Positive Emotions Speed Recovery from the Cardiovascular Sequelae of Negative Emotions

TLDR

Two studies examined whether positive emotions accelerate recovery from the cardiovascular effects of negative emotions. The authors aim to interpret these results within emotion theory and the potential health benefits of positive emotions. Study 1 recruited 60 participants who watched a fear‑eliciting film followed by a secondary film designed to induce contentment, amusement, neutrality, or sadness, whereas Study 2 involved 72 participants who viewed a sadness‑inducing film. In both studies, exposure to positive emotions—either through the secondary films in Study 1 or spontaneous smiling in Study 2—led to faster return to pre‑film cardiovascular baseline compared to neutral or sad conditions.

Abstract

Two studies tested the hypothesis that certain positive emotions speed recovery from the cardiovascular sequelae of negative emotions. In Study 1, 60 subjects (Ss) viewed an initial fear-eliciting film, and were randomly assigned to view a secondary film that elicited: (a) contentment; (b) amusement; (c) neutrality; or (d) sadness. Compared to Ss who viewed the neutral and sad secondary films, those who viewed the positive films exhibited more rapid returns to pre-film levels of cardiovascular activation. In Study 2, 72 Ss viewed a film known to elicit sadness. Fifty Ss spontaneously smiled at least once while viewing this film. Compared to Ss who did not smile, those who smiled exhibited more rapid returns to pre-film levels of cardiovascular activation. We discuss these findings in terms of emotion theory and possible health-promoting functions of positive emotions.