Neuroticism

Neuroticism is one of the five major dimensions in the widely used Five-Factor Model of personality. It characterizes a trait-level tendency toward negative emotionality and emotional instability, including experiences of anxiety, moodiness, irritability, and self-consciousness. Individuals high in neuroticism are more likely to perceive situations as threatening and to react with distress to everyday stressors.

Measurement and interpretation are typically based on standardized questionnaires such as the NEO-PI-R, NEO-FFI, or Big Five Inventory. Scores are treated as a continuum, with higher levels indicating greater propensity toward negative affect and emotional volatility, and lower levels indicating greater emotional stability.

Genetic and developmental factors contribute to neuroticism. Heritability is substantial, and the trait shows moderate stability across adulthood, though life experiences, health, and aging can influence its expression. Neuroticism can decline somewhat with age and through experiences that bolster emotional regulation and coping skills.

Associations with health and behavior are well documented. Higher neuroticism is linked to increased risk for mood and anxiety disorders, greater perceived stress, and certain somatic complaints. It can affect coping styles, help-seeking behavior, and the processing of social information, often in interaction with other personality traits such as conscientiousness and extraversion.

Neuroticism is a normal human variation, not a mental illness in itself. While elevated levels raise risk for certain conditions, many people with high neuroticism function well and do not meet criteria for a psychiatric disorder. Research also explores neural correlates, including amygdala reactivity and stress-response systems. Cross-cultural studies generally support the trait’s universality but note some variation in mean levels and measurement.