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Change Your Brain Every Day

Negativity vs. Positivity Bias: Why Are We Hardwired to Be Negative?

Feb 10, 2025
Dive into the intriguing dynamics of negativity bias and its roots in our brain. Learn how chronic stress and trauma can predispose us to focus on the negative. Discover techniques like daily affirmations and mindfulness to cultivate positivity. The power of gratitude journaling is highlighted as a way to transform negativity into resilience. Understand the importance of balance between negative and positive thoughts, especially in high-stress professions, and explore practical strategies to foster a healthier mindset.
31:50

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Negativity bias affects our emotional stability and cognitive function, leading to increased risks for disorders like anxiety and depression.
  • Implementing positivity bias training through techniques such as affirmations can significantly shift focus towards a healthier, more balanced mindset.

Deep dives

Understanding Negativity Bias

Negativity bias is the tendency to prioritize negative information over positive, affecting perception, memory, and emotional regulation. This bias can lead to emotional instability and cognitive impairments, with studies demonstrating that increased negativity correlates with decreased activity in the prefrontal cortex. Furthermore, individuals exhibiting a higher negativity bias are at an increased risk for various psychiatric disorders, particularly anxiety and depression. Chronic negativity not only impacts mental health but also physical health, potentially impairing coordination and cognitive function.

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