Broaden-and-build theory

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The Broaden-and-build theory of Barbara Fredrickson describes the action and mind expansion consequences of positive emotions. It is based on the work of Alice Eisen and is an important pillar of positive psychology .

Assumptions

In general, the theory is based on the assumption that emotions can influence perception and behavior. Positive emotions such as lust, interest, satisfaction, pride and love have an expanding effect, while a threatening situation requires a restriction in order to preserve life through e.g. B. to secure escape or attack.

If positive emotions are felt, they do not have a direct effect on ensuring survival, but this creates a motivational basis for activities that can develop into personal resources that can be used over the long term. This creates a positive upward spiral that can continue on its own, as repeated experience of positive emotions ultimately has a motivating effect.

literature

  • Barbara L. Fredrickson: The Role of Positive Emotions in Positive Psychology . In: The American psychologist . tape 56 , no. 3 , 2001, ISSN  0003-066X , p. 218-226 , PMID 11315248 , PMC 3122271 (free full text).
  • Barbara L Fredrickson: The broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions. In: Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences . tape 359 , no. 1449 , September 29, 2004, ISSN  0962-8436 , p. 1367-1378 , doi : 10.1098 / rstb.2004.1512 , PMID 15347528 , PMC 1693418 (free full text).