Hostile Attribution Bias 🎭
🧠 Psych - 72 / 100
Hey, there.
Today, we will be talking about the Hostile Attribution Bias.
What is it?
Your tendency will make you think that someone’s behaviour is of hostile intent even though they are being kind, benign.
Examples -
For example, a person with high levels of hostile attribution bias might see two people laughing and immediately interpret this behavior as two people laughing about them, even though the behavior was ambiguous and may have been benign. [1]
Where does it occur?
In a number of events involving aggression, this cognitive bias could take place. You might be feeling embarrassed & get angry at someone because you think they having hostile intent.
But that won’t be the case. (Most of the times).
Why do I need to know?
This bias is said or hypothesized to be one important pathway through which other risk factors, such as peer rejection or harsh parenting behavior, lead to aggression.
While occasional hostile attribution bias is normative (particularly for younger children), researchers have found that individuals who exhibit consistent and high levels of hostile attribution bias across development are much more likely to engage in aggressive behavior (e.g., fighting, verbal or relational aggression) toward others.
Takeaways: -
Sometimes, our mind can deceive us. Learn to calm yourself in such situations where HAB is present.
References & Studies: -
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hostile_attribution_bias
http://psychology.iresearchnet.com/social-psychology/social-cognition/hostile-attribution-bias/
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