Final answer:
Individuals with low self-complexity are more likely to be devastated by negative life events, aligning with research on vulnerability to stress, locus of control, and neuroticism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of self-complexity suggests that individuals who perceive themselves in a multifaceted way tend to be more resilient in the face of negative life events compared to those with low self-complexity. When considering the statement, 'People with low (as opposed to high) self-complexity are devastated by negative life events,' it aligns with psychological research indicating that individuals with lower self-complexity might have a greater sense of vulnerability to stress and are more prone to depression when faced with negative life experiences. Such findings are informed by studies that investigate the effects of locus of control, neuroticism, and self-efficacy on individual responses to stress and adversity.
Individuals with an external locus of control, who are likely to feel less control over their lives, tend to experience more stress and lower job satisfaction. Similarly, individuals high on neuroticism often experience greater emotional instability and negative emotions such as anxiety and unhappiness. Conversely, those with high self-efficacy perceive challenges positively and recover quickly from setbacks. Therefore, individuals with low self-complexity, who might see their lives as controlled by external factors or who may be high on neuroticism, would be more likely to fall into category B, being devastated by negative life events.