Harm Avoidance - Fear, Behavioral Inhibition
Harm Avoidance involves a heritable bias in the inhibition of behavior in response to signals of punishment and frustrative non-reward. It is observed as pessimistic worry in anticipation of problems,fear of uncertainty, shyness with strangers, and rapid fatigability. People high in Harm Avoidance are fearful, socially inhibited, shy, passive, easily tired, and pessimistic even in situations that do not worry other people. Adaptive advantages of high Harm Avoidance are cautiousness and careful planning when hazard is likely. The disadvantages occur when hazard is unlikely but still anticipated, which leads to maladaptive inhibition and anxiety.

People low in Harm Avoidance are carefree, courageous, energetic, outgoing and optimistic even in situations that worry most people. The advantages of low Harm Avoidance are confidence in face of danger and uncertainty, leading to optimistic and energetic efforts with little or no distress. The disadvantages are related to unresponsiveness to danger or unreasonable optimism with potentially severe consequences when hazard is likely.