Negativity Bias

Negativity Bias refers to the notion that even when experiences are of equal intensity, things of a more negative nature have a greater effect on a person than do neutral or positive experiences. Many of the cognitive distortions we use tend to include negativity. For example, with filtering, we see the negative aspects and not the positive. With catastrophizing, we think the worst-case scenario, and on it goes. Our tendency towards the negative is built into us. God created us this way for a reason. We have to be aware of the negative to survive. We need to know the sound a bear makes more than that of a kitten. Because we are vulnerable to the negative aspects of our experiences, it is important to make a conscious effort to focus on the positive. Notice the good things about yourself and others. Create positive experiences in your daily life.