Concept · Cognitive Bias: Memory biases and distortions
Rosy retrospection
Origin: Mitchell et al., 1997
Biological Parallel
Negative affect fades faster than positive in most mammals—rats stressed by novel environments show diminishing fear responses over time while positive spatial memories persist. This is adaptive emotional editing: painful memories deter immediate repetition, but fading negative affect prevents past pain from paralyzing future exploration. Rosy retrospection isn't distortion; it's recalibration that prevents historical suffering from blocking present opportunities.