Positive Psychology Positive Emotion

Positive Emotions… Experiencing a broad range of positive emotions and developing skills and knowledge to anticipate , initiate, experience, prolong and build positive experiences.

Building Positive Emotions… Think about 1 of the 10 positive emotions. Which would you like to build more of into your life? Note: Experiences that bring this emotion alive for me are… Specific ways that I can bring more of this emotion into my life are…

Negative vs. Positive Emotions… Negative emotions - harmful to your health, shorten your life and adversely impact school, work and relationships. Positive emotions provide a buffer against depression and illness. Positive emotions increase problem- solving ability and creativity.

Negative vs. Positive Emotions (video) …

Getting the balance right…

Positive Emotion… People who experience positive emotions tend to have greater success in numerous areas of life: More satisfied with their lives. More rewarding relationships. More productive and satisfied at their job. More helpful to other people. More likely to reach desired goals in life.

Emotions Affect… How you think. What you pay attention to. The evaluations you make of the world. What you consider important and valuable. How you make decisions and judgements. Your identity and self-concept. Your relationships.

The Negativity Bias… Our emotional responses are biased to correcting mistakes, rather than recognising what went well… Evolution has seen to it that we: Remember failures more than success. Analyse bad events more than good events.

Three good things… Participants were instructed to write down three good things that occurred throughout the day. Studies of this exercise have shown that counting one’s blessings increases happiness and decreases symptoms of depression for up to 6 months of follow-up. Participants who continued the exercise beyond the suggested 1 week experienced longer-term benefits.

Broaden and Build theory… Positive emotions: Broaden our thinking and attention. Build our resources and enhance resilience. Undo the impact of negative emotions and trigger upward spirals.

More energy Positive connections Positive emotions Broaden awareness mindfulness rumination Narrowed focus Negative emotions disconnected Less energy

Positive Emotions Build… Positive emotions build resources and enhance resilience. Psychological and mental resources optimistic resilient Accepting open open minded driven by purpose Mindful self aware Physical and social resources increased bond-related hormones social connections Enhanced immune system reduced stress hormones increased growth related hormones