The Role of Positive Emotions in Positive Psychology. The Broaden-and-build Theory of Positive Emotions

Overview

Journal Am Psychol

Publisher American Psychological Association

Specialty Psychology

Date 2001 Apr 24

PMID 11315248

Citations 1616

Authors

B L Fredrickson

Affiliations

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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.

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