Which of the following traits is characterized by a tendency to experience negative emotions?

The trait characterized by a tendency to experience negative emotions is neuroticism. Individuals high in neuroticism often experience feelings such as anxiety, sadness, anger, and emotional instability. They may perceive ordinary situations as threatening and minor frustrations as overwhelming, which can lead to a variety of negative emotional experiences. This trait is part of the Five Factor Model of personality, which encompasses neuroticism along with extraversion, openness, conscientiousness, and agreeableness.

In contrast, extraversion is associated with positive emotions and a tendency to seek out social interaction. Agreeableness involves being compassionate and cooperative, while openness relates to the willingness to engage with new experiences and ideas. Therefore, these other traits do not correlate with a chronic tendency to experience negative emotions in the way neuroticism does. Understanding the characteristics of these traits highlights the significance of neuroticism in psychological assessments and its implications for mental health.