Neuroticism is a fundamental
personality trait in the study of
psychology characterized by anxiety, fear, moodiness, worry, envy, frustration, jealousy, and loneliness. Individuals who score high on neuroticism are more likely than the average to experience such feelings as
anxiety,
anger,
envy,
guilt, and
depressed mood. They respond more poorly to
stressors, are more likely to interpret ordinary situations as threatening, and minor frustrations as hopelessly difficult. They are often
self-conscious and
shy, and they may have trouble controlling urges and delaying
gratification. Neuroticism is a prospective
risk factor for most "common
mental disorders", such as
depression,
phobia,
panic disorder, other anxiety disorders, and substance use disorder—symptoms that traditionally have been called
neuroses.