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.

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