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Block 2 Positive Emotional States and Processes

Unit 6 Positive Affect and Positive Emotions

1. Discuss the broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions by Barbara Fredrickson.

Barbara Fredrickson's broaden-and-build theory proposes that positive emotions broaden our thought-action repertoires, making us more creative, flexible, and open to new experiences. This broadening helps to build lasting personal resources such as intellectual, psychological, social and physical resources, which lead to greater well-being. The theory suggests that positive emotions are not simply fleeting feelings but contribute to personal growth and resilience.

2. Explain the upward spiral of positive emotions with a suitable example.

The upward spiral of positive emotions refers to the process where experiencing positive emotions leads to broadened thinking and action, which in turn, facilitates further positive experiences, creating an upward cycle. For example, experiencing joy in a social interaction can lead to increased social connection, which then leads to further positive experiences and emotions, resulting in greater wellbeing.

3. Compare and contrast between problem-focused coping and emotion-focused coping.

Problem-focused coping is a strategy aimed at addressing the source of stress directly by taking steps to change the situation causing stress. This may involve active problem solving, time management, or planning. Emotion-focused coping is a strategy aimed at managing the emotional responses to stress, such as reducing anxiety or sadness, and may involve relaxation, meditation or seeking social support. While both strategies are important, problem-focused coping is more effective when the stressor is controllable and emotion-focused coping is more suitable for uncontrollable stressors.

4. Explain the importance of emotional intelligence in managing emotions effectively.

Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand, use, and manage one's own emotions and the emotions of others. Emotional intelligence is crucial for managing emotions because it involves self-awareness which facilitates recognition of one's emotions and their impact. Self-regulation assists in managing impulsive reactions. Motivation involves using emotions to achieve goals, and empathy allows one to understand the emotions of others and thus build relationships. Social skills enable effective communication and interaction.

5. Analyse the benefits of emotional storytelling and highlight the role of culture in this.

Emotional storytelling provides a safe outlet to express and process negative emotions by narrating personal experiences, particularly those that are difficult or traumatic. This process helps in cognitive restructuring, allowing one to understand and manage difficult emotions. It can promote self-compassion and self-acceptance and reduce emotional distress.

Culture plays a role in shaping emotional expression. Some cultures might encourage more open expression of emotions, while others may encourage restraint. Cultural norms influence the content and style of stories that are shared, and how they are interpreted. For example, collectivist cultures may value stories that emphasise social harmony and relationships. Understanding these cultural nuances is essential in applying emotional storytelling effectively.

6. What are secondary emotions?

Secondary emotions are combinations of emotions in terms of types and intensity.

7. Who has given the wheel of emotions?

Plutchik developed the wheel of emotions.

8. Differentiate between mood and emotion.

Mood refers to our general emotional state, whereas emotions are specific temporary emotional states that are related to specific objects, situations, or events.

9. What is valence?

Valence refers to appraising a stimulus or event as pleasurable or painful.

10. Who is the pioneer in the field of research on positive emotions?

Dr. Alice Isen is a pioneer in the field of research on positive emotions.

11. Explain the broadening effect of positive emotions.

The broadening effect of positive emotions refers to being in a cognitively flexible mode after experiencing a positive emotion, where we become more open to creative and diverse thinking and engage in different actions.

12. What is the pioneering book by Daniel Goleman?

The pioneering book by Daniel Goleman is Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ?.

13. Who have proposed the four-branch ability model of emotional intelligence?

Peter Salovey and John Mayer proposed the four-branch ability model of emotional intelligence.

14. What are the five components of emotional intelligence as proposed by Goleman?

Goleman's five components of emotional intelligence are: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills.

15. What is the focus of the theory of socioemotional selectivity?

The theory of socioemotional selectivity states that older persons tend to select or focus more on positive emotions as compared to younger people.

16. What is emotional storytelling?

Emotional storytelling involves narrating your story, especially related to adverse or traumatic experiences, which provides an opportunity to express and process the negative emotions.

Important Points

1. According to the broaden-and-build theory, positive emotions lead to momentary thought-action repertoires. Negative emotions narrow our focus.
2. Experiencing positive emotions can undo the lingering effects of negative emotions.
3. Problem-focused coping strategies primarily focus on addressing the source of stress, while emotion-focused coping deals directly with emotions.
4. Social support acts as a buffer to reduce the negative impact of stressful experiences.