Harm Avoidance involves a heritable bias in the inhibition of behaviour in response to signals of punishment and frustrative non-reward. The trait is related to neuroticism.

People low in Harm Avoidance are carefree, courageous, energetic, outgoing and optimistic even in situations that worry most people.

High Harm Avoidance: Anticipatory worry, excessive worrying, pessimism, Shyness with strangers, shyness, Fear of uncertainty, Fatigability and asthenia, being fearful, doubtful, easily fatigued. 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.
(Cloninger, 1994)