Abstract

Positive emotional states may promote healthy perceptions, beliefs, and physical well-being itself. To explore potential mechanisms linking pleasant feelings and good health, the authors consider several lines of research, including (a) direct effects of positive affect on physiology, especially the immune system, (b) the information value of emotional experiences, (c) the psychological resources engendered by positive feeling states, (d) the ways in which mood can motivate health-relevant behaviors, and (e) the elicitation of social support. As anticipated by the Greek physician Hippocrates, positive emotions and healthy outcomes may be linked through multiple pathways.

Keywords

FeelingPsychologyAffect (linguistics)MoodPerceptionValue (mathematics)Social psychologyPhysical healthClinical psychologyDevelopmental psychologyMental healthPsychotherapist

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Publication Info

Year
2000
Type
article
Volume
55
Issue
1
Pages
110-121
Citations
666
Access
Closed

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Peter Salovey, Alexander J. Rothman, Jerusha B. Detweiler et al. (2000). Emotional states and physical health.. American Psychologist , 55 (1) , 110-121. https://doi.org/10.1037//0003-066x.55.1.110

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DOI
10.1037//0003-066x.55.1.110