Performance differences explained by the neuroticism facets withdrawal and volatility, variations in task demand, and effort allocation

Abstract The present study investigated the relationship between two aspects of trait neuroticism, namely withdrawal and volatility, and performance. Sixty-eight participants performed a search task in three difficulty conditions, and rated their invested effort per condition. Results show that the two aspects of neuroticism are differently related to search performance. Especially in a high demanding situation of task difficulty, the relationship between performance and invested effort is negative for high volatility individuals, while for high withdrawal individuals additional effort investment leads to relatively better performance. The discussion focuses on how considering the two neuroticism facets, task demand and effort investment add to the understanding of trait neuroticism, its relationship to performance and the involvement of the (dys) functional regulation of mental resources.