When in life the "positive" becomes "negative"

     We discussed in a previous article in this section the situation where negative emotions are in fact useful and functional ("negative" is "positive"). I promised then that I would also address the reverse situation, the "positive" as "negative", when I will have a little respite. Here, in short, how do things happen when the emotions we consider to be "good" (positive) are actually "bad" (negative).

     We often think that emotions with positive valence (for example, joy, contentment, optimism) do us well. Although they have positive valency, they may be functional or dysfunctional, affecting our mental health and social interactions. Their functional or dysfunctional character is determined by several factors. Let's talk about it shortly!

     The first factor refers to the moment of positive emotions. Reported to the goals we have, positive emotions can appear before they are touched (pre goal emotions) or after they are touched (post-goal emotions). Functional "pre-goal" positive emotions are those that increase the capacity of working memory and other executive functions, stimulating us to mobilize to achieve the goal; in this category are experiences such as optimism, hope, trust and impatience. Functional "post-goal" emotions are those that stabilize in memory the information obtained after reaching the goal; there are emotions such as joy, contentment, satisfaction and relaxation. Well, if "post-goal" emotions appear before reaching the proposed goal, they become dysfunctional, reducing our executive capabilities. Similarly, if pre-goal emotions occur after reaching the goal, they become dysfunctional because they do not provide the period of "silence" needed to sediment the information we get, but they prepare and mobilize quickly for another task. We're just getting out of a task, we're not ready for maximum capacity for a new one.

    The second factor refers to the intensity of positive emotions. Any initial positive emotion, if it becomes very intense, affects our ability to solve tasks, especially complex tasks. A well-known example is that of positive emotional experiences that occur in manic episodes (hipo). Being very intense, they make us think we have extraordinary resources, we can solve very difficult tasks, no one can compare with us, no one can stand in our way. They become a behavioral risk factor by engaging in situations where we can not cope (it reduces the executive capacity to critically assess the risk and the issues we want to solve).

    The third factor concerns the cognitive processes that cause these positive emotions. Thus, if positive emotions derive from irrational cognitions (inflexible and absolutist, expressed in terms of "must with necessity") like, "I must necessarily be appreciated by all," they are dysfunctional. It can sometimes happen that some irrational cognitions (which say things less plausible) are confirmed by events and live positive emotions. In the medium and long term, however, it is unlikely that you will always be appreciated by everyone. When this does not happen again, you will fall from the socket (sic!) If you think that way. In other words, you will experience dysfunctional negative emotions (eg, depressive) that do not allow the simultaneous or alternative appearance of positive and functional emotions that define and harness the quality of life. If positive emotions derive from rational cognitions (flexible, expressed in "preferential" terms) like, "I would love to be appreciated by all and do all that depends on me in this sense, but I can accept that some they will appreciate me no matter what I do, "they are functional. If rational cognition is confirmed, you will experience positive functional emotions, and if it is not confirmed, you will experience functional negative emotions that allow simultaneous or alternate occurrence and positive functional emotions.

    So, in order to be positive, it must: (1) derive from rational cognitions (be motivated but flexible in setting the goal); (2) not exaggerated (controls exaggerated physiological activation states), and (3) be time-conscious with the goal (do not miss it before you reach your goal and do not forget to take it after touching it, to "relish" success).

    Corroborating the two articles on this topic, when life situations invalidate your expectations, it is healthy to experience functional negative emotions. When life situations validate your expectations, it is healthy to experience positive functional emotions. It is always good to formulate your expectations in flexible and preferential terms. Good luck!