What might be the brain basis for the positivity bias? Carstensen believes that it is caused by top-down (volitional) changes in motivated cognition that shift priorities toward emotionally satisfying goals. Indeed, two areas associated with selective attention and these kinds of motivated cognition are the ventral-medial region of the prefrontal cortex and the adjacent anterior cingulate cortex. These areas have been shown to be especially active in older adults, and this may be contributing to older adults’ positivity and well-being.
