Which trait is sometimes referred to by its low pole 'emotional stability'?

• A. Neuroticism
• B. Extroversion
• C. Openness to experience
• D. Conscientiousness

Answer: (A)

In this context, understand how the Big Five traits map onto a spectrum with a high and a low end. For Neuroticism, the high end means emotional volatility—anxiety, mood swings, and sensitivity to stress. The low end is emotional stability, describing calm, even-tempered, and less reactive behavior. Because some scales and discussions name the low end as emotional stability, people sometimes refer to Neuroticism by that low-pole label. That’s why this trait is the one described as having emotional stability at its low end. The other options—extroversion, openness to experience, and conscientiousness—describe different areas (sociability, curiosity, and self-discipline) and are not typically identified by a label of emotional stability at their low poles.