From family weddings and overseas holidays to the excitement of Christmas and time spent with close friends, we all have happy, positive moments in our lives that we remember fondly. And when we think of those times, the positive emotions often come flooding back.
But apart from making us feel good in the moment, do these positive emotions serve any function for us longer term? It’s a question the field of positive psychology has spent years researching.
The short answer is, yes, they do. Feeling good not only helps us enjoy the present moment but also builds valuable skills and resources for the future.
The longer answer can be explained using one of the theories that has come out of this research – the broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions.
The broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions
Developed by psychologist Barbara Fredrickson, the broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions provides a framework for understanding how positive emotions help build enduring personal resources.
It argues that positive emotions such as joy, interest, contentment, and love have a broadening effect on our minds.
Positive emotions broaden our minds
When we feel positive emotions like joy, love, or interest, our minds open. We think more creatively and see more possibilities. For example, when we’re happy, we’re more likely to try new activities, solve problems in different ways, and connect with new people.
The introverted among us find ourselves feeling more extravert. Socialising is easier and conversations flow more naturally.
Feeling positive emotions can result in us feeling happier, more confident, and more willing to try new things. It can help us to think more creatively, to connect with more people, and generally feel good about ourselves.
This “broadening” effect helps us explore the world and think outside the box.
It’s much harder to do this when the emotions we feel are negative, when we don’t feel confident or energised, and when the thought of meeting new people and trying new things fill us with dread.
In contrast to negative emotions, which narrow our focus to deal with immediate threats (fight or flight response), positive emotions expand our awareness and encourage novel, varied, and exploratory thoughts and actions (Fredrickson and Branigan, 2005).
Building lasting resources
The broadening effect helps us build various personal resources over time. These resources can be physical, intellectual, social, or psychological, and they provide long-term benefits that enhance our overall well-being and resilience.
Physical resources
Positive emotions can lead to healthier lifestyle choices, such as regular exercise and balanced nutrition, which in turn improve physical health and longevity. Engaging in activities that bring joy and contentment, and also generate flow, like sports or hobbies, can also reduce stress and boost the immune system.
Intellectual resources
By fostering curiosity and interest, positive emotions encourage learning and intellectual growth. This can result in acquiring new skills, gaining knowledge, and enhancing cognitive abilities, all of which are valuable assets in both personal and professional life.
Social resources
Positive emotions strengthen our relationships by promoting trust, empathy, and cooperation. Strong social bonds provide emotional support, a sense of belonging, and opportunities for collaboration and mutual growth.
These enriched social connections are crucial for mental health and can serve as a buffer against stress and adversity (Sekerka, Vacharkulksemsuk and Fredrickson, 2011)
Psychological resources
Experiencing positive emotions regularly can build psychological resilience and a sense of purpose. This helps individuals cope better with challenges and setbacks, maintain a positive outlook on life, and persist in the face of difficulties. Over time, this resilience can lead to increased life satisfaction and a greater sense of well-being.
The final word
It may have already been obvious, but seeking out and savouring positive emotions, we can enhance our health, relationships, and overall well-being in the long term, leading to a richer, more fulfilling and resilient life.
Sources
Fredrickson, B.L. and Branigan, C., 2005. Positive emotions broaden the scope of attention and thought‐action repertoires. Cognition & emotion, 19(3), pp.313-332.
Sekerka, L.E., Vacharkulksemsuk, T. and Fredrickson, B.L., 2011. Positive Emotions. In The Oxford Handbook of Positive Organizational Scholarship.
