NEUROTICISM Meaning and
Definition
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Neuroticism refers to a personality trait characterized by a tendency towards experiencing negative emotions such as anxiety, worry, guilt, self-consciousness, and irritability to a greater extent than others. It is one of the five major dimensions of personality known as the Big Five Traits or Five-Factor Model, which also includes extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness to experience.
Individuals high in neuroticism are often more reactive to stressors and are prone to self-doubt, emotional instability, and mood swings. They may frequently feel anxious, nervous, or tense in various situations, and may struggle with managing their emotions effectively. Neuroticism is believed to have both genetic and environmental factors contributing to its development.
People with high neuroticism scores may find it challenging to maintain positive mental well-being and may be more susceptible to mental health disorders such as anxiety disorders, depression, and somatic symptoms. They may perceive everyday situations as more threatening and are more likely to ruminate on negative thoughts and emotions. Conversely, individuals low in neuroticism tend to have a more stable and emotionally resilient personality, displaying calmness, optimism, and self-assuredness.
Understanding neuroticism provides valuable insights into an individual's emotional predispositions and can be useful in predicting their emotional reactions to various events and stressors.
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Nervosity, nervosism, neurosism; the condition of being neurotic, or of suffering from perverted or irritable nervous action.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for NEUROTICISM
Etymology of NEUROTICISM
The word "neuroticism" is derived from the Greek word "neuron", meaning nerve, and the suffix "-osis", denoting a condition or state. It was first coined in the early 19th century by Scottish psychiatrist William Cullen, who used it to describe a predisposition for nervous disorders. Over time, the term "neuroticism" has come to encompass a broader concept related to emotional instability, anxiety, and vulnerability to psychological distress.
Similar spelling words for NEUROTICISM
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