Negativity Bias

Susan Winters
Jun 26
1 min read

Are you familiar with the term "Negativity Bias"?

We have the "fortune" of inheriting from our ancestors (think pre-historic cavemen and cavewomen) a tendency and inclination to seek out the negative aspects of life and to register them in our psyche more dominantly than the positive.

Why?

Because if it was those humans who were more prone to anxiety, worry and fear that survived and lived to pass on their genes. Those human beings who were carefree or "happy -go-lucky" were eaten or killed by the saber-toothed tiger.

So how does this matter today in the 21st Century?

Well, scientists have found the Negativity Bias ration is 3:1, which means that for every negative experience, we actually need three positive experiences to counteract it.

"Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, You'll start having positive results" ~Willie Nelson

A thought to consider:

Consider the following examples, when practiced consistently we increase the reward chemical in our brain called dopamine. This can result in a more optimistic perspective and reinforce our brains seeking out more things to be grateful for.

Examples: Gratitude Journals, Appreciation Meditations, Taking in the Good.