When you hear the word “neuroticism”, it’s usually viewed as a negative trait associated with anxiety, moodiness, and emotional instability. However, emerging research reveals that a moderate level of neuroticism may confer some unexpected health benefits. This phenomenon has been referred to as “healthy neuroticism.”
What is Neuroticism?
Neuroticism is one of the five factors of the Five-Factor Model of Personality Type, or “Big 5.” At illumyx, we prefer to call this factor Stress Quotient, and view it as the way we experience and express stress. This factor is comprised of six facets; anxiety, anger, depression, self-consciousness, indulgence, and vulnerability.
The Conscientiousness Factor
Conscientiousness, one of the Big Five personality traits, is characterized by attributes like self-discipline, goal-orientation, and a propensity to follow rules and social norms. Individuals high in conscientiousness tend to engage in behaviors that promote overall well-being, like eating a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, and practicing good sleep habits.
Studies have found that when neuroticism is present at moderate levels (around 1.7 on a 5-point scale) alongside high conscientiousness (3.7 or above), these individuals exhibit lower levels of inflammatory biomarkers in their bodies compared to those with other trait combinations.
The Link Between Personality and Inflammation
Chronic inflammation has been linked to numerous health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and autoimmune disorders. By examining markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), researchers have discovered that individuals with “healthy neuroticism” show reduced levels of these inflammatory markers.
One theory behind this intriguing phenomenon is that the combination of neuroticism and conscientiousness may lead to healthier coping mechanisms during times of stress. While neuroticism can predispose individuals to experience stronger negative emotions, conscientiousness provides the self-discipline and determination to channel those emotions into positive, proactive behaviors.
Building Resilience and Willpower
Instead of engaging in unhealthy coping strategies like substance abuse or emotional eating, those with “healthy neuroticism” are more likely to turn to activities like exercise, meditation, or seeking social support – actions that can alleviate stress while also promoting physical and mental well-being.
This process is thought to strengthen the anterior mid-cingulate cortex, a region of the brain associated with resilience and willpower. By consistently choosing healthier responses to stress, individuals can train their brains to regulate emotions better and override impulsive, harmful behaviors.
Embracing the Duality
While extreme levels of neuroticism can undoubtedly contribute to mental health issues like anxiety and depression, the concept of “healthy neuroticism” suggests that a moderate degree of this trait, coupled with strong conscientiousness (and its associated behaviors), may offer some protective benefits against inflammation reduce risk of certain chronic conditions.
As with most things in life, balance is key. By understanding and leveraging the interplay between our personality traits, we can unlock new pathways to resilience, self-determination, and overall well-being.
