What is Neuroticism? (Five Factor Model of Personality)

This video describes the personality trait of neuroticism from the five-factor model of personality. The five-factor model of personality traits, which is also known as “The Big Five” model of personality. In this model, personality comprises five personality traits: openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism. The acronym OCEAN is helpful for remembering the personality traits. Neuroticism is characterized by mood dysregulation, high emotional reactivity, anxiety, worry, tendency to experience negative feelings, low self-esteem, depression, frustrating, nervousness, being easily upset, and low emotional stability. Individuals with a high level of neuroticism have an increased risk of mental and physical health problems, poor work performance, low levels of life satisfaction, difficulty in marriage, and substance use disorders. Low scores on neuroticism is not associated to more positive feelings. Neuroticism tends to decrease as one ages. Individuals with a high level of neuroticism tend to be more realistic when evaluating evidence.
Openness to experience is characterized by insight, creativity, an appreciation of art, liking theories, abstract thinking, fantasizing, challenging authority, flexibility, adventurousness, intellectual curiosity, and a high awareness of feelings. Extreme openness to experience is associated with disruptive levels of non-conformity, alienation of potential friends, and fantasizing too much. Individuals who score low on openness to experience tend to dislike change, make safe decisions, have a restricted range of interests, and like routines. Conscientiousness is characterized by impulse control, planning tasks carefully, being highly organized, and prudence. Individuals who are high in conscientiousness tend to be prioritize, take time to analyze situations, have good attention to detail, be reliable, and like a schedule. They have high self-discipline, do well in school, and are concerned with how they are perceived by others. Extreme conscientiousness is associated with perfectionism and difficultly making decisions. Extraversion is characterized by getting energy from social interaction, talkativeness, and having a large number of acquaintances. Agreeableness is characterized by being cooperative, increased level of caring, empathy, friendly, seeking to compromise. Genetics explain about 50% of personality traits, but the percentage is not the same for every personality traits. Neuroticism, like all personality traits, tends to be stable over time.

[@briannagoitiandia9833]

I thought it was interesting that neuroticism can decrease as a person gets older. I would think that the stress of getting older would also increase neuroticism.

[@klattalexis]

Yes, just think of the movie, Grumpy Old Men.

[@Septiviumexe]

Decreases more with women as they age but in a study it stated that it doesnt decrease as commonly in men as they age.

[@foraminiferan]

This is the first time I've heard of positive traits associated with neuroticism, and it's appreciated. In fact, I am high in conscientiousness, and it has always been noticed at work--despite my anxiety in being there.

[@angelinastanton7996]

I also appreciated looking on the bright side of having high neuroticism and how it can compliment other traits, such as conscientiousness.

[@ForMindlessConsumption]

You should read Carl Jung’s Theory of Neurosis. He argues that being neurotic is your unconscious mind’s way of letting your conscious ego know that there are things you need that aren’t being met, and that there are some people whose entire success is based on recognizing their own neuroses and using them to their advantage. He says they might have “stifled [their potentialities] had not the neurosis, with iron grip, held [them] to the place where [they] belonged (Jung 1966, Two Essays on Analytic Psychology, Vol 7, par. 68)”

[@bhargav8232]

This video just described me completely. Thanks.

[@DrGrande]

You're welcome!

[@albyrexz1593]

Read modern man in search of a soulby Carl jung

[@zureezee1887]

I was surprised that low Neuroticism just means feeling less negative feelings not that they experience positive feeling

[@nancypatricia511]

Doesn't neuroticism develope as a result of emotional trauma? And if that is the case, couldn't it at least to some degree, be dealt with in therapy to tone down or relieve the negative somatic memories that energize this facet of personality?

[@californiapsychstudent.3620]

I do have depression, not a lot of self esteem, and lots of fear. I’ve experienced a lot of sexual and domestic violence abuse. My creativity is off the charts. But I have a hard time being around people sometimes.

[@PartyChicken407]

To anyone Reading : -OP : Good video, Cheers man -Everyone else : This is strange advice because it's so 'general' but here's the thing... Movement. Much of your life, I am totally serious, can be improved either directly or in a complex method in cause and effect with simply... MOVING. Doing some exercise, working on balance, for the LOVE OF GOD, just MOVE.... Sedentary behaviour is one of the most under discussed, out of control issues rampant in the world today. The bottom line is you can improve your mental and physical health by moving, and you have no excuses unless you're in a full body cast. I could go on for hours with data and reasons, but this is meant to be a call to action for you out there whom are loathing on by... GET YOUR A$$ MOVING. There truly is no excuse. I work with people in wheelchairs and the disabled all the time. You not moving your body, while you're lucky to be alive, is a tragedy. GET UP.

[@lizconnor1820]

I find it interesting that those low in neuroticism see things more positively and those high in neuroticism see things more realistic and potentially negatively. It sounds like "glass half full" and "glass half empty" when you think about it!

[@KrypticKiss18]

Pretty much. My friend who scores low in neuroticism always calls me a pessimist and I call myself a "realist". I also think she's delusional at times with her optimism lol

[@asia321999]

I just got 'diagnosed' with this, and its really helped me see myself in a different light. I guess i now know whats wrong with me lol

[@monicaperry13]

I thought this was an interesting video. I never realized that those high in neuroticism saw things more realistically.

[@frankcastle_1984]

88th percentile Neuroticism crew checking in, would like to die and am 33, thanks

[@PENDANTturnips]

99th get on my level. High conscientiousness saves me.

[@DaDennyH]

@@PENDANTturnips Pfft. 98th percentile neuroticism, 1st percentile conscientiousness. GEt oN My lEVeL

[@Torithegreat]

I have an 88% in Neuroticism, and 21% in consciousness. I’m basically just a nervous unreliable blob.

[@goofyahhh254]

@@Torithegreat ur 20% conscious? Pretty good by freudian standards

[@RawOlympia]

get sun, trade the coffee for kush

[@janicedixon2051]

This video provided a clear explanation of what neuroticism is. Thank you!

[@msGMS91]

I really enjoyed the video and have been visiting your other videos as well. Thanks for describing neuroticism accurately including the benefits, most of the time it is used as a way to belittle or diminish someone, as the connotation is negative, so it was refreshing to hear it related to analytical thinking.

[@taraswertelecki7874]

It most definitely is used to denigrate people, myself included.

[@DescendIntoTheAbsurd]

What causes a person to become neurotic? Are there any causes? A video on this would be great :)

[@bhatkat]

Likely a combination, seems like plenty of genetic connection, abusing kids can increase it big time, combining abuse and neglect turns healthy kids into broken humans pretty quickly.

[@angelinastanton7996]

I found this video very helpful in tying together factors that are linked to high neuroticism, such as risks of substance use, health conditions, and mental health risks. I would be interested in learning what therapy approaches or techniques would be best when working with clients who have extremely high levels of neuroticism.

[@didierching5298]

Love the channel, actually discusses proper psychology. Thanks!

[@DrGrande]

You're welcome!

[@alexnickolaev]

When I learned about socionics, we only covered 4 traits, without neuroticism, thanks for the new info

[@dark13skater]

My dad is neurotic and he thinks he can scream himself out of anything... He is like a match, a very flammable one

[@NobleS1236]

So I am stuck being neurotic for life. Well that's another thing for me not to look forward to.

[@healwithOsiris]

i teach how to clear symptoms you should share your email with me

[@samuelkuchar9047]

Durag Yogi can you help me ?

[@veronicabetz9452]

Very informative! I didn't know so many negative physical and mental health risks accompanied a high score of the personality trait neuroticism.

[@goofyahhh254]

A couple months ago I had a result of high conscientiousness on a free test. 6 months later on the Jordan Peterson BIG 5 test, it's 21%, while all others are relatively the same, except for neuroticism which increased to 95th percentile, up from like 75 I believe.

[@arkipsykologiaafordummies6627]

Very informative and clear video, thanks! You mentioned benefits of being high in neuroticism (more critical/accurate when evaluating) -> could you add references in the description box? I´d love to learn more!

[@jazzmynmolson307]

I like this video because it is straight to the point. I am able to have a better understanding about what Neuroticism and what issues could be present on the high and low ends of neuroticism.

[@GnosisMan50]

Thank you for sharing, Dr Grande

[@liliagrace4818]

i’ve been diagnosed with this i had no idea what it meant so thank you

[@theveganvillainess2404]

I'm neurotic/OCD. I have to take medication for it, but I'm glad that I finally found something that works. My OCD and neurosis got better over time, but never went away entirely but is now managed with medication.

[@hollythomason9013]

Can you name the medication that helped with your OCD?

[@honestly1686]

They diagnosed me with bipolar in 1977 in 2018 I am just neurotic. Screw mental health....I hate it all.

[@ArnoldTohtFan]

are you expressing frustration at psychologists and their ever-changing diagnosis, or just the abysmal quality of the human condition in general?

[@truthlivingetc88]

when you are diagnosed it takes a lot of work and emotional energy to figure out how to deal with the true aspects of it as well as the false ones - there are many of both - psychiatry never has the last word but it always has the first word and that is very very difficult to understand and work through

[@kelly4321]

This is a very good video for information on neuroticism.

[@amonvie]

This video helped to understand more about this personality i identify myself most. Thank you!

[@parsoumash]

Interesting. I don’t know if I am definitely neurotic but the way this was described pretty much described me. I was interested to know however why my neurotic behaviour has gotten worse over the years. It’s almost like my conscientiousness and sensitivity to detail (I’m trying not to use the word intelligence) is enabling and feeding my neuroticism. Thankfully, I feel like that conscientious behaviour is also keeping me away from drugs and alcohol. It’s a strange interplay that is gripping me and making me feel trapped while keeping me alive. I don’t know how to take this neuroticism and turn it into something positive.

[@taraswertelecki7874]

That has kept me alive and unhurt on the job, so far. Around electricity, you usually don't get a second chance.

[@Smoothbluehero]

In the Big 5 I'm high in neuroticism and either low or average in everything else. Subdividing neuroticism I'm average in volatility but exceptionally high in withdrawal.

[@Christopher-md7tf]

I'm very high in neuroticism and my advice to fellow neurotics would be: Create a stable daily routine. Get 7-8 hours of high quality sleep. Move your body every day. MEDITATE, that's a big one, so you develop more awareness around your neurotic thought patterns and aren't completely identified with them. In tandem, become aware of what you believe about yourself, other people, the world and life in general and see what kind of outcomes these beliefs generate in terms of inner feelings/states and external results, and consider whether or not it's really in your best interest to keep believing them.

[@looopaa9783]

ughhh what do i do about it, i just shut down and crazily emotional when i get stressed and end up hating myself, everyone around me says i’m lazy but i don’t even know what that means, i feel like i just can’t find any motivation to do stressful things

[@SarahSodaPop]

I was called neurotic by an aqauntance quite some time ago. I can understand why they thought so and I would agree. What they failed to understand was the circumstance of my thoughts and feelings. I also agree that my level of neuroticism is lower now that I'm middle aged.

[@HH-dy5fi]

What strategies could e.g. a teacher or employer use to motivate students or staff scoring high on the neuroticism trait? Would it help to frame tasks and challenges as "means to increase [economic / social] safety"?

[@danielhijazin2903]

thank you for sharing this info about this subject I have been trying to figure myself out for some time and sometimes I just get stuck in my head and ideas that just come out of nowhere then I start thinking why do I think like this I get lost in my head and there is a lot of movement that my body does that I'm not even aware of. I don't know what to do with this any ideas would be helpful thank you

[@mlester3001]

It's a little late now, I am almost seventy, but for the first time in my life I believe I am beginning to understand what neurotic means and that I am neurotic. Oh well, better late than never!

[@jamesfrancis303]

I would find an analysis of the sub facets that make up the big five extremely useful

[@kmpainandmovementspecialis9742]

Very interesting. Thank you

[@KB-wl4ip]

The only part that fits me is that I tear up a lot watching KZbin videos....either sad tears or happy tears. Just a cute puppy video, tear.

[@rafaelneves9834]

Very good explanation

[@mohamedhassan9361]

Learned something, thanks

[@Muanpuiiralte__]

Did myself in my college psychology practical practice and I'm high in neurotisim

[@JesusHerrera-vx2pn]

Super super interesting the part about evaluating evidence

[@Missy-Leigh]

Extroverts do feel more positive emotions but they are more likely than introverts to illicit negative emotions in others. Extroverts also have slightly more difficult relationships with teammates as compared to introverts.

[@g1344304]

One big positive of high neuroticism is that we are more in tune to threats or pitfalls of various scenarios

[@walterhernandez8623]

I've taken a couple of neuroticism tests online, and I've always scored high. I've been feeling suicidal for the past couple of months. I wonder if this has to do with neuroticism.

[@efilwv1635]

I AM neuroticism. Never met an individual who is more neurotic than me.

[@KrypticKiss18]

You'd be surprised. I used to think I was incredibly neurotic, but I work in a doctor's office and there ARE people even crazier lol

[@jumpscare1530]

Well aren't you special, would you like us to clap for you?

[@redbaron2455]

I'm happy that as you get older it decreases cause im high in neuroticism

[@samman7324]

I would de-emphasize the realistic analysis part. Some people who have strong neurotic personalities will believe their negative thoughts and telling them they are right could make it worse.

[@X3000Chan]

Interesting video. I know at least 4 quite neurotic people; I am more introverted, fairly neurotic but somewhat conscientious, my dad is very introverted, very neurotic and not at all consciousness, my friend is very introverted, very neurotic and somewhat conscientious, and my acquaintance is extroverted, very neurotic and not at all conscientious. My friend and I are 40, my acquaintance is 50 and my dad is 75. I believe my dad and I both have ADHD but undiagnosed. My friend and acquaintance both have ADHD diagnosed. ALL of us have gotten way more neurotic as we got older starting at about age 30. I'd say from 30-40 it's probably increased tenfold. So basically I've only ever known my dad as very neurotic, but i feel it's increased as he's gotten older. I wonder if you think that hormones and pre-menopause in women could cause neuroticism to increase, or if you think ADHD is a component or anxiety, which often comes along with ADHD. I wanted to bring this up, because you said that it's unusual for it to increase, but definitely all the neurotic people I know, and the few I know without ADHD too, have all seemed to become more neurotic as they've gotten older (I just thought of the two more people I know without ADHD, but also with anxiety, in their 30's who have gotten way more neurotic starting at around age 30 as well).

[@AlterFunKtion]

High in neuroticism and high in conscientiousness able to channel their anxiety better. That might explain why my instagram is over flowing with art that makes people feel uncomfortable.

[@nurulhude7396]

Please upload about body focused repetitive behaviour disorder thank you

[@iakobkv271]

can you please make a video how to decrease neuroticism?

[@guenthersteiner3311]

I am high in neuroticism and reasonably high consciousness. I believe I am pretty job at taking in evidence and making a judgment, much better than my father who would be considered low on both neuroticism and consciousness. I’ve always wondered “how can you be so naive?”

[@idkman2633]

What about extremely extroverted people who don’t actually feel particularly deep emotions & can endure highly stressful situations well?

[@contactlight8079]

97% here..fortunately Im high in Trait Openess and Trait conscientiousness. Life is good.

[@goofyahhh254]

A couple months ago I had a result of high conscientiousness on a free test. 6 months later on the Jordan Peterson BIG 5 test, it's 21%, while all others are relatively the same, except for neuroticism which increased to 95th percentile, up from like 75 I believe.

[@johnharrisjr2808]

I scored low in neuroticism on the personality trait test. However a person who scores high in neuroticism is more likely to have a substance use disorder. I smoked crack for 18 years and drank for 26 years. Very Interesting!

[@infinitewarr1or699]

thanks for the vid

[@cameronvadnais4388]

So do I feel crappy because I have an accurate view on life?

[@rhondabaileyyy]

It’s interesting to me that people with high neuroticism has higher risk of health issues

[@Filthycoffin]

I wish you could do a video on (BIND) since coming off a benzodiazepine can cause a person to exhibit multiple disorders and be misdiagnosed like Jordan Peterson being diagnosed as borderline, bipolar schizoaffective. benzodiazepine messed up the entire gabba system and that messes up everything a lot of people I know they get Miss diagnosed with so many personality disorders and diseases after they have came off of a benzo or if they have built tolerance to the benzodiazepine

[@AbdalaShurayma]

Absolutely

[@divyajoshi5496]

What's the name of tool or scale to measure neuroticism

[@luckaugustin5123]

So, what can someone do if they have low Concientuosness with high neuroticism?

[@drmichaelsunsschoolformath]

Can you score highly on all 5?

[@saveUyghurs]

The story of my life

[@tc7782]

Neuroticism defined: My wife queens born and raised.

[@SidheKnight]

What's the cure for neuroticism?

[@anjachan]

i tend to be like this ... I have to be careful! xD

[@Sevendandra]

Kinda described me on the higher end but not the work part.

[@MARIOista]

I ve found myself completely I thought i have some kind of mental disorder ..This may be the worst trait of these 5 ones .I dont wanna be neuroticism.

[@MARIOista]

@Collin Miller I dunt know if there's any cure for it...

[@KoolT]

Highly emotional

[@rumisfordrinkingnotburning]

This makes me want to hurt myself my body is messed up from 20 years of non stop sports year round i have a broken nose bad knees and thoracic spondylosis and it's hard to breath i am almost done with everything and i think i have high Nenueroticism

[@radioranchito4465]

Notes: It's characterized by "Emotional disregulation or high emotional reactivity." 00:35

[@lukegamerzw]

Is it neuroticism or neurotism? Dimensions? Is it related to quantum physics?

[@TZ2nd]

So if extraversion is associated with Positive moods is that supposed to mean introversion equates to negative moods? Because I find introverts to be more easily happy

[@1986radioful]

how can you properly get diagnosed?

[@goofyahhh254]

Take the test. In a better case, consult a specialist

[@MindandPsychology]

I have a different opinion about neurotic persons being realistic. I think they constantly oscillate between the extremes of pessimism and optimism. I think realistic people are the ones with less neuroticism who take good thoughtful decisions. On the other hand neurotic people feels optimistic when they should be careful and feels pessimistic when they should be feeling positive. This is because neurotic persons take short term decisions when dealing with stress for getting short-term comfort.

[@faegrrrl]

If you say, "You're given what you thought was a chocolate cake but when you take a bite, it's flavor has been changed to onions. How do you react?" My answer would be: Spit it out and enjoy the icing. What does that say because I'm neurotic as all get out.

[@wheadable]

My mother is the most unpleasant person i know. i believe she has mental health issues and also very high in neuroticism. she literally lost it on me the other day for giving a homeless person in line 54ct. This is the 500th time this year she's like that. I'm also 28 and it was my money that i earned. I loathe being around her.

[@gman1880]

Interesting, so people are born with Neuroticism or is this what some people finally become because of life experiences.

[@Gates2Aion]

my Neuroticism is 1% what does this mean I don't have emotions I do think I do, I did it twice btw

[@nananananessi]

i am here after got 98% neuroticism in personality test like wtf

[@umaimakhan001]

I just realized why I am the way I am.

[@malghamdi5054]

How do I get out of this? I want to be a normal person…stress is killing me…

[@jacobstromburg5803]

So shouldn’t neuroticism and extroversion be one factor?

[@heythere5798]

There's no problem with me using pot to calm my nerves. You're just going to give the same effect with your tablets.

[@mrvic3952]

saying all this while keeping "I am not obviously a neurotic person", face!!!

[@hostronic]

Me to a T. Neurotic should be my middle name. 🤣

[@FrancesShear]

Isn't neuroticism about when someone devotes their moment to moment consciousness on thiings they cannot change by remaining worried about it when it would be a better strategy to let time put some distance between you and the problem that our creator is better able to deal with. For example if you have fallen off only the second rung of a ladder and pullied some of your muscles and tendons without falling all the way onto the floor and then while still being able to walk going out of your way to adopt a cane like it is s child to protect along with their now according to them forever weaker leg which is now to them kind of like only a phantom limb to barely be able to drag around so they have something to worry obsessive over instead of striving to make any lastng positive difference in the world left behind after they are gone. To the outside world a person like that who sometimes has a physician who likes to profit by handng out prescriptions is seen as not being neurotic because they are carrying around a cane that must be needed for a disability.

[@LB-1027]

My mom has neuroticism

[@PortSpice-lc2cn]

Second behalf. Of intrrogatio

[@powdermonkey8242]

decribed me a shit load

[@juliechristiansen1733]

Dr Grande, neuroticism is a trait that BigFivers took from temperament models without giving any credit to temperament research. You should mention that in your lectures, not to sound as a diletant...

[@catlover-hq4dt]

100% neuroticism anyone?

[@lukei6255]

Do the neurotic people commit most suicides?

[@anoshya]

Sounds similar to alcoholism

[@sergesiweck1825]

neuroticism = risk evaluation, marketing dose not likes that nor religion.

[@e.1220]

Basically every Liberal female and sometimes male.