ACTIVE CONSTRUCTIVE RESPONSE, Using Positive Psychology in Your Relationships - US News and World Report

Using Positive Psychology in Your Relationships - US News and World Report

Using Positive Psychology in Your Relationships3 wrong ways—and 1 right way—to respond to good news from your spouse. >

ACTIVE CONSTRUCTIVE RESPONSE

By Lindsay Lyon Posted June 24, 2009 >

Last weekend, Philadelphia got an injection of positivity when the leading authorities in the field of positive psychology descended on the City of Brotherly Love for the First World Congress on Positive Psychology. Roughly 1,500 practitioners, researchers, and other professionals from around the globe convened to present their latest findings and to describe efforts to disseminate the principles of the discipline. The four-day event was the inaugural conference of the International Positive Psychology Association (IPPA), just a year old.>

Several conference presenters shared their research and insights with U.S. News. Here are five areas of life where positive psychology can have an impact: >

Close relationships is one area of life where using positive psychology can make a big difference. According to Shelly Gable, associate professor of psychology at the University of California-Santa Barbara, an important key to understanding a relationship's strength is how it works in good times, not just whether it withstands the bad. Gable has been researching what goes right in close relationships for years. By studying hundreds of couples, she's found that when romantic partners disclose positive news, how the other reacts matters—a lot. In fact, partners' reactions to each other's good news can better predict the quality of a relationship—and whether it will endure—than can partners' reactions to bad news, says Gable. >

"Reacting in a positive way not only reinforces bonds, but it also shows that person that in negative times you'll be there," says Gable. Positive reactions also magnify the uplifting effects of the good news for the partner who's doing the sharing, she notes. A negative or semi-positive response to a partner's good news, however, can undercut all the benefits derived from disclosing in the first place, such as fostering trust, intimacy, and satisfaction with the relationship, she says. Surprisingly, Gable has found that out of four possible ways to respond to a partner's positive news, only one—an "active constructive response"—is good. Couples whose partners respond in any of three less positive ways are at greater risk of calling it quits down the line.>

Consider the following example she often gives to illustrate: Your significant other comes home, beaming, and announces that he just got a great promotion at work. You could react with:>
1. An active constructive response. "That's great, you've earned it, I'm so proud of you!" followed by questions. This conveys enthusiasm, support, and interest. >

2. A passive constructive response. "Great job, honey!" then shifting to the next topic. Like dinner. >

3. An active destructive response (what Gable dubs "finding the cloud in a silver lining response"). "Wow! Does this mean you'll be working later hours? Are they going to be paying you more? I can't believe they picked you out of all the candidates." Just generally deflating. >

4. A passive destructive response. Can take either of two forms: "Wow! Wait until I tell you what happened to me today," which is very self-focused, or, "What's for dinner?"—ignoring the event altogether. >

Read Full Article: http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/brain-and-behavior/2009/06/24/using-positive-psychology-in-your-relationships.html


This posting was made my Jim Jacobs, President & CEO of Jacobs Executive Advisors. Jim also serves as Leader of Jacobs Advisors' Insurance Practice.