(2017-02-05) How To Make The Best Of Neuroticism Use It For Preparation And Winning

How to make the best of neuroticism: use it for preparation and winning. Whereas conscientiousness and agreeableness may be related to higher cognitive functions of inhibition and executive control (and the relationship between openness and the brain is largely unknown), extraversion and neuroticism are more associated with the older, “system 1” regions. For instance, many imaging studies have found that neuroticism is related to the amygdala, an old, primal area of the brain responsible for detecting emotions, particularly fear. (Lizard Brain)

The trait is extremely detrimental to personal relationships, for a start; it is the most consistent predictor of marital satisfaction. The tendency to easily experience anxiety, fear and anger is destructive to relationships

out of the Big Five Personality Traits, neuroticism is the strongest correlate of several psychopathological conditions, including depression, schizophrenia, obsessiveness, antisocial personality disorder, addiction, negative treatment and family problems. (Personality Test)

Personal achievement further falls under the wheels of neuroticism. For example, the trait is consistently related to poor job performance due to its associations with low self-confidence and high anxiety, hostility and vulnerability. Some studies even suggest that emotional stability is as important for job success as conscientiousness.

Fortunately, though, there are things you can do if you think your neuroticism may be affecting your winningness. This excellent review by professor Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic explains that the ability to identify and control emotions can be trained. Other research suggests that cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques such as mindfulness can help to regulate the influence of negative affect.