The construct of neuroticism refers to the ease and frequency with which a person becomes upset and distressed. Sometimes called emotional instability, neuroticism involves a tendency to experience negative emotions, such as moodiness, anxiety, depression, and anger. The experience of anxiety and sensitivity to threat and stress are at the emotional core of neuroticism (Caspi et al. 2005). Given these tendencies, individuals who score highly on neuroticism tend to view threats in ordinary situations, experience minor frustrations as hopelessly difficult, and have a low self-esteem and low life satisfaction (see, e.g., Clark et al. 1994). Neuroticism is a personality dimension identified as one of the most notable personality dimensions in the leading model of personality development, the Big Five model, with the others being agreeableness, conscientiousness, extraversion, and openness to experience(see McCrae and Costa 1987, 1997).

Neuroticism tends to be viewed quite negatively. This...