Which term describes focusing on positive details in events?

• A. Interpretation bias
• B. Pollyanna principle
• C. Resuscitation
• D. Attention bias

Answer: (D)

The Pollyanna principle describes a tendency to interpret and remember events in a positive light, focusing on favorable details and minimizing negative ones. This bias shapes how people recall experiences, talk about them, and even how they anticipate future events. In aging and end-of-life contexts, it can help maintain mood and resilience by emphasizing hopeful or agreeable aspects of experiences, conversations, and care moments. At the same time, it can sometimes downplay real concerns or warning signs that deserve attention.

Interpretation bias is a broader idea about leaning toward interpretations that fit one’s beliefs, which can be positive or negative, not specifically about favoring positive details. Attention bias refers to what captures attention in the moment, often influenced by emotions or threat, rather than a general habit of highlighting positive aspects of events. Resuscitation is unrelated to cognitive processing of event details.