Neuroticism
Neuroticism/stability (N)is the second superfactor extracted by Eysenck. Like extraversion/introversion, Factor N also as a strong hereditary component. Eysenck (1967) suggests several studies that have found evidence of a genetic basis for such neurotic traits as anxiety, hysteria, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. In addition, he found a greater agreement among identical twins than among fraternal twins on a number of antisocial and asocial behaviors like adult crime, homosexuality, childhood behavior disorders,and alcoholism (Eysenck, 1964).
People with high score on neuroticism often have a tendency to overreact emotionally and to have difficulty returning to a normal state after emotional arousal. They often complain of physical symptoms such as headache and backache and of vague psychological problems such as worries and anxieties. Neuroticism, however, does not essentially suggest a neurosis in the traditional meaning of the term. People can score high on neuroticism and still be free of any psychological symptoms.