Openness facet
Emotionality: a facet of openness
The emotionality facet measures how aware you are of your own feelings and how much you value them.
What emotionality measures
Emotionality, called feelings in the NEO-PI-R, is one of six facets of openness. It captures receptivity to your own inner emotional states: noticing them, putting words to them and treating them as important.
It isn't about being emotional in the sense of easily upset, which is neuroticism. High scorers are open to their emotions, positive and negative alike.
High emotionality
High scorers experience a wide range of feelings and pay attention to them. They can often describe exactly what they feel and why.
- Notice subtle shifts in mood
- Put feelings into words easily
- See emotions as important information
- Feel both joy and sadness deeply
Low emotionality
Low scorers pay less attention to their inner states and tend to focus on thoughts and actions. They may find it hard to answer 'how do you feel about it?'
- Focus on practical matters over feelings
- Find it hard to name emotions
- Rarely dwell on their emotional state
More openness facets
Related guides
Common questions
How is emotionality different from neuroticism?
Neuroticism is about how often you feel negative emotions. Emotionality is about how open and attentive you are to all your emotions.
Can emotional awareness be learned?
Yes. Journaling, mindfulness and simply pausing to name what you feel all build it over time.
For self-reflection and education only. This isn't a clinical or diagnostic tool and isn't a substitute for professional psychological or medical advice.