Attentional Bias

A tendency for attention to be biased toward emotional stimuli (usually threats), subsequently modulating cognitive processes such as memory and decision making. The bias toward emotional stimuli allows for efficient detection of stimuli and prompts preparation for adaptive reactions. Contrast with Affect Infusion Model (AIM).

Our attention tends to be directed towards anything that elicits emotion - particularly negative emotion. This bias usually helps us pick out potential threats in our immediate environment.

Reference:

Pool, E., Brosch, T., Delplanque, S., & Sander, D. (2016). Attentional bias for positive emotional stimuli: A meta-analytic investigation. Psychological Bulletin, 142(1), 79-106. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/bul0000026