What is neuroticism and how to overcome it ?

What is neuroticism ?

Neuroticism is the persistent tendency to experience negative emotions such as anxiety, anger, or depression. When associated with low emotional intelligence, this personality trait can generally lead to reduced motivation in an individual. It is also a risk factor for depression, as well as anxiety and other mental health disorders.

Le neuroticisme est un trait de personnalité qui a été mis en évidence dans la théorie des Big Five de Costa et McCrae décrivant la personnalité comme ayant cinq traits principaux (extraversion, neuroticisme, ouverture, conscience, agréabilité).

Neuroticism, a predisposition to burnout ?

Neuroticism is a personality trait that leads individuals to perceive situations as more stressful or threatening. As a result, its presence in employees tends to make them more anxious and stressed. Burnout is often correlated with these two factors. Neuroticism can therefore affect workers’ mental health, contribute to burnout, and increase the likelihood of absenteeism.

Neuroticism, a fate ?

However, it is important not to view neuroticism as a fatal flaw or as a reason not to hire someone. Indeed, although neurotic traits may predispose individuals to burnout, they only become truly harmful for employees when they interact with specific situations or events.

Moreover, according to the previously mentioned Big Five theory, neuroticism is only one trait within a system of five. Other traits, such as extraversion or openness in particular, can help mitigate the effects of neuroticism on an individual. Personality should therefore always be considered as a whole, rather than reducing a person to a single characteristic.

How to fight neuroticism ?

Given that it is a personality trait, combating neuroticism can be particularly complex. Therefore, it must mainly come from the individual himself.

However, identifying this personality trait can also help individuals become aware of it and encourage them to work on it and change. Once a diagnosis has been made, it is important to provide support and psychological assistance so that the individual can work on this trait more effectively.

Emeline Martin