On Studying Positive Emotions

Fredrickson (2000) presents a provocative new model of the function of positive emotions. The originality and significance of her approach lies in the implications of the broaden-and-build model for the study of optimal human functioning. That is, Fredrickson makes a persuasive case that learning how to cultivate positive emotions will ultimately advance knowledge of how to enhance health, resilience, and well-being. In this article, a number of questions raised by the concepts of "broadening" and "building" are discussed. For example, it is argued that the broadening concept needs greater definitional precision. Fredrickson's analysis may also benefit from consideration of the conditions under which negative emotions "broaden and build" and positive emotions have narrowing or negative effects. Finally, because of the model's immense generativity and a lack of sufficient empirical evidence, it is critical that Fredrickson's hypotheses be put to empirical test. Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Sonja Lyubomirsky, Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California 92521. E-mail: [email protected] Fredrickson (2000) has proposed a provocative new model of the function of positive emotions. According to the broaden-and-build model, positive emotions broaden people's "momentary thought–action repertoires" and build their physical, social, and intellectual resources. Applying this model to a diverse set of research findings on strategies for treating problems associated with negative emotions (e.g., relaxation, behavioral, and cognitive therapies), Fredrickson persuasively argues that these strategies share a common mechanism underlying their effectiveness — that is, all of them evoke positive emotions. Because the