Negative bias is a cognitive phenomenon. Negative experiences, thoughts, or emotions are more likely to capture our attention and influence our behavior than positive or neutral ones. This bias is deeply rooted in our evolutionary history, where being attuned to potential threats was crucial for survival. However, in today’s world, this bias can significantly impact our mental health, especially for trauma survivors.

What is Negative Bias?

Negative bias refers to our brain’s tendency to focus more on negative information. It means that bad events have a greater impact on our mental state than good ones. For example, a single criticism can overshadow multiple compliments, or one negative memory can linger longer than a series of positive experiences.

This bias affects how we perceive ourselves, others, and the world around us. It can shape our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in ways that are often detrimental to our well-being. I see it lead to depression and very common in those living as survivors of trauma.

How Negative Bias Impacts Trauma Survivors

For trauma survivors, negative bias can be particularly pronounced, but it is also quite harmful. Trauma rewires the brain, making it hyper-aware of potential threats and more susceptible to negative thinking patterns.

I always share the story of a wild animal munching on grass (remember that negative bias is evolutionary). If the grass in the distance moves, the animal isn’t thinking, ‘what beautiful grass!’ The animal is thinking, ‘its a lion! I need to get out of here!!!’ And it does.

Negative bias operates for humans very much the same way, especially when we’ve survived one (or more) trauma events.

Here are a few ways negative bias can manifest in trauma survivors:

1. Heightened Sensitivity to Triggers:
   Trauma survivors often have heightened sensitivity to triggers that remind them of their traumatic experiences. Negative bias can amplify this sensitivity, causing them to perceive threats where there are none and react strongly to minor stressors.
2. Negative Self-Perception:
   Survivors of trauma may struggle with negative self-perception. They might constantly criticize themselves, feel unworthy of love and support, or blame themselves for the trauma they experienced. Negative bias reinforces these harmful self-beliefs, making it difficult to cultivate self-compassion and self-esteem.
3. Difficulty Trusting Others:
   Trauma can make it hard for survivors to trust others. Negative bias exacerbates this difficulty by causing them to focus on past betrayals and anticipate future harm. This can hinder their ability to form healthy, supportive relationships.
4. Persistent Negative Emotions:
   Trauma survivors often experience persistent negative emotions such as fear, anger, and sadness. Negative bias can make it challenging to move past these emotions, keeping survivors stuck in a cycle of distress and preventing them from finding joy and peace.

Some Ideas on How to Overcome Negative Bias

While negative bias is a natural part of our cognitive makeup, it is possible to mitigate its impact, especially for trauma survivors. Here are some strategies that can help:

1. Mindfulness and Meditation:
   Practicing mindfulness and meditation can assist in creating a pause and then distance from the negative thoughts.
2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
   CBT is a highly effective therapeutic approach for addressing negative bias. It helps individuals identify and challenge their negative thought patterns and replace them with more balanced and positive ones.
3. Gratitude Practice:
   Cultivating gratitude can counteract negative bias by shifting focus to positive experiences and emotions.
4. Positive Affirmations:
   Using positive affirmations can help rewire the brain.
5. Therapeutic Support, such as EMDR in Fort Lauderdale, EMDR in Washington DC and EMDR in DMV and EMDR in Virginia
   Jordan Nodelman specializes in trauma resolution and can provide survivors with the tools and support they need to address negative bias. Therapy offers a safe space to explore and heal from past traumas while learning new coping strategies. EMDR does wonders at shifting those negative, unhelpful thoughts and reprocessing, unprocessed trauma memories.

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