Positive emotions enhance mental health and life satisfaction
14 Feb 2011 | PsychCentral
When experiencing an episode of depression, there are often some
triggering events that lead to a gradual downward spiral of
emotional and physical health. People become more and more
overwhelmed and stressed, and begin to deteriorate emotionally,
physically, and socially, ultimately becoming exhausted, depressed,
and hopeless.
So, the big question is… if negative emotions lead to a narrow
view of problem solving and coping, and when chronic, tend to
prompt a downward spiral in mood, could there also be an upward
spiral that expands thinking and problem solving capabilities from
experiencing positive emotions?
Some of the most fascinating research in positive psychology has
come from Barbara Fredrickson in examining this
concept. Fredrickson is probably best known for her
Broaden-and-Build Theory of Positive Emotions. In this theory
she proposes, "that the positive emotions broaden an individual's
momentary mindset, and by doing so help to build enduring personal
resources.
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