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Lately we have had some discussion about positive emotions (left
frontal lobe activity) vs. negative emotions (limbic system activity).
Fredrickson argues here (and elsewhere) that the positive spectrum of
emotions is related to broader intellect, and the negative ones with a
constricted intellect. Here is a very important article on this topic,
or at least the abstract. If anyone wants a PDF of this, I can provide
it.<br>
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<td align="left"><font size="-1">American Psychologist</font></td>
<td align="right"><font size="-1"><a
href="http://www.apa.org/about/copyright.html">© 2001 by the American
Psychological Association</a></font></td>
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<td align="left"><font size="-1">March 2001 Vol. 56, No. 3,
218-226</font></td>
<td align="right"><font size="-1">For personal use only--not for
distribution.</font></td>
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<h3>The Role of Positive Emotions in Positive Psychology<br>
The Broaden-and-Build Theory of Positive Emotions</h3>
<strong>Barbara L. Fredrickson</strong>
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Department of Psychology, University of Michigan<br>
Research Center for Group Dynamics at the Institute for Social
Research, University of Michigan
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<strong>ABSTRACT</strong>
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<blockquote>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.</blockquote>
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