1. MWOD Block 2, W2: Awareness of Negativity BIAs
THOUGHTS
EMOTIONS
PHYSIOLOGY
PERFORMANCE
MWOD Block 2, W2: Awareness of Negativity BIAs
(Adapted from Ellis, 1981;1996)
NEGATIVITY BIAS:
Human beings developed a negativity bias - evolved to notice and respond more forcibly to the negative
This helped our ancestors to stay alive
Thousands of years ago it was more important to escape negative situations than it was to approach opportunity
BLUF
Since the bias is so strongly hardwired in our survival brain, humans have to work extra hard to “level the playing field” from a “top-down” perspective (indicated by the blue arrows)
Medulla and the RAS: inherent tendency to…
Magnify negative incoming messages
Minimize positive ones
Limbic System – seat of emotion
Flood of negative emotions & perceptions
Predicting the worst
Process of labeling emotions activates the left PFC which reduces anxiety
High levels of the relaxation response impact the neural activity of the left PFC which tames the amygdala
Positive labeling (self-talk) correlates with enhancements in the neural emotional regulation pathways
The PFC functions best when it has a clear and focused goal, a target. Self-talk can provide and reinforce the clarity and power of those goals.
People with high working memory tend to be more optimistic, more hopeful about life, more confident that they can cope with problems, more able to adjust to situations, and more likely to expect the best possible outcomes
The simple yet unconventional truth that we come to is that confidence is the result of using the mind both proactively and selectively. That means deliberately focusing your mind on certain thoughts and certain memories which create energy, optimism, and enthusiasm.
Better state of mind when home
Confidence in dealing with relationships
Confidence in ability to cope with combat stress

2. Bottom Up Power Driven What areas of the brain are responsible?
Medulla & Reticular Activating System (RAS)
Magnify negative
Minimize positive
Limbic System
Flooded with negative emotions & perceptions
Predicts the worst

3. Overcome the Negativity Bias
When are you more vulnerable to choose the negative?
How will you balance this tendency?
Archive positive experiences into your long-term memory
When something good happens, savor the experience & replay it in mind’s eye
Level the playing field
Use the 5:1 ratio (i.e. for every negative, counter balance it with 5 positive)
Create an “area of refuge” in your brain (i.e. programmed “go to” list of positive memories, quotes, etc.) to redirect your thoughts and focus
For days, record 3 things at the end of each day that you are grateful for
Monitor & Regulate Appraisals of…
Demands (i.e. high, low, urgent, less important)
Resources (i.e. to meet demands)
Consequences (i.e. risk/reward)
Control (i.e. uncontrollable stressors steal our attention and influence our attitude)
Predictability (i.e. during ambiguity)