Broaden and Build Theory Fredrickson
Fredrickson (2003) developed the Broaden and Build theory which seeks to provide a framework for understanding the evolutionary benefits of positive experiences. The evolutionary benefits of negative experiences are widely understood e.g. the fight or flight response that helps to keep us safe in dangerous situations.
However, the evolutionary benefits of positive experiences is less well understood. Within the Broaden and Build framework it is thought that positive experiences solves problems related to personal growth and development. Positive experiences lead us to a state of mind that promotes behaviours that help us to build resilience for future difficult times.
- ‘They lead us to having a broader pattern of thinking. Although this is a short lived effect it can have lasting benefits as it creates the opportunity to develop bonds as well as fostering creativity and flexible thinking, which can enable us to see greater opportunities’
- ‘They build psychological, social, physical and intellectual resources. Intellectual resources are gained by learning new information.
- Physical resources are developed by engaging in activities that improve health.
- Social resources increase by strengthening bonds in relationships.
- Psychological resources are developed by increased resilience and optimism’
- ‘They can undo the physical effects of negative experiences. Research suggests that when we are having a positive experience we are able to cope better when stressful situations arise and this dampens the typical fight or flight response that the body produces when under stress’
- ‘They can help us to bounce back from difficult experiences. This is related to several of the previous points, we are better placed with greater resources so that when stressful events come about we are more resilient’ Front of card: Image of a spiral.
- They can trigger an upward spiral. When we are open minded and engaging with what we want to do whilst being open to opportunities this is likely to lead to more positive experiences and lead to greater resilience, an upward spiral’
Video
Watch the video by Barbara Fredrickson, by following the link below, which discusses the ways that positive experiences can change how we view and relate to the world around us and explores how it may have an impact on our physiology. It looks at the benefits of positive experiences and how meditation is one way to increase the amount we have.
You might want to make notes at this point. These may help you remember things, work out what you want or see how much you’ve changed if you read them again in a few years’ time.