Broaden & Build

The Broaden & Build theory, developed by psychologist Barbara Fredrickson, suggests that positive emotions like joy, gratitude, and hope expand our mindset and open us to new ideas and experiences (broaden). Over time, these emotions help us build lasting personal resources, such as resilience, social connections, and skills (build). Essentially, experiencing positive emotions not only makes us feel good momentarily but also enhances our overall well-being and ability to handle challenges in the future. This cycle promotes growth and personal development, strengthening both our mental and social resources over time.