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Introduction to Broaden and Build Theory
Introduction to Broaden and Build Theory
The Broaden and Build Theory, proposed by Barbara Fredrickson who is a PhD - Kenan Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience, and Director of the Positive Emotions and Psychophysiology Laboratory at UNC-Chapel Hill, Cancer Prevention and Control, suggests that positive emotions play a crucial role in expanding our cognitive and behavioral repertoire, which helps in building lasting personal resources (Barbara Fredrickson, n.d.).
Unlike negative emotions, which narrow our focus, positive emotions broaden our awareness and encourage novel, varied, and exploratory thoughts and actions.
Key Concepts
Key Concepts
1. Broaden Effect: Positive emotions widen the array of thoughts and actions that come to mind, enhancing creativity and openness to new experiences.
2. Build Effect: Over time, the broadening effect of positive emotions helps build enduring personal resources, such as resilience, social connections, and knowledge, which can be drawn upon in times of need.
The theory has practical implications in various fields, including psychology, education, and healthcare. By fostering positive emotions, individuals can enhance their overall well-being and ability to cope with adversity.
To gain a deeper understanding of the Broaden and Build Theory, you can watch Barbara Fredrickson discuss her theory in the following videos:
The Broaden and Build Theory emphasizes that positive emotions such as joy, interest, and love broaden an individual's momentary thought-action repertoire. This expansion leads to the building of valuable physical, intellectual, and social resources over time. For instance, joy sparks the urge to play and be creative, while interest motivates exploration and learning.
The Broaden and Build Theory emphasizes that positive emotions such as joy, interest, and love broaden an individual's momentary thought-action repertoire. This expansion leads to the building of valuable physical, intellectual, and social resources over time. For instance, joy sparks the urge to play and be creative, while interest motivates exploration and learning.
Also, the research article by Fredrickson and Joiner (2002) provides empirical evidence supporting the Broaden and Build Theory. The study found that individuals who experienced positive emotions were more likely to develop a range of resources over time. These resources included increased mindfulness, purpose in life, social support, and decreased depressive symptoms. The findings highlight the significant role of positive emotions in enhancing long-term well-being and personal growth.
Also, the research article by Fredrickson and Joiner (2002) provides empirical evidence supporting the Broaden and Build Theory. The study found that individuals who experienced positive emotions were more likely to develop a range of resources over time. These resources included increased mindfulness, purpose in life, social support, and decreased depressive symptoms. The findings highlight the significant role of positive emotions in enhancing long-term well-being and personal growth.
By integrating these insights, individuals and practitioners can leverage the Broaden and Build Theory to foster environments that promote positive emotions and build enduring personal resources (Fredrickson, 2004).
By integrating these insights, individuals and practitioners can leverage the Broaden and Build Theory to foster environments that promote positive emotions and build enduring personal resources (Fredrickson, 2004).
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