It is also interesting to contrast the link between positive emotions and social behavior with that of negative emotions and social behavior. Individuals feel good when they are interacting with others. This relation between positive emotions and social interactions is unique to the positive, having little impact on negative emotional states. I would suggest that the spiral is fueled by the adaptive force of close interpersonal ties and that these relationships may serve as reservoirs of positive experience. Much has been made of the differentiation of negative emotions relative to positive emotions.
Negative emotions are varied, and there are a variety of ways to discuss the nuances of misery.
When people describe their negative emotions to others, they distinguish themselves by the highly specific labels that exist in the emotional lexicon. An interesting aspect of this account of positive emotion is the assumption that positive emotions have prerequisites. It is at least worth considering whether such requirements limit the usefulness of positive emotion in combating pathology. Clearly, individual differences in traits may influence susceptibility to different emotions. One way to sidestep this issue to is to say that even in times of difficulty, if individuals can create positive meaning they can benefit from positive emotion.