Broaden-and-Build Theory of Positive Emotions
Updated 2026-08-08
INTRODUCTION
English translation pending.
CORE DEFINITION
Proposed by Barbara Fredrickson. The theory has two parts. The broaden effect: positive emotions widen the range of attention, cognition, and behavior people consider, in contrast to the narrowing effect of negative emotions. The build effect: the exploratory behavior that follows accumulates durable physical, intellectual, social, and psychological resources. Over time those resources improve health, relationships, and resilience, making positive emotions functional rather than merely pleasant.
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
Reduce cognitive load
- Widen options: use a positive mood deliberately before brainstorming or negotiation - Build assets: convert pleasant experiences into relationships, skills, and resilience while the state lasts - Seed teams: cultivate positive emotion in groups so exploration and trust increase
Anchor fast decisions
Negative emotions narrow attention onto a specific threat and trigger a specific action, which is efficient in danger but restricts options. Positive emotions do the opposite, expanding the range of thoughts and behaviors that come to mind. That wider repertoire leads to exploration and play, whose side effects accumulate as skills, social bonds, and resilience that outlast the mood itself.
MINIMUM ACTION
In progress 0/1Practice this model in one real situation:
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Source support: Explicit
- en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broaden-and-buildverified
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