Positive Emotions & Well-Being

The broaden-and-build theory hypothesizes that positive emotions broaden attention and thought-action urges and in doing so build durable biopsychosocial resources over time which supports an upward spiral toward well-being. Substantiating this framework, evidence shows that positive emotions grow psychological resources such as resilience, leading to enhanced subjective wellbeing over time. Positive emotions appear to also improve physical health through assisting health behavior maintenance and impacting the body’s biophysiological systems such as the cardiovascular system. However, the pursuit of positive emotions does not always have positive results. The relationship between the variety of positive emotions and well-being appears to be moderated by cultural contexts. Extreme, inappropriate positive emotions and an excessive desire to feel good may result in negative health and social outcomes. We recommend that to improve wellbeing, one may pursue culturally appropriate emotions through effective means such as prioritizing decisions and activities that generate positive emotions.