People high in neuroticism (very emotionally sensitive) and introverts are two personality types more likely to experience negative thoughts research finds.
In addition, being introverted is linked to spontaneously remembering more negative life events.
Together, both personality traits — neuroticism and introversion — are linked to depression and anxiety.
On the other hand, people with stable emotions who are more extraverted are at lower risk of depression and anxiety.
Neuroticism and introversion are two of the ‘big 5’ personality traits, that also include agreeableness, conscientiousness and openness to experience.
The study included 71 people who were given personality tests and asked to recall some personal memories.
Dr Florin Dolcos, study co-author, explained:
“We’re looking at traits that are associated with the way that people process the emotional world and the way that they respond to it.
We wanted to look not only at how personality traits might influence what and how people remember, but also to examine how that impacts their (subsequent) emotional state.”
The results showed that both men and women who were more introverted tended to recall more negative memories.
Neurotic women tended to repeatedly return to the same memories also known as “rumination.”
Dr Dolcos explained:
“Depressed people recollect those negative memories and as a result they feel sad.
And as a result of feeling sad, the tendency is to have more negative memories recollected.
It’s a kind of a vicious circle.”
Neurotic men, though, recalled a higher proportion of negative memories.
Dealing with Negative Thoughts
People try are variety of strategies to rid of negative thoughts. For women and men, trying to suppress negative thoughts did not work, as they returned stronger than before.
Men who tried to think differently about their memories — what psychologists call ‘reappraisal’ — recalled more positive memories.
(Study summarized)
Ultimately, many people benefit from a different methods, sometimes a combination. Talk therapy, exercise, nutrition, EEG neurofeedback, and/or breathing techniques.
We have a long history of success-stories with administering EEG neurofeedback to those suffering from negative thoughts that could be labeled as anxiety or depression.
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Tags: depression, EEG Biofeedback, mental health, symptoms
As an expert in psychology and neuroscience, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the discussion on personality traits and their impact on mental health. With a background in the intricate workings of the human mind, I can provide insights into the nuances of emotional processing, memory recall, and their association with personality types.
The article discusses the findings of a study that delves into the connection between personality traits, particularly neuroticism and introversion, and the experience of negative thoughts. Having a deep understanding of the 'big 5' personality traits — neuroticism, extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness to experience — allows me to contextualize the information presented.
The study, involving 71 participants who underwent personality tests and memory recall exercises, sheds light on the correlation between introversion and a tendency to spontaneously remember more negative life events. Neuroticism, a trait characterized by heightened emotional sensitivity, is also identified as a key factor associated with negative thought patterns.
The article suggests that individuals high in neuroticism and introversion are more prone to depression and anxiety. Conversely, those with stable emotions and higher extraversion levels appear to be at a lower risk of experiencing these mental health issues. This insight aligns with established psychological theories and research on personality and mental well-being.
Dr. Florin Dolcos, a co-author of the study, emphasizes the importance of understanding how personality traits influence emotional processing and subsequent emotional states. The concept of "rumination" is introduced, particularly among neurotic individuals, where the recurrence of negative memories contributes to a cyclic pattern of sadness and negative thought reinforcement.
The article also touches upon coping strategies for dealing with negative thoughts. It notes that attempting to suppress negative thoughts is ineffective and may even lead to their resurgence. However, men who engage in cognitive reappraisal, a psychological technique involving reinterpreting memories, recall more positive memories. This highlights the potential impact of cognitive strategies on emotional well-being.
Lastly, the article mentions various methods for addressing negative thoughts, including talk therapy, exercise, nutrition, EEG neurofeedback, and breathing techniques. Drawing on my expertise, I can elaborate on the scientific basis and effectiveness of these interventions, particularly emphasizing the success stories associated with administering EEG neurofeedback for individuals struggling with anxiety or depression.
In conclusion, the article provides valuable insights into the complex interplay between personality traits, memory recall, and mental health. It underscores the significance of considering individual differences in emotional processing when addressing negative thoughts and emphasizes the multifaceted nature of effective interventions for mental well-being.
