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Emotional Contagion
Emotional contagion refers to the phenomenon in which a person unconsciously mirrors or mimics the emotions of those around them. Emotional contagion can be triggered by nonverbals such as facial expressions as well as by overt conversational or behavioral cues: A smile can spread from one person to another, and someone who is complaining can bring someone else down. People are often unaware of their susceptibility to another's mood or emotions, and an understanding of this phenomenon can help someone both regulate their own emotions and avoid dampening the moods of others.
Early research on this phenomenon dates back to the mid-twentieth century, with work becoming more prominent in the 1980s and 1990s. Among early researchers, Elaine Hatfield, of the University of Hawaii, explored many aspects of relationships and found that humans copy each other’s emotions and behaviors.
In a relationship, depending on the emotions we share, we can feel closer to a person or we can feel pulled apart. This phenomenon involves both positive and negative moods.
Yes. Co-workers or other group settings—say, a sports event or a political rally—are indeed affected. Research from the University of Rochester showed that just being in the room of a highly motivated co-worker can enhance someone's motivation. Equally, people in a group can absorb malcontent and dissatisfaction.
When we are attuned to each other, empathy and compassion are heightened. This can foster appreciation, support, interconnectedness, as well as a higher tolerance of others.
When we are aware of our tendency to mimic the emotions of others, we are also more responsive and communicative when we interact. This is important to keep in mind when communicating with someone who is experiencing extremely negative emotions, if one's goal is to remain emotionally neutral.
A mirror neuron, a type of brain cell, gets activated when a person performs an action as well as when they observe another person performing that action. The extent to which mirror neurons impact complex phenomena such as emotional contagion is a subject of active scientific debate.
Just being aware of the negativity around you is a first step to neutralizing charged emotions. Observing a tense situation, rather than living in it can help. If you step back and observe, you can be more analytical and clinical about the situation.
If one is aware of the possibility of social or emotional contagion, one can work on emotional regulation in the presence of others. If you suspect it will be impossibly to regulate your mood, you may reconsider being in a social context. However, it is important to keep in mind that social interaction, especially with friends and family, can ameliorate mood and contribute to overall well-being. The decision to isolate oneself when already feeling low is a serious one—talking it over with a trusted individual may be in order.
Compartmentalization is not denial or the act of burying feelings, it is about shelving negative thoughts and emotions. For example, you might give yourself time to think about your anger after your coffee in the morning. Some people are better than others at compartmentalizing how they feel, but we can all learn how to put emotions aside when needed.
The work of epidemiologist Gary Slutkin aims to stop the spread of violence. He believes that violence is a form of social contagion and people at high risk of becoming violent offenders can be targeted for interventions as this will impact the community as a whole. This is a effective public health approach to violence reduction.
A person with high emotional intelligence, or EQ, is more aware of their emotions. They are able to read the mood of a room and respond in kind. A leader high in EQ, for example, can tell if his team is down and somber; he will then troubleshoot, set realistic goals, listen, and share his inspiration.
