Wishing your teen had more of a ‘glass half full’ attitude? This is a common concern I hear from parents. I’ve got some suggestions for you…
For starters, the teen years are tumultuous. Layer on an unexpected disappointment or unfavorable outcome that happens to be near and dear and you have just created the perfect emotional storm.
We can’t entirely blame the teen years on these ‘glass half empty’ melty-moments, though. We as humans ALL have a negativity bias. And this gets in the way more often that one would think!
The Negativity Bias
Negativity bias is a psychological phenomenon that refers to the tendency of humans to pay more attention to, remember, and be affected more strongly by negative experiences compared to positive ones. In other words, negative events or emotions tend to have a greater impact on our thoughts and behaviors than neutral or positive ones.
This bias is thought to have evolutionary roots – our ancestors who were more attuned to potential threats and dangers were more likely to survive. As a result, the brain developed a heightened sensitivity to negative stimuli as a way to prioritize survival.
In everyday life, negativity bias can show up in a variety of ways. For example, someone might remember a single criticism among many compliments, dwell on a negative event even when positive events also occurred, or be more influenced by negative news than positive news.
How to Combat the Negativity Bias
Counteracting negativity bias in teenagers involves consistently fostering a positive and supportive environment. Here are my top 5 tips to facilitate this at home:
- Encourage Positive Communication:
- Foster open communication where your teenager feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings.
- Emphasize positive aspects in discussions and encourage them to focus on solutions rather than dwelling solely on problems.
- Celebrate Achievements:
- Acknowledge and celebrate your teenager’s accomplishments, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement can help balance the impact of negative experiences.
- Set Realistic Expectations:
- Help your teenager set realistic goals and expectations. Unrealistic expectations can lead to frustration and disappointment, fueling negativity bias.
- Promote Gratitude:
- Encourage your teenager to practice gratitude by regularly reflecting on positive aspects of their life. This can be done through journaling or simply discussing things they are thankful for.
- Limit Exposure to Negative Media:
- Monitor and limit exposure to negative news and media, especially for younger teenagers. Discuss media content and help them contextualize negative information.
Building resilience and countering negativity bias is an ongoing process. By consistently incorporating these tips into your family life, you can contribute to creating a more positive and supportive environment for your teenager. And in turn, create a more peaceful and positive household for all.
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When it all gets to be just too much for your teenager and the road ahead is too full, too confusing or they just need support figuring out what’s next…
Reach out for a complimentary Discovery Call to discuss if life coaching for your teen is what’s needed.
Life coaching helps answer those daunting questions teenagers have as they face this big life transition:
What should I do?
How do I get motivated?
What should I major in?
How do I manage this anxiety?
Who am I?
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