What characteristic is indicated by a dispositional tendency to experience enthusiasm and excitement?

The characteristic indicated by a dispositional tendency to experience enthusiasm and excitement is positive affectivity. This concept refers to a person's propensity to experience positive emotions such as joy, optimism, and excitement. Individuals who score high on positive affectivity tend to approach life with enthusiasm and are generally more satisfied with their experiences.

In contrast, other traits such as neuroticism and negative affectivity are associated with experiencing negative emotions like anxiety, sadness, or anger, which does not align with the concept of enthusiasm and excitement. Extraversion is related to sociability and assertiveness, which can include elements of excitement, but it does not specifically capture the emotional quality of enthusiasm. Thus, positive affectivity uniquely encapsulates this tendency to experience upbeat emotions, making it the correct choice.