Two Explanations for Negativity Effects in Political Behavior

Abstract

Evidence is provided for two different types of negativity effects in political behavior, a perceptual figure-ground negativity based on the greater salience of negative information in a largely positive world, and a motivational cost orientation negativity based on the survival value of avoiding costs rather than approaching gains. It is argued that the perception of presidential candidates is affected by both types of negativity effects, but that negativity in congressional elections is based solely on perceptual processes. The implications of these two different types of negativity effects for the future of American politics are discussed.