#17: On a Positive Note

Adding an extra dose of behavioral science to your week with our series In a Nutshell— a collection of behavioral science principles, explained in 150 words or less, written weekly by CUBIC director Allison Zelkowitz.

Do you ever find yourself struggling to “stay positive”?

If so, there’s good news – the Pollyanna Principle (named after a perpetually cheerful book and movie character) explains that most people subconsciously focus on the positive in our conversations, and recall more positive memories. We discuss more good news than bad, we’re upbeat in most texts and emails, and we describe others more positively than negatively, too.

A 2015 study affirmed this by examining over 100,000 words across 10 languages, analyzing data from Twitter, Google, books, newspapers, movie and TV subtitles, and music lyrics. In every sample, the researchers uncovered a positivity bias.

While excessive optimism can be detrimental (and irritating), it’s all about finding a healthy balance between positivity and realism. So, when you’re having a bad day, remind yourself that human beings are hardwired to look on the bright side – you may be better at it than you think.