The Power of Bad

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by John Tierney, Roy F. Baumeister · 2019

The Power of Bad examines the psychological negativity bias—the tendency for bad experiences, information, and impressions to affect us more strongly than good ones. Drawing on research and examples from relationships, politics, media, and everyday life, John Tierney and Roy F. Baumeister explain how to recognize and counteract this bias, while using its insights constructively.

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1 episode featuring The Power of Bad

Something You Should Know
Why Bad News Outweighs Good—and How to Use It
Recognizing the negativity effect can improve judgment, relationships, teaching, and responses to alarming news without ignoring genuine problems.
Sep 22, 2026 · 27 min

1 episode featuring The Power of Bad

Why Bad News Outweighs Good—and How to Use It