Forming Beliefs: Why Valence Matters. Issue 1 (January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sharot, Tali; Garrett, Neil
• Is Part Of: Trends in cognitive sciences. Volume 20:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 25
• Page End: 33
• Publication Date: 2016-01
• Subjects: belief -- learning -- emotion -- valence -- brain -- optimism; Cognitive science -- Periodicals; Cognitive neuroscience -- Periodicals; 153.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2015.11.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1364-6613

Abstract

Abstract : One of the most salient attributes of information is valence: whether a piece of news is good or bad. Contrary to classic learning theories, which implicitly assume beliefs are adjusted similarly regardless of valence, we review evidence suggesting that different rules and mechanisms underlie learning from desirable and undesirable information. For self-relevant beliefs this asymmetry generates a positive bias, with significant implications for individuals and society. We discuss the boundaries of this asymmetry, characterize the neural system supporting it, and describe how changes in this circuit are related to individual differences in behavior. Trends: Humans update self-relevant beliefs to a greater extent in response to good news than bad news. This asymmetry is mediated by differential neural representation of desirable and undesirable estimation errors. The extent of this asymmetry varies with age and mental health.