Emotions do have positive spin-offs.
Support is offered for the notion that positive behaviors can help displace negative emotions with positive emotions. Further, the author agrees that finding positive meaning amid adversity can be adaptive. Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to David G. Myers, Hope College, Holland, Michigan 49422-9000. First, she contends that positive emotions have positive spin-offs. Self reports, behaviors, and peer ratings reveal that it is not happy people who are intensely self-focused, but those who are bereaved or depressed.