What Negative Bias Is and How It Can Affect Your Well-Being, According to a Harvard Psychiatrist

In 2023, researchers Adam M. Mastroianni of Columbia University and Daniel T. Gilbert of Harvard University shared an investigation entitled “The illusion of moral decadence” .

The work was published in the magazine Nature and in this the authors They questioned whether the perception of moral decline had persisted over time or whether it was a phenomenon of the current era. .

For your study, They brought together data collected over 70 years, during which more than 12 million people were consulted on this point.

There they confirmed that This feeling has indeed remained, even if according to them, “modern humans treat each other much better than them”. their ancestors.

Of course, Cases may vary depending on each individual and environment in which he is immersed.

However, for the psychiatrist and expert in felicity of Harvard University, Robert Waldinger, certain points could explain a disconnect between what is thought and reality .

One of them is negativity bias said the American in statements saved by Telva .

Regarding this concept, he explained that “Science has shown that our thinking He is biased towards what is wrong. .

“We are more likely to pay attention to and remember the negative” Waldinger summed up.

On the other hand, the second factor you mentioned is the idealization of the past .

According to him, “scientific studies have shown that we tend to whitewash our memories “.

“It leaves us with the impression that everything is getting worse and that everything was better a long time ago” .

Waldinger, who is also co-author of books such as A good life (Planeta, 2023), explained to the aforementioned media that It is essential to consider that we usually make mistakes when analyzing reality. and how interpersonal relationships develop.

However, according to the specialist, “our intimate connections and our natural tendency toward kindness and compassion” .

“Look around you and observe people who do what is right, what is kind, what is decent. Find out that people are good and believe it “, he stressed.

In this sense, he added that “We are so blinded by our own personal expectations and opinions that we leave no room for these subtle realities to penetrate.” .

To avoid being dominated by what is called negativity bias, suggested trying to become aware of positive experiences that might surprise you .

This does not mean avoiding or ignoring the aspects that distress you or generate discomfort.

It is rather a matter of evaluate certain aspects of reality that you might neglect in other circumstances .

For example: “In the middle of that family reunion you’ve been dreading for months, take a break and realize that, against all odds, you are having a great time.

In addition, he recommended doing the exercise of try to identify when other people are doing kind gestures and with good intentions.

In this sense, as an example, he cited the roads, where “the good drivers are always behind and the bad ones stand out” .

“The same thing happens in life. So, from time to time, try to look at the right drivers, the right people. Waldinger said.