Answer to Question 1
Those who score higher in neuroticism often set up scenarios that lead them to experience more hassles or negative life events than they would otherwise experience. Social transactions within these scenarios lead to unwanted stressors.
Answer to Question 2
Theories presented by Eysenck and also Gray propose that there are biological reasons why those with high neuroticism traits exhibit negatively oriented emotional hyperreactivity toward stressors. Both theories suggest that specific areas of the brain are responsible (i.e., the limbic systemEysenck or the amygdala within the limbic systemGray). Further, Gray's theory suggests that one of the primary motivators for high neuroticism individuals is the brain mechanism that is more responsive to punishment, the BIS (behavioral inhibition system).
