Psychology MCAT Practice Exam

What trait is characterized by emotional stability and resilience?

1. Agreeableness

2. Extraversion

3. Neuroticism

4. Conscientiousness

The correct answer is: Neuroticism

The trait characterized by emotional stability and resilience is known as emotional stability, which is often contrasted with neuroticism. Individuals who score high on emotional stability tend to manage stress well, recover from setbacks quickly, and maintain a calm demeanor in challenging situations. This is in direct opposition to neuroticism, where individuals may experience higher levels of anxiety, mood swings, and emotional instability. In the context provided, the correct choice, referring to emotional stability, highlights the importance of having a resilient temperament that allows individuals to navigate life's stresses effectively. Traits such as agreeableness, extraversion, and conscientiousness each involve different dimensions of personality but do not specifically reflect the characteristics of emotional stability and resilience. Agreeableness relates to interpersonal interactions and the capacity for compassion, extraversion pertains to sociability and assertiveness, and conscientiousness involves organization and dependability. Thus, these traits do not encapsulate the essence of being emotionally stable and resilient as effectively as the contrast with neuroticism would suggest.