Negative affectivity

Negative Affectivity (NA) is a personality variable that involves the experience of negative emotions and poor self-concept. Negative affectivity subsumes a variety of negative emotions, including anger, contempt, disgust, guilt, fear, and nervousness. People with high levels of negative affectivity are more prone to experience a diverse range of negative emotions across time and situations. This trait is contrasted with Positive Affectivity, which refers to the tendency to experience positive emotional states.

Overview

Negative affectivity is a broad, pervasive dimension of personality that influences an individual's perception of the world. Individuals high in negative affectivity tend to perceive minor frustrations as hopelessly difficult and have a lessened ability to experience positive events fully. This trait is closely related to Neuroticism, one of the five major dimensions of personality described in the Five Factor Model.

Measurement

Several psychological scales have been developed to measure negative affectivity. One of the most widely used is the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), which assesses both positive and negative affect. The PANAS asks individuals to rate the extent to which they have experienced various emotions during a specific period.

Implications

Negative affectivity has implications for mental and physical health. High levels of negative affectivity are associated with a greater risk of developing mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety disorders. In terms of physical health, negative affectivity can impact the immune system and is linked to poorer health outcomes.

Relationship with Stress

Negative affectivity is also related to how individuals perceive and respond to stress. People with high levels of negative affectivity are more likely to appraise situations as stressful and are more prone to experience distress in response to stressors. This can create a cycle where negative affectivity amplifies the effects of stress, which in turn increases negative emotions.

Treatment and Management

Managing negative affectivity often involves psychological interventions aimed at reducing the intensity and frequency of negative emotions. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one effective approach, helping individuals to identify and challenge negative thought patterns that contribute to their emotional state. Mindfulness and stress management techniques can also help individuals with high negative affectivity to better regulate their emotions.

See Also

• Emotion Regulation
• Personality Psychology
• Stress
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy