vix.ing · top · new · best · stats · spec

The role of positive emotions in positive psychology: The broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions.

2001/03/01 by Barbara L. Fredrickson · 179 citations
Psychology · #Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction #Emotional Intelligence and Performance #Leadership, Courage, and Heroism Studies

paper · doi:10.1037/0003-066x.56.3.218

Abstract

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.

Citations

Cited by

Related