Final answer:
Cognitive reframing, or reframing, is a psychological technique used to change the perception of a situation by viewing it in a more positive light. It is used to transform negative viewpoints into positive ones and can be applied in personal, professional, and societal contexts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The technique of regarding a negative situation in a different way by putting a positive spin on it is commonly known as cognitive reframing or simply reframing. This psychological strategy involves changing the way one thinks about a potentially stressful or negative situation in order to see it in a more positive light or to lessen its impact.
For instance, consider a situation in which a sports player loses a game. Instead of seeing it solely as a failure, the athlete might reframe the situation by considering the loss as an opportunity to learn and improve for future games.
Similarly, in response to someone who perceives a story as a downer, one might diplomatically reframe the story's outcome to highlight its underlying message of resilience or hope, thus changing the perception from negative to positive.
In the wider context of society, politicians and media often use reframing in various ways, such as negative campaigning or 'framing' a news story to influence public opinion. Overall, the process of reframing is a valuable skill in both personal and professional realms, enabling individuals to maintain a more positive outlook even in the face of adversity.