Neuroticism and Disorders of Emotion: A New Synthesis

Abstract

We describe an approach to anxiety, depressive, trauma-related, and other disorders, which we conceptualize as “emotional disorders” because of shared underlying dimensions uncovered by the study of traits or temperaments. We then explicate a functional model of emotional disorders based largely, but not exclusively, on the temperament of neuroticism and describe common factors that account for the development and maintenance of these conditions. We conclude by describing, and presenting supporting data for, a unified transdiagnostic approach to the treatment of emotional disorders that directly targets the underlying temperament of neuroticism and associated temperamental characteristics.

The Impact of COVID-19 Related Social Distancing on Mental Health Outcomes: A Transdiagnostic Account

“…Neuroticism describes an underlying temperamental vulnerability to emotional disorders such as anxiety and depression, which varies individually [ 16 , 40 , 41 , 42 ]. It combines heightened negative emotionality with emotional reactivity [ 16 , 42 ] and, in addition to its mental health outcomes including its association with co-occurrence of mental disorders [ 43 ], it predicts lower subjective wellbeing [ 44 ], reduced positive affect [ 45 ], and poorer physical health [ 46 ].…”

“…To explain mental health outcomes, and particularly prevalence of emotional disorders, in the context of COVID-19 social distancing, we adopt the functional definition of emotional disorders, which characterizes such disorders as involving frequent, intense, excessive negative emotions and aversive reactivity to negative emotional experiences [ 14 , 15 ]—that is, neuroticism [ 16 ]. We contend that individuals high in neuroticism, and who also display associated emotion-motivated avoidant coping, are, theoretically, most likely to experience emotional disorders following social distancing.…”

Robotic Psychology: A PRISMA Systematic Review on Social-Robot-Based Interventions in Psychological Domains

“…Thus, findings on robot-assisted interventions, such as those using Jibo [62], were in line with current research and help to suggest the need for further analysis. Deepening the association between personality traits and mental health outcomes in HRI research could not only enrich emerging models [65], but also explore new ways to personalize interventions. Finally, further knowledge could contribute to improving interventions' effectiveness, potentially enhancing patients' mental health.…”

The Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP) Is Not an Improvement Over the DSM

“…If clinical psychology is going to change the basis for how mental illness is conceptualized, assessed, and treated, then the new system should be better than the old system. At some point, this means moving on from the like-goes-with-like symptom approach to classification and focusing on more progressive, dynamic, novel, and diverse classification strategies and theories (e.g., Barlow et al, 2021; Beck & Haigh, 2014; Berenbaum, 2013; Borsboom, 2017a; Del Giudice & Haltigan, 2021; Follette & Houts, 1996; Gone & Kirmayer, 2010; Luyten & Blatt, 2011; Mansell et al, 2009; Molenaar, 2004; Robinaugh et al, 2021; Smith et al, 2009; Thomas & Sharp, 2019; Wilshire et al, 2021; Zachar & Kendler, 2017).…”