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. 1998 Mar 1;12(2):191-220.
doi: 10.1080/026999398379718.

Positive Emotions Speed Recovery from the Cardiovascular Sequelae of Negative Emotions

Barbara L Fredrickson  1 , Robert W Levenson
Affiliations

Positive Emotions Speed Recovery from the Cardiovascular Sequelae of Negative Emotions

Barbara L Fredrickson et al. Cogn Emot. .

Abstract

Two studies tested the hypothesis that certain positive emotions speed recovery from the cardiovascular sequelae of negative emotions. In Study 1, 60 subjects (Ss) viewed an initial fear-eliciting film, and were randomly assigned to view a secondary film that elicited: (a) contentment; (b) amusement; (c) neutrality; or (d) sadness. Compared to Ss who viewed the neutral and sad secondary films, those who viewed the positive films exhibited more rapid returns to pre-film levels of cardiovascular activation. In Study 2, 72 Ss viewed a film known to elicit sadness. Fifty Ss spontaneously smiled at least once while viewing this film. Compared to Ss who did not smile, those who smiled exhibited more rapid returns to pre-film levels of cardiovascular activation. We discuss these findings in terms of emotion theory and possible health-promoting functions of positive emotions.

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Figures

FIG. 1
FIG. 1
Mean self-reports of emotion from independent samples who viewed stimulus films used in Studies 1 and 2: (1a) displays self-reports of emotion in response to the Ledge film (n = 75), used in Study 1; (1b–1e) display self-reports of emotion in response to each of the secondary films used in Study 1: The Puppy film (n = 50); the Waves film (n = 42); the Sticks film (n = 32); and the Cry film (n = 32); (1f ) displays self-reports of emotion in response to the Funeral film (n = 46), used in Study 2. (AMUS, Amusement; CTEN, Contentment; ANGE, Anger; DISG, disgust; FEAR, Fear; SADN, Sadness; SURP, Surprise.)
FIG. 2
FIG. 2
Mean reports of negative affect during each of the secondary films shown in Study 1. Groups are identified by the emotion featured in the second film viewed. Error bars represent standard errors of the means.
FIG. 3
FIG. 3
Mean time to achieve cardiovascular recovery in Study 1. Groups are identified by the emotion featured in the second film viewed. Error bars represent standard errors of the means.
FIG. 4
FIG. 4
Mean time to achieve cardiovascular recovery in Study 2. Error bars represent standard errors of the means.
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