Question

Which describes the tendency to focus on the negative and expect the worst?

Answer 1

Pessimism is the tendency to focus on the negative and expect the worst. Those who are pessimistic are referred to as "pessimists".

The opposite of pessimism is optimism. "Optimists" focus on the positives and always hope for the best.

This difference of personality types is highlighted in the age old question; "Is this glass half-full, or half-empty?"

Answer 2

Pessimism would be the term. A pessimist often focuses on the most dangerous or bad outcomes in life, letting it cloud their happiness and judgement occasionally(being a mindset/lifestyle and all).