Which description best characterizes Neuroticism?

• A. The extent to which individuals believe they can control events affecting them
• B. The tendency toward and degree to which an individual experiences negative emotions
• C. Overall judgment and attitude of self-worth
• D. Belief in one's own ability to complete tasks and reach goals

Answer: (B)

Neuroticism is a personality trait that describes how strongly a person tends to experience negative emotions and how emotionally reactive they are to stress. People high in Neuroticism often feel anxious, sad, or irritable and may worry more in everyday situations, while those low in Neuroticism tend to be more emotionally stable and calm.

The description that best fits this idea is the tendency toward and degree to which an individual experiences negative emotions. The other descriptions relate to different constructs: believing one can control events refers to perceived control or locus of control, overall self-worth relates to self-esteem, and belief in one’s ability to complete tasks aligns with self-efficacy. Neuroticism centers on emotional experience and reactivity, not these other self-beliefs.