In personality research, which statement is true about neurotic trends and adaptability?

In personality research, which statement is true about neurotic trends and adaptability?

• A. None of the trends are adaptive.
• B. All neurotic trends are adaptive in some environments.
• C. Neurotic traits never influence fitness.
• D. Some neurotic tendencies dominate social functioning.

Answer: (A)

Neuroticism centers on emotional instability and a tendency toward negative affect, and researchers ask whether such traits help or hinder adaptation. In many studies, higher neuroticism is linked to greater stress, poorer coping, health problems, and weaker social functioning, which tends to reduce an individual’s fitness across a range of environments. While in some specific contexts a heightened vigilance associated with anxiety might be advantageous, there isn’t consistent evidence that these traits improve overall fitness across diverse settings. So, the broad claim that none of the neurotic trends are adaptive fits the typical pattern found in personality research. The other statements overstate or misstate the evidence: asserting all neurotic trends are adaptive in some environment ignores the general cost; saying neurotic traits never influence fitness ignores clear links to health and performance; and suggesting some neurotic tendencies dominate social functioning ignores the variability and context-dependence of social behavior.

Neuroticism centers on emotional instability and a tendency toward negative affect, and researchers ask whether such traits help or hinder adaptation. In many studies, higher neuroticism is linked to greater stress, poorer coping, health problems, and weaker social functioning, which tends to reduce an individual’s fitness across a range of environments. While in some specific contexts a heightened vigilance associated with anxiety might be advantageous, there isn’t consistent evidence that these traits improve overall fitness across diverse settings. So, the broad claim that none of the neurotic trends are adaptive fits the typical pattern found in personality research. The other statements overstate or misstate the evidence: asserting all neurotic trends are adaptive in some environment ignores the general cost; saying neurotic traits never influence fitness ignores clear links to health and performance; and suggesting some neurotic tendencies dominate social functioning ignores the variability and context-dependence of social behavior.