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Anxious personality type
Last reviewed: 07.06.2024
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Anxious personality type is a concept used in psychology to describe certain traits and character traits in a person. This type of personality is characterized by pronounced anxiety, restlessness, worries and a tendency to avoid stressful situations.
Key traits of the anxious personality type include:
- High Anxiety: People with an anxious personality type often experience excessive anxiety and worry even in relatively minor situations. They may envision negative scenarios and often worry about the future.
- Perfectionism: Anxious personalities often strive for perfection and worry about every detail. They tend to be self-critical and can set very high standards for themselves.
- Conflict Avoidance: People with this personality type may avoid conflict situations and try to please others to avoid negative emotions.
- Physiological manifestations of anxiety: Anxious individuals may experience physiological symptoms of anxiety such as increased heart rate, sweating, trembling, etc.
- Difficulty with decision making: They may have difficulty making decisions for fear of making the wrong choice.
- Increased stress response: Anxious personalities often react to stress more intensely, which can lead to more severe physical and emotional reactions.
An anxious personality type is not a pathological condition, but can lead to increased vulnerability to anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder. In some cases, anxious personality traits can be adaptive and help a person to be cautious and more attentive to life and tasks, but in more severe cases, anxiety can limit quality of life and require the intervention of a psychologist or psychiatrist to manage anxiety and stress.
Types of Anxious Personality Type
In psychology and psychiatry, there are several personality subtypes that are characterized by anxiety traits. Here are some of them:
- Anxiety-avoidant personality type: People with this personality type usually experience marked anxiety and worry, especially in social situations. They may avoid contact with others for fear of criticism, rejection, or evaluation. This personality type is often associated with social phobia and social anxiousness.
- Anxious-Manic personality type: People with this personality type are usually prone to excessive anxiety, worry, and mistrust. They may question the motives of others, expecting negative consequences. This personality type may be associated with anxiety personality disorder and perfectionism.
- Secure-Anxious Personality Type: People with this personality type tend to be cautious and prudent, but they also often experience anxiety and worry. They can be vigilant and prone to worries about the future and safety. At first glance, they may seem trustworthy and responsible.
- Anxious-Fearful Personality Type: This personality type is characterized by high anxiety and fears. People with this personality type may have intense fears about various situations, objects, or events. These fears may limit their life and behavior.
- Anxious-AsthenicPersonality Type: Asthenia is a condition characterized by feelings of weakness, fatigue, and exhaustion. People with an asthenic personality type may tend to be overly anxious rather than depressed. They may be sensitive, self-doubting, and perfectionists. Such people may easily perceive stress and experience it in the form of anxiety.
- Anxious-depressive personalitytype: The depressive personality is characterized by increased vulnerability to the development of depressive states. People with a depressive personality type may have a negative view of the world and feel helpless and powerless in the face of life's difficulties. They may experience a higher risk for developing clinical depression.
- Anxious-involvedpersonality type: Involved personalities are characterized by high sensitivity to external stimuli and events. They are usually highly emotional and react to the world around them with intense emotions. In some cases, involved personalities may be more prone to anxiety, as they may feel intense excitement and worry about various aspects of life.
Examples of an anxious personality type
An anxious personality type can manifest itself in different areas of life and in different situations. The following are examples of how anxious personality traits can manifest in a person:
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In the works:
- Constant anxiety about completing tasks and fear of making a mistake.
- Perfectionism, when a person strives hard for perfect results and is afraid to allow flaws.
- Doubt about one's professional skills and abilities.
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In Social Relationships:
- Fear of interacting with new people or in unfamiliar social situations.
- Conflict avoidance and reluctance to speak out to avoid negative reactions from others.
- Worry about being judged or criticized by others.
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In a relationship:
- Worry about the condition and health of loved ones.
- Worrying about the possible loss of a relationship or breakup.
- A desire to please and be a caring partner.
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In everyday life:
- Excessive worries about the future and anxiety about unexpected events.
- Experiencing physical symptoms of anxiety such as tingling, shivering, heart palpitations.
- Intrusive thoughts and doubts.
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In self-care:
- Striving for self-control and avoiding risky actions.
- Difficulty relaxing and resting as the mind is always busy with worries.
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In physical health:
- Somatization of anxiety, where anxiety is expressed in the form of physical symptoms such as stomach aches or headaches.
- Experiencing stress and anxiety, which can affect your overall physical well-being.
These examples do not exhaust all possible manifestations of the anxious personality type, and each person may exhibit anxious traits to different degrees and in different areas of life.
Anxious personality type in relationships
An anxious personality type can affect a person's relationships with others. In relationships, anxious personalities may exhibit different traits and react to different situations in the following ways:
- Conflict Avoidance: Anxious personalities often avoid conflict and try to maintain peaceful relationships. They may avoid expressing their needs and feelings to avoid conflict.
- Seeking to please: They may seek to please others and often agree to compromises, even if it is not in their own best interest.
- Severe worry: Anxious personalities often experience situations and problems on an emotional level. This can lead to excessive worry and anxiety in relationships.
- Self-doubt: They may constantly doubt themselves and their actions, which can create unnecessary tension in a relationship.
- Obsessive Compulsive: Anxious personalities can be compulsive and avoid unexpected changes in plans and routines.
- Concern for others: They may care about the well-being of others to the point where they forget their own needs and boundaries.
- Communication difficulties: In some cases, anxiety can lead to difficulties in communication and establishing close relationships due to fear of openness and vulnerability.
- Perfectionism: Some anxious individuals may be perfectionists and expect perfect results from themselves and others.
It is important to note that the anxious personality type is not always a problem in relationships. Many people with this personality type can be sensitive, caring, and attentive partners. However, in some cases, anxiety can cause conflict and problems in relationships.
Anxiety personality test
Below is a short self-diagnostic test that can help you assess how close you are to an anxious personality type. This test cannot provide a definitive diagnosis, but it may give you an idea of whether you should seek further counseling from a psychologist or psychiatrist.
For each statement, select the most appropriate answer:
-
I often worry about doing something wrong or offending others.
- Totally disagree.
- I disagree a little.
- Neutral
- I agree a little bit
- Totally agree.
-
I often worry about other people's evaluation and opinion of me.
- Totally disagree.
- I disagree a little bit.
- Neutral
- I agree a little bit
- Totally agree.
-
I have a hard time making decisions because of worrying about possible negative consequences.
- Totally disagree.
- I disagree a little bit.
- Neutral
- I agree a little bit
- Totally agree.
-
I feel intense fear or anxiety before interacting with strangers.
- Totally disagree.
- I disagree a little bit.
- Neutral
- I agree a little bit
- Totally agree.
-
My worries and anxiety prevent me from achieving my goals or experiencing life satisfaction.
- Totally disagree.
- I disagree a little bit.
- Neutral
- I agree a little bit
- Totally agree.
After answering the questions, add up the scores and estimate your anxiety level:
- 5-9 points: Your answers indicate a low level of anxiety.
- 10-14 points: You have a moderate level of anxiety that may affect your life but does not necessarily require professional help.
- 15-19 points: Your answers indicate a high level of anxiety and you may need to consult a psychologist or psychiatrist for more detailed assessment and treatment.
How do you get rid of an anxious personality type?
An anxious personality type describes characteristics of behavior and thinking that may include excessive worry, anxiety, and a tendency to worry. Getting rid of the anxious personality type is not always possible, as personality is a persistent aspect of human individuality. However, strategies and skills can be developed to help manage anxiety and improve quality of life. Here are some guidelines:
- Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can be very effective in managing anxiety and changing negative thoughts and behavioral patterns. Seeing a licensed psychologist or psychotherapist can help you develop strategies for coping with anxiety.
- Meditation and relaxation: Practicing relaxation and meditation can help reduce physical tension and anxiety. Regular participation in these practices can improve your mental well-being.
- Physical activity: Regular exercise can reduce stress and anxiety levels because it promotes the release of endorphins, natural antidepressants.
- Stress Management: Learnstress management techniques such as time management, prioritization, and problem solving techniques.
- Healthy Eating: A balanced and healthy diet can keep you physically and mentally healthy. Avoid excess caffeine and alcohol, which can exacerbate anxiety.
- Regular sleep: Make sure you get adequate sleep. Lack of sleep can increase anxiety.
- Social support: Talking to and getting support from loved ones can reduce anxiety. Talking about your feelings and experiences with friends and family can be helpful.
- Self-help and self-development: Learning self-regulation and self-help techniques can help you better understand and manage your anxiety.
Remember that personality changes can take time and you cannot expect instant results. It is important to be patient and try to develop positive skills and strategies gradually.