07/29/2026
Ever notice how you can remember something embarrassing from years ago, but struggle to recall the compliment you received yesterday?
The brain naturally gives more attention to experiences it perceives as threats. Psychologists call this the negativity bias—an evolutionary survival mechanism that helped humans learn from mistakes and avoid future danger.
While this tendency can be helpful, it can also cause us to overlook positive experiences unless we intentionally pay attention to them.
Understanding how the brain works can make it easier to challenge unhelpful thought patterns.
Source: Baumeister, R. F., Bratslavsky, E., Finkenauer, C., & Vohs, K. D. (2001). Bad Is Stronger Than Good. Review of General Psychology.