Why the Bad Sticks: the Psychology of Negativity Bias

Why do we fixate on one negative comment even after receiving dozens of compliments? Why does one bad day feel heavier than a week of good ones? In this episode of The Psychology of Us , Professor RJ Starr unpacks the powerful concept of negativity bias —our brain’s natural tendency to focus more on the bad than the good.

You’ll explore the evolutionary roots of this bias, how it shows up in daily life, what neuroscience reveals about its grip on our memory and attention, and most importantly, what we can do about it. This isn’t about toxic positivity—it’s about real psychological insight and practical tools to help you reclaim balance in how you think, feel, and respond to the world around you.

Whether you're a student of psychology or simply curious about why the mind works the way it does, this episode offers thoughtful guidance for navigating a world that often feels emotionally lopsided.