Which term refers to the decreased belief in one's ability to cope with stressors?

The term that refers to the decreased belief in one's ability to cope with stressors is neuroticism. Neuroticism is a personality trait characterized by a tendency to experience negative emotions, such as anxiety, anger, or sadness. Individuals who score high in neuroticism often feel less resilient when faced with stressors, believing they are incapable of managing or coping with these challenges.

Neuroticism affects how people perceive and react to stressors, making them more likely to feel overwhelmed and doubt their abilities to cope effectively. This can lead to a cycle where the belief in one's limited coping ability exacerbates stress and anxiety, further diminishing their confidence and sense of control.

In contrast, differential exposure involves experiencing different amounts of stressors, while differential reactivity pertains to how individuals respond emotionally or behaviorally to stressors. Negative affectivity is a broader construct that encompasses a range of negative emotions but does not specifically target the belief in one's coping abilities as neuroticism does. Thus, neuroticism best captures the concept of decreased belief in one's capacity to handle stress effectively.