Can personality explain what is underlying women's unwillingness to compete?

► We analyze the question why women avoid to enter a competiton. ► We use the Big Five personality variables to understand the underlying causes. ► Performance in a competitive setting is negatively influenced by neuroticism. ► The gender difference in entering a competiton is mediated by neuroticism. ► Those highest in neuroticism seem to “know” that they should not enter competition.