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Barbara FredricksonAmerican psychologist
Date of Birth: 15.06.1964
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Barbara Fredrickson: A Trailblazing Psychologist
- Contributions to Psychology
- Publications and Recognition
- Research on Positive Emotions
- The "Undoing Effect" of Positive Emotions
- Legacy and Impact
Barbara Fredrickson: A Trailblazing Psychologist
Early Life and EducationBarbara Lee Fredrickson was born on June 15, 1964. She earned her Ph.D. from Stanford University in 1990. Prior to joining the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, she was a professor at the University of Michigan for over a decade.
Contributions to Psychology
Fredrickson is a renowned social psychologist whose research focuses on emotions and positive psychology. Her most significant contribution is the "Broaden-and-Build Theory" of positive emotions. This theory posits that positive emotions expand individuals' cognitive and behavioral repertoires, leading to long-term benefits such as knowledge acquisition and social bonds.
Publications and Recognition
Fredrickson is the author of the book "Positivity" (2009), which distills her research and insights for a general audience. In 2013, she published "Love 2.0: How Our Supreme Emotion Affects Everything We Feel, Think, Do, and Become," exploring the transformative power of love.
Fredrickson has received numerous awards for her contributions, including the inaugural Templeton Prize for Positive Psychology (2000), the Career Trajectory Award from the Society for Experimental Social Psychology (2008), and the inaugural Christopher Peterson Gold Medal (2013).
Research on Positive Emotions
Fredrickson's research has demonstrated the significance of positive emotions in human evolution and well-being. She argues that positive emotions, such as joy, contentment, and gratitude, serve as biological signals. By expanding individuals' thoughts and actions, these emotions create opportunities for personal growth, resilience, and social connection.
The "Undoing Effect" of Positive Emotions
Another groundbreaking finding of Fredrickson's research is the "undoing effect" of positive emotions. She found that positive emotions can counteract the negative physiological effects of stress. By promoting relaxation and restoring physiological balance, positive emotions help individuals recover from stressful experiences and protect against long-term health consequences.
Legacy and Impact
Fredrickson's research has had a profound impact on the scientific understanding of emotions. Her theories and insights have inspired countless scholars and practitioners in the fields of positive psychology, health psychology, and social psychology. Her work continues to shape our knowledge of the human mind and its role in human flourishing.
