Can Affectively Negative Experiences Contribute to Well-Being? The Affectively Negative Need-Fulfillment Model Chapter uri icon

abstract

  • 2017, Springer International Publishing AG. Psychological well-being is traditionally characterized by high positive affect and low negative affect. However, we propose that experiencing negative affect can be beneficial for well-being. Specifically, we advance that psychological needs, which are vital for well-being, can be fulfilled in situations characterized by negative affect. To support our proposal, we outline five affectively negative situations (i.e., stressful goal-pursuit, the frightening supernatural, other-directed annoyance, passion for social causes or beliefs, highly adverse life events) that can simultaneously meet psychological needs. We summarize our proposals in the Affectively Negative Need-Fulfillment Model and contextualize our analysis within the literature.

altmetric score

  • 0.5

author list (cited authors)

  • Juhl, J., Routledge, C., Hicks, J. A., & Sedikides, C.

citation count

  • 4

complete list of authors

  • Juhl, Jacob||Routledge, Clay||Hicks, Joshua A||Sedikides, Constantine

Book Title

  • The Happy Mind: Cognitive Contributions to Well-Being

publication date

  • June 2017