Which term describes a strong emotional reaction characterized by feelings of insecurity and jealousy?

The term that describes a strong emotional reaction characterized by feelings of insecurity and jealousy is neuroticism. Neuroticism refers to a personality trait that encompasses emotional instability and an increased tendency toward experiencing negative emotions such as anxiety, fear, anger, and jealousy. Individuals high in neuroticism may be more sensitive to stress and more likely to interpret situations as threatening, which can lead to feelings of insecurity. This trait can significantly impact how one reacts emotionally to various situations, often leading to intense feelings of jealousy when faced with perceived threats to their relationships or self-worth.

In contrast, differential exposure refers to the variation in experiences one might encounter, typically influencing the stressors faced. Positive affectivity is about the tendency to experience positive emotions and engage with the world in an optimistic manner, which is quite different from feelings of insecurity and jealousy. Extraversion relates to how outgoing and socially engaged an individual is, which does not inherently include negative emotional reactions or feelings of jealousy. Thus, neuroticism is the most fitting term for this scenario, as it directly connects to the emotional instability and negative feelings described.