Negative beliefs, thoughts or emotions are common after trauma because they help you feel protected and in control — if you’re am always expecting the worst, you won’t be disappointed.
A "negative outlook" means having persistent difficult thoughts, emotions or beliefs that make it hard to feel joy or safety.
For a PTSD diagnosis, you'll have two or more types of “negative” thinking patterns: blaming yourself, difficult emotions like fear, guilt or anger, and a loss of feeling joy or contentment.