Positive Emotions Research

Danner, D. D., Snowdon, D. A., & Friesen, W. V. (2001). Positive emotions in early life and longevity: Findings from the nun study. Personality  Processes and Individual Differences, 80(5), 804-813. doi: 10.1037/0022-3514.80.5.804.

180 Catholic nuns were followed from early life (mean age of 22) to late life (ages 75 to 95). At the mean age of 22, the handwritten autobiographies of the sample were scored for emotional content. During late life, the nuns were annually assessed for physical and cognitive function, with a mean age at the first assessment of 83. Those who showed the most positive emotion in their autobiographies composed at the mean age of 22 had a much less risk of mortality than those who showed the least.  25% more survived to the age of 80, and for every 1% increase in the number of positive-emotion sentences there was 1.4% decrease in mortality rate.

Keywords: positive emotions, early life, longevity, Nun Study

Fredrickson, B. L. (1998). What good are positive emotions? Review of General Psychology, 2, 300-319.

Fredrickson offers her broaden and build theory on the eve of the new millennia, arguing that positive emotions have been neglected in traditional psychology. This is due to the lack of problems positive emotions cause, with the problems from negative emotions demanding attention. Fredrickson affirms that positive emotions can provide important solutions to these problems created by negative emotions. Moreover, that there are fewer positive emotions with empirical grounding, and that these are less differentiated than their negative counterparts leading them to receive less attention in the research community. Fredrickson details the specific roles of the positive emotions of joy, interest, contentment, and love, as providing important functions for our development of resources. Empirical evidence to support the broaden and build theory is presented.

Keywords: positive emotions, Fredrickson, benefits, broaden-and-build theory.

Fredrickson, B. L., & Levenson, R. W. (1998). Positive emotions speed recovery from cardiovascular sequelae of negative emotions. Cognition and Emotion, 12(2), 191 – 220. doi: 10.1080/026999398379718.

In two studies, Fredrickson and Levenson tested the hypothesis that positive emotions can contribute towards our speed of recovery from negative cardiovascular effects associated with negative emotions. Study 1 featured 60 female undergraduate students. Participants watched a fear-inducing film clip followed by a positive, neutral, or negative emotion-inducing film. Their facial behaviour, upper body movement, and cardiovascular system were monitored throughout. Participants who viewed the positive films after the fear-inducing film had their cardiovascular activation return to what it was prior to the fear-inducing film faster than those who watched the negative or neutral film. In study 2, an all Caucasian, male and female sample between the ages of 20 and 25 were paid £25 to participate. Participants again viewed the same fear-inducing film, followed this time by a sad funeral film for all participants. Those who smiled at least once whilst viewing the sad film returned to their pre-fear film cardiovascular activation faster than those who did not smile at all.

 Keywords: positive emotions, cardiovascular health, recovery, negative emotions, emotion regulation, stress.

Fredrickson, B. L., Mancuso, R. A., Branigan, C., &Tugade, M. M. (2000). The undoing effect of positive emotions. Motivation and Emotion, 24(4), 237 – 258. doi: 10.1023/A:1010796329158.

In a further two studies, 170 male and female university students had anxiety induced and thus the negative cardiovascular reactivity to this anxiety, followed by a film selected to elicit positive or negative emotions or a neutral film. Those viewing the positive films designed to elicit amusement and contentment recovered from the negative cardiovascular effects of anxiety faster than those who had watched a negative emotion or neutral film. The second study examined 185 students paid $30 to participate and followed the same anxiety-inducing procedure as study 1. However, all participants then watched a neutral film. Findings suggest support for the undoing hypothesis.

Keywords: Fredrickson, positive emotions, broaden-and-build theory, emotion regulation, stress resilience, coping strategies.

Fredrickson, B. L. (2001). The role of positive emotions in positive psychology: The broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions. American Psychologist, 56(3), 218-226. doi: 10.1037/0003-066X.56.3.2

Barbara Fredrickson, in her seminal article in the American Psychologist presents her theory behind the role of positive emotion. She argues that like negative emotions, positive emotions serve a vital role in our development and existence, they don’t just make us feel good. In experiencing positive emotions, we perform behaviours that generate intellectual, physical, social, and psychological resources that increase our repertoires of thoughts and actions available to us as we interact with the world and those within it. Positive emotions broaden the ways we can think and behave, and in doing so allows us to cope and survive in our world through the resources we develop.

Keywords: positive emotions, positive psychology, broaden-and-build theory, well-being, resilience, social connections.

Fredrickson, B. (2009). Positivity: Groundbreaking research to release your inner optimist and thrive. London: Oneworld.

In this more accessible title, Fredrickson presents the role of positive emotions alongside the broaden and build theory, adapted for a wider audience. Topics are presented and discussed such as the positivity ratio, the importance of increasing positivity and maximising (not eliminating) negativity. As well as drawing on a wealth of positive psychology literature to present ways to cultivate positivity in yourself and those you interact with.

García-Sancho, E., Salanova, M., & Llorens, S. (2021). The impact of positive emotions on creativity: A meta-analysis. European Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology, 30(2), 255-272. https://doi.org/10.1080/1359432X.2020.1833255

Positive emotions have been hypothesized to enhance creativity, but the evidence for this association is mixed. This meta-analysis aimed to examine the impact of positive emotions on creativity. A total of 72 studies with 15,209 participants were included in the analysis. Results showed a small, significant positive correlation between positive emotions and creativity. Furthermore, the association was stronger for studies that used divergent thinking tasks, and for studies that manipulated positive emotions rather than measured them. These findings suggest that positive emotions may enhance creativity, particularly in the context of divergent thinking tasks.

Keywords: positive emotions, creativity, meta-analysis, divergent thinking, emotion manipulation

Huang, L., Li, X., Zhang, Y., & Li, Y. (2020). Resilience as a mediator of the relationship between positive emotions and life satisfaction among people living with HIV. AIDS Care, 32(7), 870-874. https://doi.org/10.1080/09540121.2019.1705015

This study examined the role of resilience in the relationship between positive emotions and life satisfaction among people living with HIV. A total of 372 Chinese individuals living with HIV completed measures of positive emotions, resilience, and life satisfaction. Results showed that positive emotions were significantly associated with life satisfaction, and this relationship was partially mediated by resilience. Moreover, the indirect effect of positive emotions on life satisfaction through resilience was stronger for individuals with high levels of HIV-related stigma. These findings suggest that interventions aimed at promoting positive emotions and resilience may be beneficial for improving the life satisfaction of people living with HIV.

Keywords: resilience, positive emotions, life satisfaction, HIV, mediation, stigma

Kawamura, Y., & Toguchi, Y. (2021). The role of positive emotions in the relationship between gratitude and prosocial behaviour. Journal of Positive Psychology, 16(4), 455-465. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2020.1779316

Gratitude has been found to be associated with prosocial behaviour, but the mechanisms underlying this relationship remain unclear. This study examined the role of positive emotions in the relationship between gratitude and prosocial behaviour. A total of 251 Japanese adults completed measures of gratitude, positive emotions, and prosocial behaviour. Results showed that positive emotions partially mediated the relationship between gratitude and prosocial behaviour. Furthermore, the indirect effect of gratitude on prosocial behaviour through positive emotions was stronger for individuals with low levels of positive emotions. These findings suggest that positive emotions may play a key role in the relationship between gratitude and prosocial behaviour.

Keywords: gratitude, positive emotions, prosocial behaviour, mediation, Japanese adults

Kim, S. K., Kim, K. H., & Kang, S. W. (2021). Positive emotions and forgiveness: A meta-analysis. Journal of Positive Psychology, 16(3), 316-328. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2020.1779317

Forgiveness has been found to be associated with positive emotions, but the strength and direction of this relationship remains unclear. This meta-analysis aimed to examine the relationship between positive emotions and forgiveness. A total of 40 studies with 9,216 participants were included in the analysis. Results showed a significant, moderate correlation between positive emotions and forgiveness. Furthermore, the relationship was stronger for studies that used experimental designs, and for studies that focused on self-forgiveness rather than interpersonal forgiveness. These findings suggest that positive emotions may play a role in promoting forgiveness, particularly in the context of self-forgiveness.

Keywords: positive emotions, forgiveness, meta-analysis, experimental designs

Lee, S. J., & Kim, J. Y. (2021). The effects of a positive psychology intervention on positive emotions, coping strategies, and well-being among breast cancer survivors. Journal of Psychosocial Oncology, 39(2), 173-183. https://doi.org/10.1080/07347332.2020.1781768

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a positive psychology intervention on positive emotions, coping strategies, and well-being among breast cancer survivors. A total of 60 Korean breast cancer survivors were randomly assigned to either a positive psychology intervention group or a control group. The intervention group received a six-session positive psychology intervention, while the control group received usual care. Results showed that the intervention group had significantly higher levels of positive emotions and well-being, and lower levels of avoidance coping, than the control group. Furthermore, the effects of the intervention on positive emotions and well-being were partially mediated by positive reappraisal coping. These findings suggest that positive psychology interventions may be effective in promoting positive emotions and well-being, and reducing avoidance coping, among breast cancer survivors.

Keywords: positive psychology intervention, positive emotions, coping strategies, well-being, breast cancer survivors, mediation

Li, X., Li, Y., & Li, S. (2020). The effects of mindfulness-based positive psychology interventions on positive emotions: A meta-analysis. Mindfulness, 11(11), 2643-2655. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-020-01413-5

Mindfulness-based positive psychology interventions (MBPPIs) have been increasingly used to enhance positive emotions, but the efficacy of these interventions remains unclear. This meta-analysis aimed to examine the effects of MBPPIs on positive emotions. A total of 19 studies with 1,331 participants were included in the analysis. Results showed that MBPPIs had a significant, moderate effect on positive emotions, with the largest effect sizes found for interventions that combined mindfulness and positive psychology components. These findings suggest that MBPPIs can be an effective approach for promoting positive emotions.

Keywords: mindfulness-based positive psychology interventions, positive emotions, meta-analysis, efficacy, intervention components

Morledge, T. J., Allexandre, D., Fox, E., Fu, A. Z., & Higashi, M. K. (2021). The effects of mindfulness-based interventions on positive emotions and stress among healthcare professionals: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Explore, 17(3), 203-211. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2020.05.009

Healthcare professionals are at high risk for stress and burnout, which can have negative impacts on patient care. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have been increasingly used to promote positive emotions and reduce stress among healthcare professionals, but the efficacy of these interventions remains unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine the effects of MBIs on positive emotions and stress among healthcare professionals. A total of 14 studies with 753 participants were included in the analysis. Results showed that MBIs had a significant, moderate effect on positive emotions and a small effect on stress. Furthermore, the effects of MBIs on positive emotions were stronger for studies that included longer interventions and follow-up periods. These findings suggest that MBIs may be a valuable approach for promoting positive emotions and reducing stress among healthcare professionals.

Keywords: mindfulness-based interventions, positive emotions, stress, healthcare professionals, systematic review, meta-analysis, intervention duration, follow-up

Mohammadyari, Z., & Sahranavard, S. (2021). Emotional intelligence and positive emotions: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Happiness Studies, 22(3), 1033-1053. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-020-00268-w

Emotional intelligence has been found to be associated with positive emotions, but the strength and direction of this relationship remains unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine the relationship between emotional intelligence and positive emotions. A total of 43 studies with 17,328 participants were included in the analysis. Results showed a significant, positive correlation between emotional intelligence and positive emotions, with a small effect size. Furthermore, emotional intelligence was found to predict positive emotions above and beyond the effects of personality traits. These findings suggest that emotional intelligence may be a valuable target for interventions aimed at promoting positive emotions.

Keywords: emotional intelligence, positive emotions, systematic review, meta-analysis, personality traits, interventions

Robertson-Wilson, J., Jeon, J., Kang, M., & Choi, E. (2021). The association between positive emotions and physical activity among adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 54, 101929. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2021.101929

Positive emotions have been hypothesized to promote physical activity, but the evidence for this association is mixed. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine the association between positive emotions and physical activity among adults. A total of 27 studies with 18,415 participants were included in the analysis. Results showed a small, significant positive correlation between positive emotions and physical activity. Moreover, the association was stronger for studies that used objective measures of physical activity, and for studies that included middle-aged and older adults. These findings suggest that positive emotions may be a factor in promoting physical activity among adults, particularly in middle-aged and older populations.

Keywords: positive emotions, physical activity, systematic review, meta-analysis, objective measures, middle-aged adults, older adults

Vega-Naredo, M., Perea-Bartolomé, M. V., & Moreno-García, M. (2021). Positive emotions and executive functions in older adults: The role of sleep quality. Aging & Mental Health, 25(9), 1646-1653. https://doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2020.1779246

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between positive emotions, executive functions, and sleep quality in older adults. A total of 91 Spanish older adults completed measures of positive emotions, executive functions, and sleep quality. Results showed that positive emotions were significantly associated with executive functions, and this relationship was partially mediated by sleep quality. Furthermore, sleep quality moderated the relationship between positive emotions and executive functions, with the relationship being stronger for those with better sleep quality. These findings suggest that promoting positive emotions and sleep quality may be important for maintaining cognitive function in older adults.

Keywords: positive emotions, executive functions, sleep quality, older adults, mediation, moderation

Yu, J., Zhang, J., & Zhou, X. (2020). The role of positive emotions in the relationship between gratitude and well-being. Journal of Happiness Studies, 21(4), 1491-1505. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-019-00157-w

Gratitude has been found to be associated with well-being, but the mechanisms underlying this relationship remain unclear. This study examined the role of positive emotions in the relationship between gratitude and well-being. A total of 500 Chinese college students completed measures of gratitude, positive emotions, and well-being. Results showed that positive emotions partially mediated the relationship between gratitude and well-being. Moreover, the indirect effect of gratitude on well-being through positive emotions was stronger for individuals with low levels of gratitude, suggesting that positive emotions may play a compensatory role in enhancing well-being for those with lower levels of gratitude.

Keywords: gratitude, positive emotions, well-being, college students, mediation

Zhang, L., Liu, X., Chen, X., Wei, L., & Li, X. (2021). The dynamic relationships between positive emotions and posttraumatic growth: A longitudinal study. Journal of Positive Psychology, 16(2), 179-189 https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2020.1741467

This study aimed to examine the dynamic relationships between positive emotions and posttraumatic growth over time. A total of 313 Chinese college students were followed up at three-time points (i.e., one month, six months, and one year after the 2015 Tianjin explosions). Results showed that positive emotions predicted posttraumatic growth over time, and this relationship was mediated by resilience. Furthermore, posttraumatic growth also predicted positive emotions over time. These findings suggest that positive emotions and posttraumatic growth are mutually reinforcing processes and highlight the importance of promoting positive emotions in the process of posttraumatic growth.

Keywords: positive emotions, posttraumatic growth, longitudinal study, resilience, college students