The Surprising Benefits of Being Neurotic

The Big Five personality model measures five traits of personality. Three of them (Openness, Conscientiousness and Agreeableness) have positive connotations, meaning it is generally better to be high in these traits. A fourth trait, Extraversion is neutral. 

But the fifth trait, Neuroticism, stands out from the group because it is almost universally considered a bad thing to be neurotic. In fact if someone calls you neurotic, in no way could that be considered a compliment. The assumption is that someone who rates highly for this trait is likely to be unusually anxious, nervous, fearful, brooding and prone to worry, which can lead to all sorts of negative outcomes.

The truth is somewhat different. Like most personality traits, Neuroticism has an upside, and people who test highly for Neuroticism may enjoy some benefits that low scorers just don’t get to experience.

The truth about Neuroticism, in all its complexity

In any discussion of Neuroticism, it is important to clarify what this trait is and what it isn’t.

What it is:

• An alarm system. People with this trait experience negative emotions like anxiety, fear or doubt because they are in a situation that feels legitimately worrisome or stress-inducing to them.
• A sensitivity to danger: Neurotic people tend to worry and overthink situations that others may brush off. The reason is they are more sensitive to threats and can see the various ways a situation may go wrong.
• An emotional reaction. People who score high on Neuroticism tend to react more strongly to these triggering events than people with low Neuroticism. Their reactions will be more intense and long-lasting, and they will take longer to bounce back and return to a normal emotional state once the stress has passed.

What it isn’t:

• A disorder. In the context of the Big Five personality test, Neuroticism is a factor of personality like any other, and it isn't a case of you're Neurotic or you are not. Instead, Neuroticism is measured on a spectrum, with everyone rating somewhere between low and high on the continuum. Where a person is located on this spectrum will determine the impact of their Neuroticism, which can be powerful and pervasive for those on the high end and barely noticeable for those on the low end.
• A predictor of failure or life limitation. While having frequent neurotic reactions can be exhausting, Neuroticism in general is not associated with a lack of success in life. Famous neurotics such as Woody Allen and Isaac Newton have all made significant contributions to their fields. Rather than viewing this trait as a barrier, it's more accurate to see it as a complex emotional response that has both a downside and an upside. There are advantages to possessing this trait that may not be obvious at first glance, but they are real nonetheless.

With that in mind, let's look at five areas where being Neurotic can actually be a positive thing.

Five big benefits of Big Five Neuroticism

#1 Neuroticism makes you aware of risk.

While more trusting types might be slow to perceive danger, people who register highly on the Neuroticism scale are never this oblivious. They are always aware of what is happening in their environment and they can anticipate catastrophes and act quickly to protect themselves from danger.

Yes, they may be triggered easily and may respond to a false alarm from time to time. But they are just as likely to perceive a hazard that others will miss. They understand all the potential consequences of choices and behavior, and they are able to develop insightful solutions to problems quite effectively as a result.

#2 Neuroticism produces a more realistic view of the world.

Neurotic people are quite realistic about the world they live in. They understand that people are flawed, that life is not always fair, and that unsettling events may be lurking around the corner. They also have a more realistic view of themselves. For example, a Neurotic person is unlikely to launch into a risky new business venture without thorough risk assessment and won't assume they're the best driver in the world after just one hour behind the wheel.

This reality check that Neuroticism provides can help them navigate through life more efficiently than someone who is oblivious, gung-ho or overly optimistic.

#3 Neuroticism can promote high achievement.

Many Neurotic people will list the fear of failure as one of their primary motivating factors in life. While that can ratchet up their stress and anxiety, the flip side is it can drive super-achievement. Fear of failure can often provide the will and persistence to succeed, even if the reason you're working twice as hard as anyone else is to protect yourself from the perceived shame of not measuring up. When channeled into healthy pursuits, Neuroticism can lead to high standards and excellent work.

#4 Neuroticism creates a level of self-awareness that can allow for personal growth.

People vulnerable to Neuroticism reflect on their environment and the people in their lives all the time, and they also turn their observing eye inward to examine their own thoughts and reactions. For this reason, people who display neurotic tendencies will usually develop a high level of self-awareness. This helps them accurately perceive their own flaws, and as a consequence they often have deep insights into their own personality and character that can empower their efforts to learn, grow and improve.

#5 Neuroticism can make a person more sensitive and caring toward others.

People who rate highly for Neuroticism pay close attention to the people around them. This is in part motivated by their anxiety, which keeps them on the lookout for anything that might cause them distress or discomfort. But because they are so observant, they will inevitably notice signs of distress and discomfort in the people around them.

Neurotics can develop a significant capacity for empathy and compassion as a result. They may hate the idea of anyone suffering from the same feelings of fear, anxiety, dread, embarrassment or shame that so often have plagued them during their darkest hours. Most people who encounter a Neurotic would describe them as friendly and caring, willing to help and support those around them whenever they can.

Summing up

There is no question that extreme Neurotic tendencies can be a curse. But they can also be a blessing, depending on the circumstances. Acknowledging its strengths as well as its weaknesses can be empowering for those who score high on this trait. As always, it's important to see the nuanced picture of Neuroticism, as this will help you manage responses more effectively to quit the constant negative self-talk, ultimately leading to a healthier and more balanced emotional state.