Neuroticism Test

What is neuroticism?

Neuroticism is one of the five traits in the Big Five model of personality. People who score high feel stress, worry, irritation and sadness more often and more strongly, and pressure can be hard to shake off. People who score low are calm and steady. They tend to stay relaxed under pressure and recover quickly from setbacks. Many researchers call this low end emotional stability, and the research set behind our quiz measures it that way round.

The name sounds harsh, but it is simply an old research label for a normal trait that everyone has to some degree. A high score is not a diagnosis, and this quiz cannot tell you whether you have any health condition. Many people who feel things strongly are also careful, caring and quick to spot problems.

What does high neuroticism look like?

• Worries aheadYou often think about what could go wrong. That helps you prepare, but it can also keep you up at night.
• Feels things stronglyGood and bad news both hit you hard, and your mood may change during the day.
• Gets annoyed fasterSmall problems can bother you more than they seem to bother other people.
• Self-consciousYou may feel watched or awkward in new social situations.
• Feels the pressureDeadlines and sudden problems can leave you feeling overwhelmed.

What does low neuroticism look like?

• Stays calmYou keep a cool head when things go wrong.
• Bounces backSetbacks bother you for a while, then you move on.
• Steady moodsYour mood stays fairly even from one day to the next.
• Relaxed with peopleYou rarely worry about what other people think of you.
• May miss real risksBecause little worries you, you may sometimes play down a problem that needs attention.

What are the facets of neuroticism?

Each Big Five trait breaks down into smaller parts called facets. Our full test scores 6 facets of Neuroticism, four statements each. The names in brackets are the research labels.

Worry (Anxiety)

How often you feel nervous or expect things to go wrong.

Quick temper (Anger)

How fast you get annoyed or angry.

Low moods (Depression)

How often you feel down or hard on yourself. A high facet score is not a diagnosis.

Self-consciousness (Self-Consciousness)

How awkward or watched you feel around other people.

Giving in to urges (Immoderation)

How hard you find it to resist cravings, treats and impulse buys.

Feeling overwhelmed (Vulnerability)

How easily pressure and sudden problems knock you off balance.

Is a high neuroticism score bad?

No score is good or bad in itself. People who feel things strongly often notice problems early, take care with details and understand others who are struggling. People who stay calm handle emergencies well and can be steady leaders.

A high score does mean that stress may cost you more. Sleep, exercise, time with friends and talking problems through all help. If difficult feelings get in the way of daily life for a long time, talk to someone you trust or to a doctor. That is good advice for anyone, whatever their score.

Can your neuroticism score change?

Yes. On average, Neuroticism falls slowly from the teen years into middle age, so many people become calmer as they get older. Life events can push it up or down for a while, and skills for handling stress can make a real difference to how you feel day to day.

How does neuroticism fit the 16 personality types?

Neuroticism does not change the four letters of your type. It sets the fifth letter, after the dash: -T (Tuned-in) for a score of 50 or more, and -A (Anchored) for a score under 50. So every one of the 16 types has a calmer -A version and a more sensitive -T version.