Forming Beliefs: Why Valence Matters

Tali Sharot; Neil Garrett

doi:10.1016/j.tics.2015.11.002

Forming Beliefs: Why Valence Matters

Trends Cogn Sci. 2016 Jan;20(1):25-33. doi: 10.1016/j.tics.2015.11.002. Epub 2015 Dec 15.

Authors

Tali Sharot¹, Neil Garrett²

Affiliations

¹ Affective Brain Laboratory, Experimental Psychology, University College London, 26 Bedford Way, London WC1H 0AP, UK. Electronic address: t.sharot@ucl.ac.uk.
² Affective Brain Laboratory, Experimental Psychology, University College London, 26 Bedford Way, London WC1H 0AP, UK.

PMID: 26704856
DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2015.11.002

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.

Keywords: belief; brain; emotion; learning; optimism; valence.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Culture*
Humans
Learning / physiology*
Nerve Net / physiology*
Social Values*

Grants and funding

Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom