Learning is a lifelong process going beyond the traditional school classroom. It occurs in many different contexts, from the workplace to social activities. Your personality traits greatly influence your individual learning preferences.
If you've taken a Big 5 personality assessment, your scores on the different traits can teach you much about yourself. In this article, we’ll be looking at how neuroticism and emotional stability impact learning styles.
This is a question that scientists and educators have debated for years.
Some believe that neuroticism, or the tendency to be overly anxious and emotional, can impede learning. For this school of thought, emotional stability is key to successful learning. Yet, others recognize that highly neurotic individuals possess some traits that make them better learners.
So, which is it? And how does how an individual scores impact our understanding of learning styles? Read on to find out.
Neuroticism vs. Emotional Stability: Does One Style Learn Better?
Like the other Big 5 personality traits, neuroticism falls on a continuum. Some individuals are high in neuroticism, while others are low in this trait and considered more "emotionally stable." Knowing where you fall on the neuroticism scale can be extremely helpful in understanding how your personality and learning styles may differ from others.
These days the word "neurotic" is thrown around quite easily, and not in a good way. As such, many misunderstand the Big Five concepts of neuroticism and emotional stability. One side is assumed to be "all good," and the other is "all bad" because of the connotations associated with the names. Rather than focusing on the negative, our goal is to help people understand their strengths and weaknesses and learn how they can build from there.
Big 5 Neuroticism refers to the individual's tendency to frequently and strongly experience negative emotions, such as anxiety, fear, and sadness. In a learning environment, this can cause a heightened sensitivity to stressors. When things don't go well in the classroom or on the job, a highly neurotic individual is likely to ruminate on negative thoughts and experiences.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, we have individuals who can better regulate their emotions without rapid mood changes. In the learning environment, their emotional reactions tend to be more predictable and consistent. When there are difficulties in the classroom or on the job, they respond to stressors more adaptively, exhibit better self-control, and remain calm in challenging situations.
There is no doubt that emotions can impact learning. However, just because you may have more neurotic traits doesn't mean you are doomed. You have some strengths that scorers on the opposite side of the spectrum don't have. With better self-awareness, you can maximize your potential and learn strategies to help with your shortcomings — however you score!
How Does Big 5 Neuroticism Impact Learning?
Research has shown that neuroticism can have a detrimental effect on learning styles. Those high in neuroticism tend to be easily aroused and reactive, often leading to difficulties with concentration and memory retention. This can make it difficult for these individuals to engage in structured, organized learning and instead favor chaotic, impulsive behavior. High anxiety levels can also lead to distraction, making it difficult for them to stay focused and absorb new information. Individuals with this trait may also be too quick to withdraw or shut down in the face of failure or frustration.
Despite these challenges, those high in neuroticism may find positive aspects in their learning style.
They may be better at understanding abstract concepts and quickly absorbing new knowledge. They can also be highly creative, which could lead to innovative solutions when tackling problems. Those with this trait need to find positive outlets for their energy, such as positive activities or hobbies. Doing so can help reduce stress levels and give them the focus required to complete tasks.
People with the neuroticism trait tend to be more aware of their feelings, which means they can recognize when something isn't going well in a learning setting. This ability can make them better able to advocate for themselves and adapt their learning style to get the best possible results.
So, as you can see, it turns out that highly neurotic scorers have a few things they can teach others!
Learning Styles For A Person High In Neuroticism
When it comes to learning styles in individuals high in neuroticism, or 'the neurotic' personality, there is much to consider. Neurotics tend to be easily anxious, have difficulty regulating their emotions, and can become overwhelmed when faced with a lot of information at once. As a result, they often prefer controlled environments where there is a clear structure and organization.
People high in neuroticism prefer to move through material incrementally. They like taking things one step at a time and breaking tasks down into manageable chunks. When it comes to studying, neurotics tend to prefer visual aids and a structured approach that outlines concepts clearly. They also like frequent feedback on their progress and frequent reassurance. Neurotics can be easily discouraged, so it’s essential to provide positive reinforcement and have realistic expectations for their performance.
Outside the school setting, people high in neuroticism learn best when actively participating. They like to be able to ask questions and seek out extra help if needed. It’s helpful for them to take breaks and return to the material once they have processed it. Neurotics can also benefit from using study techniques like mind maps, flashcards, and other visuals to help them better understand the material.
Characteristics of High Neuroticism Learners Include:
- Tendency to be overly critical of themselves and others
- Perfectionism can lead to procrastination and avoidance
- Inability to relax and take time off from studies
- Feelings of anxiety or depression
- Extreme sensitivity to criticism or failure
- Difficulty in maintaining meaningful relationships with peers, teachers, and family
- Low self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness
- Excessive preoccupation with their thoughts and worries.
Tips for Learning If You're High In Neuroticism
If you’re high in neuroticism, finding the right balance between focusing on your goals and managing your stress levels is difficult. However, a few tips can help you find balance and achieve success.
- Recognize when you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed out
- Take a moment to assess the situation and identify any triggers
- Make a plan to deal with your stress in a healthy way, such as going for a walk or talking to a friend
- Focus on your goals by setting short and long-term objectives and creating a timeline for achieving them
- Take breaks to give yourself a chance to relax, recharge, and refocus
- Practice self-care and make sure you have time to do something that brings you joy
- Connect with other people who can provide support and understanding
How Does Being Low in Big Neuroticism Impact Learning?
As we've highlighted, low neuroticism scores indicate emotional stability and the ability to remain focused and attentive. This trait can be incredibly beneficial in a learning environment, as it promotes a healthy attitude towards the tasks and the ability to stay calm under pressure. It can also be helpful for learning activities requiring sustained effort. In addition, high emotional stability leads to greater self-confidence, which is good for problem-solving and encourages independent exploration.
Moreover, those with a low score in neuroticism are more resilient and better equipped to handle setbacks. This resilience can help them stay on track when dealing with complex concepts or tasks, as they are less likely to give up when faced with obstacles. Additionally, those low in neuroticism tend to be more open to suggestions and feedback, which can help them better understand their learning materials.
A low score in neuroticism benefits learning, promoting a healthy attitude towards the tasks, resilience, and greater openness to feedback. Emotional stability facilitates a better understanding of materials by allowing the learner to stay focused with less anxiety.
While high and low levels of neuroticism can impact learning styles differently, both are valuable for cultivating different skills. As such, it’s important to remember that individuals high in neuroticism can still excel in learning given the right environment and guidance.
Learning Styles of An Emotionally Stable Individual
Emotional stability's correlation to academic success is more complicated than initially thought. The learning style of an emotionally stable person typically leans towards the visual-verbal and intrapersonal categories. Visual-verbal learners prefer learning through visual aids such as graphics, diagrams, and illustrations, as well as through verbal communication. In contrast, intrapersonal learners primarily learn by analyzing and processing information independently.
??They also prefer to use analytical learning methods when processing information. Rather than simply memorizing facts and figures, they’re comfortable breaking down the material into smaller chunks and analyzing it from various angles. This style allows them to understand the material better and integrate it with their existing knowledge, enabling them to make more informed decisions.
Unlike people high in neuroticism, emotionally stable learners will always seek to learn from their mistakes instead of writing them off as failures. They’ll receive feedback and take it into account during the learning process, allowing them to improve continually. They’ll also prefer to integrate new material with previous knowledge.
However, regardless of their emotional disposition, studies suggest that emotionally stable learners are less likely to use rehearsal strategies, such as memorization and repetition, when learning. They’re also more likely to spend less time on homework and test preparation.
Characteristics of an Emotionally Stable Learner Include:
- Curious and eager to acquire new knowledge
- Need to learn through challenging activities
- Strong focus on their goals and objectives
- Highly organized, systematic and consistent in their approach to learning
- Easily adaptable to change
- Highly self-motivated and motivated by rewards
- Able to manage stress and emotions in a balanced way
- Can learn from mistakes and feedback without feeling discouraged
- Able to remain focused when faced with difficulties
- Recognize change is inevitable
Tips for Learning If You're Low In Neuroticism
Even if you're an emotionally stable learner, it doesn't mean you're immune to stress, anxiety, or other negative feelings. After all, you're human! To maintain a healthy state of mind, finding the right balance is important.
Here are some tips to help you stay balanced if you're low in neuroticism:
- Feel your emotions. Blocking your emotions and trying to ignore them can be counterproductive. Instead, recognize and acknowledge how you're feeling without judging yourself.
- Take breaks. Don't be afraid to take a break when you feel overwhelmed or stressed. Give yourself time to regroup, relax and refocus.
- Question your rationale. Being emotionally stable sometimes means prioritizing the emotions of others over your own. Before you take action, question its rationale to ensure it's in line with your values.
- Set boundaries. Don't overextend yourself; set boundaries with others. If you're feeling taken advantage of or pushed to the side, it's okay to speak up.
It’s All About Understanding Who You Are!
No matter where you're on the neuroticism scale, it's important to recognize its impact on your learning style and how you approach new tasks. Whether you're emotionally stable or have high levels of neuroticism, it's essential to identify your emotions and reactions. When you are emotionally healthy, you will learn better!
Once you understand how your emotional responses affect your learning styles, you can look at different methods of studying and learning that best suit your needs.
Neuroticism is just one personality trait that impacts your learning style. Learn how the traits of Conscientiousness, Openness, Extraversion, and Agreeableness also play a role how you approach new learning experiences.
Learn more about Neuroticism vs. Emotional Stability:
