A social relations examination of neuroticism and emotional support

• There was self-other agreement for neuroticism and emotional support.
• Those who saw others as neurotic reported less life satisfaction.
• Those who were seen as neurotic were viewed as less emotionally supportive.

Personality factors have been linked to perceptions of the self and others. We examined the extent to which self and other-perceptions of neuroticism and emotional support were interrelated and related to self-reported life satisfaction. Members of sororities and fraternities completed self-ratings and other-ratings on neuroticism, emotional support, and life satisfaction. Using a social relations model framework, we found evidence of perceptual biases and behavioral expression of both neuroticism and emotional support. Additionally, there was self-other agreement in terms of both neuroticism and emotional support. Viewing others as neurotic was associated with lower life satisfaction. Results are discussed in light of research on interpersonal relationships and perception.