Ruut Veenhoven Recommends “The Broaden-and-Build Theory of Positive Emotions” by Barbara L. Fredrickson

Abstract

Today two strands of happiness research have developed: happiness economics and positive psychology. This paper highlights one of the ideas developed in that latter tradition. Though the main focus of happiness research is on what makes people happy, a side issue is what happiness does to people. The broaden-and-build theory holds that how well you feel affectively tends to broaden your behavioral repertoire, among other things, by fostering activity and widening perceptual scope. This makes you function more effectively, as a result of which you build more resources, such as economic, mental, and social capital.