Noticing Both Positives and Negatives
摘要
Attentional bias plays an important role in the onset and continuation of psychological problems, particularly anxiety and depression. This chapter focuses on the importance of balanced attention in the face of adversity, emphasising the need to notice both positive and negative environmental stimuli. There are four categories of attention deployment: full positive, full negative, total neglect, and balanced attention. Recognising threats and negative stimuli in the environment is important for survival during crises. However, positive attentional bias, i.e. noticing positive events and stimuli during crises, enhances resilience. The SHINE framework cultivates a balanced attention style during adversity. The practical guidelines offered by the framework include strategies for cultivating positive attention through personal strength recognition, goal setting, and actively recording positive experiences. The SHINE framework advocates for developing habits that promote positive attention to mitigate the adverse effects of negative stimuli, thereby fostering resilience.