Bad news, unfriendly comments, criticism – scientists and psychologists have found that negative events have a greater impact on the brain than positive ones. And they are also able to influence our behavior and decisions – and here's why.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
So psychologists call our subconscious desire to perceive and dwell on negative events. And this phenomenon can explain why we often pay attention and remember negative experiences. For example, we remember insults better than praise. Or we overreact to a remark from a person we don't like. And then we walk for a few more days and think about how we should have answered him. This bias leads to the fact that negative events seem to us more significant than positive ones. But why is this happening?<\/p>\n
Researchers have several versions of why this might happen. And each is true to a greater or lesser extent. For example, our ancestors used to pay attention to threats simply because their lives depended on it. And the more sensitive to danger they were, the more likely they were to survive. Therefore, this bias used to be one of the defense mechanisms of the brain.<\/p>\n
Other studies also show that the brain responds more strongly to negative stimuli. American psychologist John Cacioppo conducted an experiment in which participants were shown three options for images (positive, neutral, and negative). It turned out that the latter cause stronger activity in the cerebral cortex, which is responsible for information processing. For this reason, our behavior is shaped more strongly by bad news and life events. It has also been found that this negativity bias begins in infancy, as it approaches one year of age. Therefore, we learn to see the negative almost from the cradle. The question arises: how to prevent this?<\/p>\n
But you still need to do something with negative attitudes. Because they make us doubt loved ones, constantly imagine negative developments, and because of this, fear arises. And we begin to refuse the opportunities that fate presents us. And in general, constant thinking about how bad everything (or can be bad) does not have the best effect on the psyche. What to do then?<\/p>\n
Psychologists believe that you should start with the thoughts that are in your head. Notice after what events or stimuli they become negative. If it's easier, keep a diary. And try to stop them as soon as they arise. Instead of thinking about the past that you can't change, use this experience to improve the future. Think about what this negative experience has taught you.<\/p>\n
Second, try to find ways to present events in a more positive light. Of course, this does not mean that there is something good in everything bad. But such a refocusing will help balance the negative and positive in life and give meaning to good events as well.<\/p>\n
And the third – since good things are hard to remember, then when it happens – devote time to this moment. Concentrate on it and the feelings it brings. Scroll through the event several times in your head and in great detail. So that the good residue can remain and be fixed in the memory in the same way as the residue from bad news. And do more of what makes you happy. Especially when a stream of negative thoughts decided to take over.<\/p>\n