Neuroticism is a personality trait that is characterized by anxiety, fearfulness, and general negative emotions. People who are high in neuroticism tend to be more prone to depression and anxiety disorders. If you’re someone who is interested in learning more about this personality trait, then check out these five great books about neuroticism.
1. The Neurotic Personality of Our Time by Karen Horney
This book was published in 1937 and it is one of the first comprehensive studies of neuroticism. Horney was a German-American psychoanalyst and she argued that neuroticism is caused by feelings of insecurity and self-doubt.
2. The Structure of Scientific Revolutions by Thomas Kuhn
This book, published in 1962, is a classic work of philosophy and history of science. Kuhn argues that scientific progress is not linear, but rather happens in fits and starts. He also argues that scientists are often biased in their thinking, which can lead to bad science.
3. The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat by Oliver Sacks
This book, published in 1985, is a collection of case studies about patients with neurological disorders. Sacks was a British neurologist and he was one of the first to bring attention to the fact that neurological disorders can lead to bizarre and seemingly inexplicable behaviors.
4. The Feeling of What Happens by Antonio Damasio
This book, published in 1999, is about the role of emotions in human decision-making. Damasio is a Portuguese-American neuroscientist and he argues that emotions are essential for making decisions, even if we’re not aware of them.
5. The Art of Choosing by Sheena Iyengar
This book, published in 2010, is about the science of decision-making. Iyengar is a Sri Lankan-American social psychologist and she argues that we make better decisions when we have more choice. She also argues that our culture of choice can lead to anxiety and dissatisfaction.