Psycho: How does the negativity bias harm our daily happiness

Have you ever noticed how an unpleasant comment can monopolize all your attention when. Nevertheless, several compliments go almost unnoticed? For example, This tendency to more easily remember the negative is not a personal defect. In addition, it is a universal phenomenon called bias of negativity.

This cognitive bias influences our emotions, our memory, our decisions … Consequently, and our daily happiness. Therefore, Good news, it is possible to limit the effects. Similarly, But for that, it must first be understood.

The negativity bias is first explained by our evolutionary history. At the time when our survival depended on our ability to identify threats. it was better to be too vigilant than blinded by optimism. Hearing a suspect rustle. fleeing a possible predator, even if it was only a squirrel, increased psycho: how does negativity bias the chances of survival.

According to researchers Paul Rozin and Edward Royzman, this phenomenon is based on fundamental asymmetry in our information processing. In humans, the negative captures our attention more, is better memorized and more strongly influences our behavior.

Neuroscience work has been able to confirm this by revealing that the brain reacts more intensely to negative stimuli. For example. a cerebral imaging study has shown that the amygdal, a key region in emotional management, activates more in the face of negative images.

Negative bias in our daily lives – Psycho: how does negativity bias

This bias is indeed expressed in everyday life. We remember bad news and negative events more easily, however small. For example. you will keep the criticism of a client more easily in memory than the compliment of a colleague, the little hung in transport that a happy little moment with your child. This mental filter gives a partial vision of psycho: how does negativity bias reality.

This increased perception of negative signals thus often believes that everyday life is darker than it really is. This can contribute to a state of chronic stress, demotivation, even sadness and depression in some cases.

How to get around this bias?

It has been widely shown that recognizing and savoring pleasant experiences permanently increases well-being and psychological resilience. How to proceed?

Become aware of this negativity bias. It is already a good start that will allow you to distort. Then go to the next step: cultivate gratitude and attention to positive. Like a muscle, our ability to perceive the positive trains. Holding a diary of the Gratitudes or small daily victories is a simple but effective tool. Note each evening three pleasant things of your day: a smile, a success, a pleasant feeling … Studies show that this exercise, practiced regularly, significantly improves well-being.

Learn to slow down, to psycho: how does negativity bias observe, to consciously savor the pleasant moments also helps to strengthen their mental footprint. This is what mindfulness offers, whose effectiveness is widely demonstrated to counter the effects of stress and recurring negative thoughts.