Final answer:
Neuroticism is a personality trait characterized by a tendency to experience negative emotions such as anger and anxiety. It can affect emotional stability and has been linked with health risks. This trait is measured on a continuum and is one of the many personality factors researched in the field of psychology.
Step-by-step explanation:
Neuroticism is a personality trait that entails an enduring tendency to experience negative emotional states. Individuals with high levels of neuroticism often display emotional instability and may frequently feel angry, impulsive, and hostile. Notably, researchers Watson and Clark in 1984 found that high levels of neuroticism were associated with feelings of anxiety and unhappiness. Moreover, Raymond Cattell's personality assessment includes neuroticism as one of the 16 personality factors, emphasizing that personality traits, including neuroticism, exist along a continuum rather than being simply present or absent. Additionally, studies have associated neuroticism with a greater risk of chronic health problems and mortality, further underscoring the impact of this trait on an individual's overall well-being.
Other personality traits may affect our behavior such as conscientiousness, agreeableness, openness, and extroversion. However, it is specifically neuroticism that is known for predisposing individuals to negative emotions and related health outcomes.