Grumpies everywhere celebrate: it seems you are doing better than your smiley counterparts
21 Apr 2010 Leave a Comment
in General Health Tags: depression, mental health, research
According to this Scientific American article, people experiencing negative emotions such as fear, anger or sadness perform better on tasks, pay better attention to detail and make better decisions than compared to folks in a good mood. The article also points to a similar article previously published in the magazine focusing on how depression may be a positive evolutionary adaptation. If our decisions and thought processes are clearer and more detail oriented when in a bad mood, it would make sense that this trait would be passed on through evolution. This brings to my mind a humorous picture of our hominid ancestors huddled in their caves grumpily bitching about the weather.
I am also reminded of a book a co-worker recently lent me titled “Bright-sided: How the Relentless Promotion of Positive Thinking Has Undermined America.” I have not picked it up yet, but I did hear a recent interview with the author on NPR. Mrs. Ehrenreich calls positive thinking a “mass delusion” and advocates for realistic thinking in which we embrace how terrifying life struggles can really be. I can’t wait to dive into the book and learn more of this “anti-Secret” theory (remember The Secret is that movie promoting intention and positive thinking to bring success and happiness). Studies may show that being grumpy helps me do better, but I still believe I accomplish more when I’m feeling positive and inspired. Maybe that’s part of the positivity delusion! Let me get grumpy and think about that for a while.
In any case, the article is a good reminder that while positive thinking can make us happier, downer moods are healthy and helpful.
