The Science of Emotions

Why do we smile, laugh and actively seek out personal connections with the people around us? Why does it feel good and what evolutionary purposes do our so-called “positive emotions” serve? This book is based on an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and Barbara Fredrickson, Director Positive Emotions & Psychology Laboratory at UNC Chapel Hill. Topics covered by this extensive conversation include Barbara’s work on the science of positive emotions, including her broaden-and-build theory, the undoing effect and upward spirals, while highlighting relevant evolutionary-driven hypotheses together with measurement details of empirical studies. This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, Only Connect, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter: I. Psychological Beginnings - Towards social psychology II. Emotions, Scientifically - From endings to moments of intensity III. Positive vs. Negative Emotions - Evolutionary conundrums IV. Positive Psychology Emerges - Examining human flourishing V. Broaden and Build - A thesis emerges VI. Emotional Measurement - Searching for objective criteria VII. The Undoing Effect - A side benefit of positive emotions VIII. Taking Charge - Cultivating positive emotional states IX. Responses - The perks and perils of relevance X. Personal Flourishing - Bringing it home XI. Leveraging Positively - Generating upwards spirals About Ideas Roadshow Conversations Series: This book is part of an expanding series of 100+ Ideas Roadshow conversations, each one presenting a wealth of candid insights from a leading expert in a relaxed and informal setting to give non-specialists a uniquely accessible window into frontline research and scholarship that wouldn't otherwise be encountered through standard lectures and textbooks.