Which of the Big Five traits is associated with emotional instability?

• A. Neuroticism
• B. Openness
• C. Extraversion
• D. Conscientiousness

Answer: (A)

Emotional instability is a hallmark of Neuroticism in the Big Five. This trait captures a tendency to experience negative emotions—like anxiety, sadness, and irritability—and to react to stress with emotional volatility. People higher in neuroticism often have less emotional regulation and more mood swings, while those lower in neuroticism tend to be more emotionally stable. The other traits describe different aspects: Openness is about imagination and openness to new experiences; Extraversion covers sociability and energy; Conscientiousness involves self-discipline and reliability. So, the trait most closely linked to emotional instability is Neuroticism.