Ever heard the phrase “misery loves company”? This common saying highlights a truth we’ve all experienced—how our emotions can be influenced by those around us. Whether it’s seeking out sad music when feeling low or absorbing a friend’s troubles, emotions have a way of spreading, much like a cold or the flu.
But how does this emotional contagion occur? Can emotions really be transmitted from person to person?
Indeed, they can. Researchers refer to this phenomenon as emotional contagion, where individuals unconsciously mirror the emotions and expressions of those around them. The Mechanism Behind Emotional Contagion
One possible explanation for this phenomenon comes from emerging neuroscience, particularly the concept of mirror neurons.
Originally observed in macaque monkeys, mirror neurons are neurons that fire both when the monkeys perform certain actions and when they observe other monkeys performing the same actions.
It’s believed that a similar process occurs in humans, potentially extending beyond physical actions to explain our capacity for empathy. The Three Stages of Emotional Contagion
Experts studying emotional contagion suggest that the process generally unfolds in three stages: mimicry, feedback, and contagion (experience).
Mimicry
To mimic someone’s emotions, you first need to recognize the emotion, which often happens unconsciously due to the subtlety of emotional cues.
Mimicry primarily occurs through body language. For instance, during a conversation, you might unintentionally adopt your friend’s posture, gestures, or facial expressions.
This mimicry helps establish a connection with others by enabling you to better grasp their emotional experiences. However, it’s just the initial phase of emotional contagion.
Feedback
Mimicking an emotion initiates your personal experience of it. For instance, copying your friend’s relaxed facial expression might actually induce a sense of calm within you.
Dr. Maury Joseph, a psychologist, explains that this process can also apply to more profound emotional states like depression. Individuals with depression often convey their emotions through body language, speech patterns, and expressions—this can trigger a similar emotional response in those who are susceptible to such cues.
Contagion
Mimicking an emotion leads to experiencing that emotion. This emotion then becomes part of your own inner experience. You might express it or share it with others in a similar manner, thus completing the process of emotional contagion. Tips for Managing Emotional Contagion
Emotional contagion isn’t necessarily negative. Spreading positivity can be just as valuable as spreading happiness. Nonetheless, there’s also a downside, as negative emotions can also propagate.
Psychologist Dr. Maury Joseph notes that nobody is immune to emotional contagion. However, you can avoid succumbing to negative emotions from others.
Here’s how: Cultivate a Positive Environment
Shield yourself from others’ negative moods by surrounding yourself with sources of joy. For instance, if your workplace is often negative, create a happy space for yourself. Consider adding plants, photos of loved ones, or listening to uplifting podcasts or music.
1. Spread Positivity
Counteract negativity by responding with a cheerful tone and a smile. While it might be challenging, the positive feedback loop created by smiling can uplift both you and the other person.
2. Recognize the Influence
Sometimes, you might not immediately realize that someone else’s mood is affecting you. Cultivating self-awareness helps you identify when external emotions impact your own. This awareness empowers you to address these feelings constructively.
3. Use Laughter
Laughter not only elevates your mood but is also contagious. Share a funny video, joke, or enjoy a comedy show to infuse positivity into your surroundings.
4. Practice Non-Personalization
Emotional contagion is linked to empathy. Understand that connecting with someone’s emotional struggles is a natural human response. However, remember that you’re not responsible for their emotions, and you can’t always help. Encouraging them to speak to a therapist might be beneficial.
The Bottom Line
Emotions are not confined to words; they’re also communicated through body language and subtle cues. While emotional contagion can lead to the spread of negativity, particularly in workplaces and online platforms, you have the ability to shield yourself from its effects.
