The role of positive emotions in positive psychology. The broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions.
In this article, the author describes a new theoretical perspective on positive emotions and situates this new perspective within the emerging field of positive psychology. The broaden-and-build theory posits that experiences of positive emotions broaden people's momentary thought-action repertoires, which in turn serves to build their enduring personal resources, ranging from physical and intellectual resources to social and psychological resources. Preliminary empirical evidence supporting the broaden-and-build theory is reviewed, and open empirical questions that remain to be tested are identified. The theory and findings suggest that the capacity to experience positive emotions may be a fundamental human strength central to the study of human flourishing.
Fredrickson
B L
BL
Department of Psychology and Research Center for Group Dynamics, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, 525 East University Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1109, USA. blf@umich.edu
D000339:Affect; D006801:Humans; D011582:Psychological Theory; D011584:Psychology