Broaden-and-build

The Broaden - and-build theory was presented by Barbara L. Fredrickson 1998 and is to be settled in the category of positive psychology.

In general, the theory is based on the assumption that emotions can influence the perception and behavior patterns. Positive emotions such as joy, interest, contentment, pride and love act expanding, while a threatening situation requires a restriction to life through eg To secure escape or attack.

If positive emotions felt, this act of not directly related to securing the survival, but by a motivational basis for activities is laid, which may develop into long-lived personal resources. The result is a positive upward spiral that can continue by itself, because repeated experience of positive emotions ultimately turn is motivating.