Feeling good—and feeling bad—Affect social problem solving: A test of the broaden-and-build model in Asian Americans.

Abstract

We examined the reciprocal relationship between affect and social problem solving in 329 Asian Americans over 3 months. A cross-lagged panel analysis showed initial positive affect predicted more positive problem orientation, more rational problem solving, and less avoidance style 3 months later. However, the adaptive facets of problem solving did not lead to more prospective positive affect. Further, positive affect was not the only antecedent to problem solving. Initial negative affect also played a role and predicted more negative problem orientation. Conversely, initial negative problem orientation predicted reduced positive affect over time. Results suggest the cultural shaping of Fredrickson’s broaden-and-build model on the upward spiral effects of positive affect. Our findings underscore not only the promotion of positive affect but also the reduction of negative affect as avenues of intervention in cultivating effective problem-solving strategies for Asian Americans.

Secure attachment and social and personality outcomes: The moderating role of emerging adults’ autobiographical memories of parents

“…Supporting our collective findings regarding negatively and positively valenced emotions, Frederickson's aforementioned (2001) “Broaden and Build” Theory posits that positive emotions in particular broaden the thought‐action repertoire. Indeed, scholars have found more robust evidence for the effect of positive versus negative emotions on maladaptive social problem solving over time (Wu & Chang, 2019). This pattern suggests that future studies and interventions should emphasize facilitating positive emotional climates within the family in addition to reducing the incidence of negative emotions.…”

“…Positive memory networks, derived from freely recalled autobiographical memories and their emotional valence, have been related to higher levels of resilience, adaptive aspects of coping, and current positive mood (Philippe et al., 2009). For example, after controlling for initial social problem scores, Asian Americans’ positive affect over time has been found to influence multiple facets of adaptive and maladaptive social problem solving (e.g., increasing positive problem orientation, such as optimism, and reducing avoidant tendencies; Wu & Chang, 2019).…”