Abstract :
Background: Human beings, either because of evolutionary consequences, predispositions, upbringing or learning are more influenced by negative happenings or events as compared to positive ones. Though negativity bias is important for survival and while self-analysing we need to focus on our weaknesses, it is not clear whether this focus is serving a positive function. The study aimed to find out the relationship between the mental processing of strengths and weakness and the Subjective Well Being (SWB).
Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken to understand the concept of negativity bias in undergraduate students aging 19-25 years. The Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) was used to measure the SWB of the participants.
Results: The results indicated that students take less time to tell their strengths and more time to talk about their weaknesses. The SWB of students who elaborate their weaknesses is low as compared to those who give one word or one sentence description.
Conclusion: The elaboration of weaknesses is hampering our subjective well being.
Keyword :
Strengths, Satisfaction with Life Scale, Weaknesses