Positive Psychology: Positivity By Barbara L. Fredrickson

Positive Psychology is a field of psychology which began in the late 1990s that is described by its emphasis on positive emotions such as pleasure, tranquility, confidence, pride, motivation, wonder, appreciation, interest, enjoyment, and love. Positivity by Barbara L. Fredrickson is a self-help book built on thorough research of Positive Psychology. This book was very influential and allows one to do self-assessment. It holds various concepts which deeply refer to positivity vs. negativity.

The first concept developed by Dr. Fredrickson is labeled “Broaden-and-Build Theory”, which is an essential and common theory in psychology. This theory describes how increasing positive emotions create an upward spiral which leads to future positive emotions and to creative thinking. Such thinking enhances your psychological strengths which allow you to be a much more accepting and drive person. This theory contributes to a more social personality and better physical and mental health. The logistics of how and why this theory works are captivating to me. Those who spend time working on increasing positive emotions and seek pleasure for a better attitude will have mind changing experiences lead from this theory.

A second concept mentioned is the idea of a “Positive Ratio.” This is referring to the ratio of positive to negative emotions necessary to obtain the “Broaden and Build effect.” In order to properly grow it benefits if people have 3 or more positive emotional experiences for every 1 negative emotion. One can actually use this calculation to do psychological detective work in your own day to day experience. Self-monitoring is described as an effective psychological mediation. It takes some effort and time, but the information taken a...

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...ressed up an old but modern use of the word: positivity. Fredrickson first makes great points to tell us exactly what positivity is not. First, it is not happiness, a word she finds "overused. Her conclusions are based not on mere guesses or personal epiphanies but, instead, on science. Specifically, on "positive psychology," as it's also known, a growing field that lends experimental credibility to a subject that philosophers have contemplated for centuries. Some of Fredrickson's conclusions are true however hardly seem unique or new. For example, she writes, "Whether you experience positivity or not depends vitally on how you think." Norman Vincent Peale states, basically the same concept half a century ago in his 1952 classic, "The Power of Positive Thinking." Peale's understanding was based on his faith, not science, but that reduces his words no less relevant.