A Positive Attitude Boosts Resilience

Small moments of happiness and positivity can add up quickly, psychologists say.

Text Size: A | A | A

Learning to be joyful and positive for at least a few moments on a daily basis can assist people in dealing with challenging situations, according to a new study.

Psychologists at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill asked 86 participants to submit daily "emotion reports" for a month.

They found that those who were able to cultivate a positive attitude each day by focusing on happy moments demonstrated better overall resilience against challenges.

Lead researcher Barbara Fredrickson said the findings, which appear in the June issue of the journal Emotion, show that positivity aids personal growth.

"Those small moments let positive emotions blossom, and that helps us become more open," she explained. "That openness then helps us build resources that can help us rebound better from adversity and stress, ward off depression and continue to grow."

But don't feel like you have to deny all negative feelings, Fredrickson cautioned, adding that the key is to balance the bad with the good.

"Participants with average and stable levels of positive emotions still showed growth in resilience even when their days included negative emotions," she said.
 

Sarah Beldo is a journalist in San Francisco

Comments


No comments have been posted.

Please login in order to post your comments.

Subscribe Now!
Celebrate the holiday season with a FREE copy of Daily Guideposts when you subscribe to Guideposts Magazine, and make 2010 your year of inspiration!


Subscribe Now

Contests

Enter for a chance to win these inspiring prizes. Good luck!


Let There Be Laughter Book Giveaway
Lift Your Spirit Book Giveaway

Be part of Guideposts

We are a nonprofit company that searches far and wide to find, create and distribute the best inspirational stories that help you, your friends and family live a more positive, faith-filled life.

Help us with our mission:

Share your story — it might inspire someone else!

Share your story — Help us in our search. Millions of people like you rely on us!