What Is Positive Psychology?

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Positive affectivity reflects a tendency to experience joy, enthusiasm, and excitement

Research suggests roughly 40% of happiness is influenced by intentional activities

Gratitude, relationships, kindness, movement, and savoring boost well-being

Do you know anyone who always seems to be in a cheerful mood? Someone who is quick to laugh in most situations and who looks on the bright side when things don’t go to plan.

This person would be described by psychologists as high in positive affectivity, or the propensity to experience positive emotions such as joy, enthusiasm, and excitement.

In psychology's Big Five model of personality, positive affectivity is most closely associated with extraversion. Although we often think of extraverts as simply being outgoing or talkative, the trait is also characterized by a tendency to notice and pursue rewarding experiences.

Psychologists used to believe that personality traits such as positive affectivity were largely fixed. But the data tell a different story—it is possible to become a happier person!

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