This is what psychologists call the 'negativity bias', they think we've evolved this to keep us away from harm. Basically, we're more likely to remember scary of painful events more than happy ones - remember unkind events more than kind ones, process bad news more thoroughly than good. As for self-perception we're highly motivated to avoid a bad image so react with stronger emotions to criticism more than to praise. On the other hand we can overcome this negativity bias by over-estimating their own positive qualities.
Hi Claire, this idea of negativity bias sounds really interesting and what you've written makes me want to know more!
ReplyDeleteMaybe you could write more about:
=> some examples of negativity bias that people can relate to;
=> more detail of how and why negativity bias evolved;
=> how negativity bias works on a neurological level? :)