The Science of Negativity Bias: Practical Tools for Caregivers, Teachers, and Parents

🎙️ In this solo episode of the Able to Care Podcast, host Andy Baker dives into the topic of negative thinking — why our brains are wired to focus on threats, criticism, and worst-case scenarios, and how we can train ourselves to see the positive.

We all know the feeling: ten compliments in a day, and we still can't stop thinking about that one bit of criticism. But it's not a flaw — it's evolution. Andy explores the science behind our negativity bias, its impact on self-esteem, caregiving, relationships, and behaviour management, and most importantly, how to shift it.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver, this episode is a practical guide to rewiring your mindset, boosting your confidence, and supporting others more effectively.

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💡 Sponsor Message:
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All for less than the price of a box of chocolates per year.
👉 Visit carerscarduk.co.uk/promo-code/abletocare to get yours today!

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🧠 Key Topics Covered in This Episode:

🧬 Why Our Brains Are Wired to Spot the Negative
Understand the evolutionary roots of negativity bias — and why it made sense when survival meant avoiding lions, not emails.

🪞 How Negativity Shapes Self-Esteem
Why we're so quick to spot our flaws, and how perfectionism and self-criticism hold us back.

💬 Impact on Relationships and Communication
How constant criticism – of ourselves or others – can weaken connections and reduce motivation.

🔁 Reframing and Realignment
Powerful strategies for shifting perspective, using praise, noticing the good, and creating behavioural change.

📝 Practical Mindset Tools
From gratitude journaling to the “3 wins a day” rule – tools to train your brain to focus on what’s going right.

🧒 Supportive Feedback in Care and Education
Why spotting and naming the positives in others builds trust, resilience, and behavioural change.

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💬 Key Takeaways:

✅ Negativity isn’t weakness — it’s wiring. But it can be challenged.
✅ The stories we tell ourselves about failure shape how we show up for others.
✅ You can’t catch someone doing it right if you don’t know what “right” looks like.
✅ Ending your day with 3 wins rewires your brain for balance, not blind optimism.
✅ Praise changes behaviour more than punishment ever will.

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📚 Further Resources:

• Targeting the Positive – Andy’s book on understanding and managing behaviour

• Able Hub – Courses and resources for carers, educators and parents: ablehub.uk

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⏳ Timestamps:

[00:00] – Why criticism sticks more than praise
[01:49] – Sponsor: Carers Card UK
[02:15] – What is negativity bias and why do we have it?
[04:31] – How it impacts relationships and how we see ourselves
[07:08] – How criticism affects your mindset and behaviour
[08:12] – The power of journaling and celebrating your wins
[09:00] – Using positive reinforcement to drive behavioural change
[10:34] – Don’t assume intent – a better way to understand difficult behaviour
[11:20] – Labeling, stereotypes and catching people doing it right
[12:14] – Reframing challenging moments as growth opportunities
[14:57] – Three wins a day – a mindset shift for carers, parents and professionals
[17:06] – Why optimism helps us live longer
[17:28] – Acceptance and Commitment Therapy – the “blue sky” above the storm
[17:47] – Final thoughts and a challenge for you

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📲 Connect with Us!
🔗 Instagram: @AbleToCarePodcast
🔗 LinkedIn: @AbleTraining
🔗 TikTok: @AbleToCare
🔗 Website: AbleHub.uk

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🎧 Subscribe & Share!
If this episode helped you see things a little differently, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.
Let’s build a community where we challenge the bias and catch the good – in ourselves and each other.