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

2001; American Psychological Association; Volume: 56; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1037//0003-066x.56.3.218

1935-990X

Barbara L. Fredrickson,

Emotional Intelligence and Performance

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.