Emotional Contagion Theory | 3 Ways to Manage Emotional Contagion
Have you ever been in a bad mood and all of a sudden it seems like everyone around you is in a bad mood, too? Do you feel that your emotions and mood can be “caught” by others? If someone approaches us with a smile, we have a natural tendency to smile back. If they approach us with a frown, the tendency is to frown too. Well, you’ve just experienced a form of emotional contagion. Psychology says emotional contagion is the one responsible for how moods and emotions can affect others. Such mimicry of smiles, frowns, or other emotional expressions often happens within milliseconds and without our being fully conscious of it. This article delight describes the concept of emotional contagion theory. It also discusses how this common and powerful phenomenon might be positively channeled.
What Is Emotional Contagion ?
Emotional contagion theory refers to a phenomenon where the observed behavior of one individual leads to the reflexive production of the same behavior by others. In simple words, we unconsciously catch emotions from other people–whether good moods or bad ones. So it occurs when someone’s emotions and related behaviors lead to similar emotions and behaviors in others.
Like all things that are contagious, individuals can be both the carrier and the recipient of strong emotional reactions. Specially if you’re in a position of power or authority (for example, a teacher, parent, or workplace leader), you’re more likely to be the carrier of contagious emotions. As people may generally look to you to be the source of guidance and support during difficult times.
As an example, think about the role that flight attendants and pilots play in maintaining a sense of calm on flight. During turbulence, it’s common for folks to look to the flight attendants to gauge their reaction. If the flight staff look calm and relaxed, it creates a sense of calm amongst everyone else on the flight.
Why is Emotional Contagion Theory important?
Research shows emotional contagion is detectable in how verbal and nonverbal cues are processed by. Emotional intelligence can help us in identifying how we process emotional cues. Particularly, studies have found that our conscious assessments of other peoples’ feelings are influenced more by what others said. And in contrast, peoples’ own emotions are influenced more by nonverbal cues and opposed what they were really feeling. The act of being emotionally contagious is universal and automatic.
However an understanding of it, we can use it as the result of our own and others’ interpretations of thoughts and feelings. Imagine that you made plans with a friend but they need to cancel and perhaps you didn’t want to go in the first place. You may say, or express, that it’s a pity, but in reality, you feel a sense of relief. This is an example where one’s thoughts and behaviors don’t match. But you wouldn’t want to tell your friend that you didn’t want to go after all and that you’re ultimately relieved, right? A situation like this uses emotional contagion to let us act appropriately and remain successful in our emotional climate. Self-control and afferent feedback processes allow us to execute this correct emotional behavior.
Because certain people and moods can be more contagious or susceptible to emotional contagion, research has also found that the energy in those moods influences can be more powerful than the actual emotion displayed. Emotional Contagion can ultimately affect our moods and the moods of others.
Types of Emotional Contagion
Implicit acts of emotional contagion
They are said to be automatic and less conscious. This includes non-verbal cues and through media communication. Texting and social media platforms are the best examples of implicit emotional contagion. A study done through Facebook users showed that the use of specific advertisements and posts by Facebook friends indirectly influence emotion and mood.
Explicit acts of emotional contagion
They are used when one intend to achieve something with a purpose through manipulation. Relationships and the workplace are perfect examples where explicit acts of Emotional Contagion are perceptive enough to be effective. Affective influences, like enthusiasm by a colleague or a boss, are how ones’ influence can produce wanted results like better work ethics. Explicit acts of Emotional Contagion refers to the emotional labor that is most appropriate for the case and consequently may feel obligated to express. Drama and acting skills are said to be a form of explicit. As it is intentional and acts as a representation of internal thoughts and feelings, otherwise known as “affective impression management.”
Tips to Keep Emotional Contagion at Bay! | 3 Ways to Manage Emotional Contagion
Recognize what’s happening | Be Present
When you’re in a situation and you feel any sort of emotional peer pressure, take a moment to think, “Is this how I truly feel or is this how I think I should feel?” By simply giving yourself the option that your feelings may not match your thoughts, you can come to understand which feelings are true to you or only true to who you’re with. Realizing how your feelings relate to another person’s experience can make it easier to address them without acting on them. If you can learn how to acknowledge when someone’s negative mood is affecting you, you can also practice removing yourself from the situation.
Fake it ’till you make it!
Everyone has bad days—but if your mood or someone else’s mood “contaminating” others, smiling and laughing are simple exercises. The muscle recognition of smiling triggers your facial memory and mirror neurons into believing you are happy. And before you know it, your appearance of happiness may be contagious for others also! When you feel negativity creeping in, share a funny video, tell a good joke, or enjoy your favorite sitcom for a boost of positivity.
Stop the Spread
If you’re experiencing particularly intense emotions, take steps to avoid spreading those emotions to other people. If you’re feeling especially emotional, try writing in a journal or drawing a picture. Finding a non-human outlet into which you can channel your stress can be a good way to avoid spreading intense emotions to another person. If you’re finding yourself experiencing strong ongoing emotional reactions and you feel like it might be helpful to talk to someone, you can consider enlisting the help of a trained mental health professional here https://try.talkspace.com/.
Final Takeaway
Awareness of emotional contagion theory is important for managing our own emotions and related actions, and to assure our wellbeing and that of others. These science-based concepts will not only enhance your ability to understand and work with your emotions, but also gives you the tools to foster the emotional intelligence and of your closed ones. People can’t always put into words how they feel, but they can usually give a general idea through their body language and other subtle cues. You can’t get a shot to prevent emotional contagion, but you can keep it from bringing you down.
Read Next : 5 Things You Can Do And Still Eat Junk (https://thebrightdelights.com/5-things-you-can-do-and-still-eat-junk/)