastically shifted—from cheerful and happy to quiet and withdrawn. A frown draped over his face.

What happened?

In the end, it wasn’t just one thing. Rather, a series of small things that added up. So, when Emma made an innocent comment that Jeff took the wrong way, his neuroticism showed up in full bloom.

Neuroticism (one of the “Big 5” personality traits) can prove to be a heavy burden at times. However, understanding what’s going on inside—of both yourself and others—can go a long way to making emotions work for you, instead of against you.

What is Neuroticism?

Neuroticism is a personality trait that reflects your tendency towards negative feelings and emotions. It represents how you perceive the world, and how likely you are to interpret events as threatening or difficult.

Persons who score high in neuroticism are often pessimistic. They typically experience more sadness, irritability, and mood swings.

In contrast, those who score low in Neuroticism are optimistic. They tend to have more control over their feelings, worry less, and are more emotionally stable and resilient.

What does the Neuroticism look like in real life?

If you score high in Neuroticism, you likely see the world as threatening and unsafe, and experience life as distressing. It can make personal and professional relationships more difficult. And constant worry and anxiety could lead to more stress and poorer health.

On the other hand, high neuroticism can help you see the world more realistically. You may be more careful with your possessions, or avoid risky investments, or get even minor health matters checked out early, helping you avoid serious problems.

If you score low in neuroticism, you see the world as full of opportunity, and you experience life with optimism and cheer. You don’t worry much, you have high self-esteem, and you’re confident and resilient.

In some situations, though, your positive outlook could become idealistic or unrealistic. You might brush off what appeared to be a minor injury, only to regret what later turns out to be a serious health problem. And not everyone will appreciate your tendency to see things through “rose-colored glasses.”

How can this help you build emotional intelligence?

If you score high in Neuroticism, buy out time to think through your feelings. But be careful not to dwell on negative thoughts; rather, use affirmations and positive self-talk expressions to help you reframe your thinking.

For example, you might place a few of your favorite principles or sayings on your fridge, next to your computer, or on a wall or closet door. Also consider keeping a journal to record your thoughts and experiences.

If you score low in Neuroticism, surround yourself with like-minded persons who can support your positivity. But don’t forget that you can also benefit from those with a more critical outlook, as they can help you achieve a balanced perspective.

Finally, acknowledge there are times when unbridled optimism may work against you. For example, you may need to have a doctor check out that nagging and potentially serious health problem, rather than ignore it.

Whether your Neuroticism score is high or low, the key is learning to identify and understand what is going on inside you and others.

You can then use that understanding to strengthen your relationships and to make your emotions—and your personality—work for you, instead of against you.

This is just the tip of the iceberg…If you’re interested in:

• What other signs can help me see where I sit on the neuroticism spectrum?
• What needs do I need to satisfy? And…
• How can I further use all of this to my advantage, at work and at home?

Check out details about the full version of this course down below.

Can you think of someone else who might want to get to know themselves? Consider taking this “mini personality master class” together: Just share the link to this article.

You’ve just read a small portion of my course:

Get to Know Yourself: Understand Your Personality and Build Self-Awareness

If you like what you’re learning, consider purchasing lifetime access to the full version of this course, which includes:

• Three different personality assessments, to help you further identify where you sit on the Big 5 traits
• Expanded insights and application
• Short, easy-to-digest videos illustrating key points
• An editable, printable workbook with exercises and journal prompts to help you discover and understand your personality