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Comment
. 2018 Mar;13(2):194-199.
doi: 10.1177/1745691617692106.

Reflections on Positive Emotions and Upward Spirals

Barbara L Fredrickson  1 , Thomas Joiner  2
Affiliations
Comment

Reflections on Positive Emotions and Upward Spirals

Barbara L Fredrickson et al. Perspect Psychol Sci. 2018 Mar.

Abstract

We reflect on our 2002 article and the impact this research report has had both within and beyond psychological science. This article was both one of the first publications to provide empirical support for hypotheses based on the broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions and a product of the genesis of positive psychology. We highlight empirical and theoretical advancements in the scientific understanding of upward spiral dynamics associated with positive emotions, with particular focus on the new upward spiral theory of lifestyle change. We conclude by encouraging deeper and more rigorous tests of the prospective and reciprocal relations associated with positive emotions. Such progress is needed to better inform translations and applications to improve people's health and well-being.

Keywords: affect; emotion; intrapersonal processes; positive psychology; self.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of Conflicting Interests

The authors declared that they had no conflicts of interest with respect to their authorship or the publication of this article.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Model articulated by the upward spiral theory of lifestyle change (Fredrickson, 2013; Van Cappellen et al., 2016).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment on

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