Question

According to the Eysencks' theory, people who score high on neuroticism tend to be ______________. a. calm b. stable c. outgoing d. anxious

Short answer

d. Anxious

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Eysencks' Theory

Eysencks' theory is a model of personality that classifies traits into three broad dimensions: extraversion, neuroticism, and psychoticism. Neuroticism measures an individual's emotional stability. An individual scoring high on this scale tends to experience emotions such as anxiety, worry, fear, anger, frustration, envy, jealousy, guilt, depressed mood, and loneliness.

Identify the Correct Trait

Looking at the choices given, the task is to find the trait that most closely correlates with high neuroticism. The choices are – calm, stable, outgoing or anxious. Knowing that a high score on neuroticism means more likelihood to feel negative emotions, the trait that fits best in this context is 'anxious'.

Key concepts

Neuroticism

Neuroticism is one of the fundamental personality traits in Eysenck's theory of personality, which focuses on our emotional stability and how we perceive and respond to stress. People with high levels of neuroticism often find themselves in a heightened state of negative emotional arousal. They are more likely to experience feelings of anxiety, worry, and depression than those who are low on neuroticism.

High neuroticism can impact various aspects of life, from personal relationships to professional performance, as it affects how individuals cope with stress and challenges. It is important to recognize that neuroticism is not a diagnosis but rather a tendency towards certain emotional responses. Counteracting high neuroticism often involves strategies such as mindfulness, stress management, and therapeutic interventions.

Emotional Stability

Emotional stability, as conceptualized by Eysenck, is the opposite pole of neuroticism in his personality model. Individuals who score high in emotional stability tend to have a calm demeanor and are not easily upset or stressed. They possess a resilience that allows them to navigate through life's ups and downs with a more positive outlook and less psychological distress.

Emotional stability is a desirable trait as it correlates with better mental health outcomes, more satisfying social relationships, and overall life satisfaction. Developing emotional stability often involves self-care practices, such as regular exercise, adequate sleep, social support, and sometimes professional guidance to manage emotions effectively.

Personality Traits

Personality traits are enduring characteristics that describe an individual's typical patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. They give us a framework to understand the complexities of human personalities. According to Hans Eysenck, personality is broadly organized into three hierarchal dimensions: extraversion-introversion, neuroticism-stability, and psychoticism.

These dimensions encompass a variety of specific attributes that make up a personality. It is essential to grasp that personality traits are not fixed; they can change with personal development and life experiences. Understanding one's own personality traits can lead to personal growth and improved interactions with others.