Factor Structure of the "Top Ten" Positive Emotions of Barbara Fredrickson

Testing the validity of the broaden-and build theory of positive emotions: a network analytic approach

Introduction

The Broaden-and-Build Theory of positive emotions is one of the best known and applied theories in Positive Psychology. It argues that positive emotions initiate an upward movement by opening up the mind and broadening thoughts and thus represents a counter model to the vicious circle-models of clinical psychology. The number of studies directly testing this theory in all components is scarce, ambiguities in the model impede clear inference.

Method

To draw a conclusive picture on within-model processes, we applied network modeling on the components of the theory across two studies (N 1 = 312; N 2 = 302).

Results

In both studies, the positive relationship between positive emotions, resources and life outcomes is well-supported, yet the role of broadening, as an intermediary component within these is questioned.

Discussion

As the broadening component consistently deviated from the model's predictions and thus did not contribute to the model as expected in either study, the validity of the Broaden-and-Build Theory in its current conceptualization is challenged, and our results point to the need to reassess the role of broadening.

The bright side of words: Norms for 9000 Spanish words in seven discrete positive emotions

In recent years, assumptions about the existence of a single construct of happiness that accounts for all positive emotions have been questioned. Instead, several discrete positive emotions with their own neurobiological and psychological mechanisms have been proposed. Of note, the effects of positive emotions on language processing are not yet properly understood. Here we provide a database for a large set of 9000 Spanish words scored by 3437 participants in the positive emotions of awe, contentment, amusement, excitement, serenity, relief, and pleasure. We also report significant correlations between discrete positive emotions and several affective (e.g., valence, arousal, happiness, negative discrete emotions) and lexico-semantic (e.g., frequency of use, familiarity, concreteness, age of acquisition) characteristics of words. Finally, we analyze differences between words conveying a single emotion ("pure" emotion words) and those denoting more than one emotion ("mixed" emotion words). This study will provide researchers a rich source of information to do research that contributes to expanding the current knowledge on the role of positive emotions in language. The norms are available at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.21533571.v2.

Exploring client's experiences of a new energy healing modality: Magdalena energy session(s)

CONTEXT

Anecdotal experience of Magdalena energy session(s) offers some indication of its health benefits, yet the literature on this new energy healing modality is scarce.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the personal experience of recipients of the Magdalena energy session(s).

METHOD

In-depth interviews were conducted with 25 generally healthy volunteer adults from around the world who had received at least one Magdalena energy healing session with a certified Magdalena practitioner. Thematic analysis was used to discern patterns in the experience.

RESULTS

Participants had different motives for attending the Magdalena energy session(s). Clients reported experiencing movement and release of energy, changes in sensation and feeling, and transcendental experience during the Magdalena energy session(s). After the session(s), there were reports of a sustained feeling of lightness, increased positive emotions, increased self-awareness, and deeper spiritual connection. Participants noted the uniqueness of the Magdalena energy session(s) compared to other energy healing practices.

CONCLUSION

The findings from this qualitative study suggest that Magdalena energy session(s) can elicit a relaxation response, alter emotions, and increase spiritual connections to facilitate a subjective healing experience. Therefore, the present study recommends further investigations to elucidate variables for a larger-scale intervention study of the effects of Magdalena energy session(s) on health outcomes and the underlying mechanisms of action.

Effects of positive affect and positive emotions on executive functions: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Positive emotions (PEs) impact cognitive processes, including executive functions (EFs; i.e. inhibition, working memory, cognitive flexibility). However, previous reviews and meta-analyses report contradicting results. Thus, this review takes a novel approach to overcome conflicting findings by clearly conceptualising PE induction and by providing a detailed description of the tasks used to assess EFs, as well as by exclusively focusing on EFs. A systematic literature review and meta-analysis was performed. Study inclusion criteria required that subjects were healthy individuals over 18 years, PEs were induced in a controlled laboratory setting, a baseline measurement and a control condition was required, and finally, EFs were measured as a dependent variable using valid measurement instruments. The literature search was performed on PRIMUS, including relevant databases such as ERIC, MEDLINE, Psych ARTICLES, Psych INFO or SocINDEX. From a total of 6,661 identified articles, only 13, which featured 20 experimental studies, were included. Results show that the overall induction of PEs successfully caused an increase in valence and/or positive emotions. However, no significant effects of PE on EFs were detected (d  =  -0.051, p  =  .405). Reasons and future research will be discussed.

Research on the Influence of Visual Factors on Emotion Regulation Interaction

To guide the design direction of emotion regulation products that improve the positive emotions of users, investigation into the correlation between relevant visual factors and multi-dimensional complex emotions is needed. In the present study, an extended product emotion measurement method was adopted to describe the multi-dimensional emotional set of each influencing factor and calculate their weight according to the order. The positive and negative emotion indicators of all influencing factors were compared and the evaluation and ranking factors that affect users’ emotional value of emotion regulation products were analyzed. The experimental results reveal that specific emotion mapping scenes on positive emotion are the most significant among the key factors affecting user emotion. Further, the influence of emotional stickers, interactive data visualization, and text on positive emotions decreased in turn. The influence of emotional text on positive emotion was the lowest. Through investigating the visual factors that affect the psychological emotions of users, the development of emotion regulating products could be guided in a more scientific and reasonable manner.