The Perils of Hostile Attribution Bias: Why We See Aggression Where There Isn't
The Perils of Hostile Attribution Bias: Why We See Aggression Where There Isn't We've all been there. Someone bumps into us in the hallway, and our first thought is "Did they do that on purpose?" We hear a raised voice in the next room and immediately assume they're angry with us. This tendency to interpret ambiguous social behavior as intentionally hostile is known as hostile attribution bias. What is Hostile Attribution Bias? Hostile attribution bias is a cognitive distortion where individuals tend to perceive neutral or even benign actions of others as aggressive or threatening. This bias can significantly impact our relationships, leading to misunderstandings, conflicts, and even violence. Why Does it Happen? * Past Experiences: If you've experienced a lot of aggression in the past, you may be more likely to expect and perceive it in others. * Mental Health Conditions: Conditions like anxiety and depression can increase the likelihood of experiencing hos...