Neurotic used to be a psychological diagnosis however  now researchers for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) have taken it out and have decided that it is a common term for more normalized behavior. So normal in fact that it is no longer a diagnosis.

Are we all neurotic

An article in this past Sunday’s NY Times, Where have all the neurotics gone, stated that, “Saying “she’s neurotic” implies a difficult, self-conscious personality without giving a precise medical label. It’s closer to “stressed out” than it is to “disturbed” and implies a condition that waxes and wanes as a part of dealing with daily life”. Again alluding to the fact that we’ve evolved into a more neurotic species than past generations.

“Scientists working to define mental disorders began to slice neurosis into ever finer pieces, like panic disorder, social anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Personality

Two years ago I taught a leadership training and part of what I talked about during that training was personality. I had the group take the free online, five-factor model of personality. I remember part of the conversation revolving around neuroticism which is one of the dimensions of the test (and one of the most studied measure in the field; other dimensions include conscientiousness and openness). The conversation was interesting and invigorating because the group was mixed about 1) the term as many of them had known it and 2) the definition of neuroticism on this test is as follows: “this trait reflects the tendency to experience negative thoughts and feelings. High scorers are prone to insecurity and emotional distress. Low scorers tend to be more relaxed, less emotional and less prone to distress”. As I remember the conversation I think the bottom line issue people had with the term neurotic is that it didn’t seem to fit into average everyday life/terminology but I hear this word thrown around all the time.

Five-factor model of personality

Here are all the factors of the Five-factor model of personality. It would seem that the psychologists & researchers putting the DSM together are correct in taking it out (except maybe at the extreme of emotional distress; whatever that means) because the research that started in 1949 for this personality assessment has been using neurotic as a common, everyday part of our personality for 63 years.

Factor I : Extraversion (AKA Surgency)

This trait reflects preference for, and behavior in, social situations. People high in extraversion are energetic and seek out the company of others. Low scorers (introverts) tend to be more quiet and reserved.

Factor II : Agreeableness (AKA Friendliness)

This trait reflects how we tend to interact with others. People high in agreeableness tend to be trusting, friendly and cooperative. Low scorers tend to be more aggressive and less cooperative.

Factor III : Conscientiousness (AKA Will or Dependability)

This trait reflects how organized and persistent we are in pursuing our goals. High scorers are methodical, well organized and dutiful. Low scorers are less careful, less focussed and more likely to be distracted from tasks.

Factor IV : Neuroticism

This trait reflects the tendency to experience negative thoughts and feelings. High scorers are prone to insecurity and emotional distress. Low scorers tend to be more relaxed, less emotional and less prone to distress.

Factor V : Openness (AKA Culture or Intellect)

This trait reflects ‘open-mindedness’ and interest in culture. High scorers tend to be imaginative, creative, and to seek out cultural and educational experiences. Low scorers are more down-to-earth, less interested in art and more practical in nature.

Sports & exercise

All of the terminology used in the neurotic factor are interesting, for example, if you are deemed ‘less neurotic’ is that a good thing? Is it good in sports and exercise to be more relaxed and less emotional? How does personality play into the sports and exercise areas of your life? And then how ‘neurotic’ do you have to be in your involvement in sports and exercise? For some of my athletes being more neurotic (than less) is better for their performance.

Your feedback

I am interested in having you take the test which is free (Five-factor model of personality) and give me feedback on how these factors: extraversion (AKA Surgency),  agreeableness (AKA Friendliness), conscientiousness (AKA Will or Dependability), conscientiousness (AKA Will or Dependability), neuroticism and openness impact your athletic endeavors or exercise.