Chapter 2

[Rachael]

How Much Is Enough?

The author brings up a really important point in this section while talking about too much positivity. It is very common to see toxic positivity all over social media, and being encouraged by influencers and "gurus". She discusses how being positive 100% of the time just doesn't reflect reality. Many people forget that some negativity is not only okay, but important, and she gives good reasoning about why.

[Donna]

I agree in Chapter 2 (towards the end) there is mention of “no yellow smiley faces” in her description of the 3:1 positivity ratio…I find that interesting in a time of “emojis” 😃!

Also, Dr. Fredrickson closes up the Chapter by summing up paradoxical results in “insincere positivity” regarding the study on non-enjoyment smiles and risk of Coronary Artery Disease, and apparently “feigning” positivity also has negative consequences as well.

The study published in 2001 in the journal “Emotion” shows a link b/w facial expressions of anger in men with coronary artery disease and, according to the study, and “fake positivity” does as much damage to one’s cardiovascular system as anger?!?