Implication of core beliefs about negative-self in neuroticism.

Core beliefs about negative-self are beliefs about self-deficiencies in basic aspects of human adaptation. Meanwhile, neuroticism is a personality trait characterised by negative emotionality, i.e., a tendency to react to stress with negative emotions. The present study tested the hypothesis that core beliefs about negative-self are implicated in neuroticism. The subjects were 309 Japanese healthy volunteers. Core beliefs about negative-self were evaluated by the Brief Core Schema Scales, and neuroticism was evaluated by the NEO Personality Inventory-Revised. In both multiple regression analysis and structural equation modelling, higher neuroticism was strongly predicted by higher levels of core beliefs about negative-self. The present study cannot determine the causal relationship between core beliefs about negative-self and neuroticism, because of its cross sectional design. The present study suggests that core beliefs about negative-self are deeply implicated in neuroticism.Key PointsImplication of core beliefs about negative-self in neuroticism was examined.Neuroticism was predicted by higher levels of these core beliefs.These core beliefs may be involved in negative emotionality of neuroticism.