Emotional Contagion
This is what researchers call when we mimic the expressions and the emotions of the people around us.
The phrase "misery loves company" is a widely-used term and it seems that there is truth behind the phrase. Emotional contagion happens because of the mirror neuron system. Our neurons fire up when we behave in certain ways and is a probable explanation for how we experience empathy towards others.
MORE IDEAS FROM THE ARTICLE
- Surround yourself with things that make you happy
- Send back positivity to others
- Practice self-awareness to recognize what is happening in the present moment better
- Laugh out loud
- Try not to take things personally.
- Mimicry - emotions are starting to be recognized, subtle copying of gestures or facial expressions
- Feedback - here is where we begin to experience the emotion being expressed towards us
- Contagion - the emotions evoked in us has to be expressed or related to others to provide release.
RELATED IDEAS
Emotional contagion is a phenomenon that occurs when a person or groups emotions and behaviours affect the emotions and behaviours of some other person or group. This can be negative or positive.
We often mimic or imitate the emotional expressions (smiles and frowns) of other people without even realizing it. Mimicry and copying the body language, voice or facial expressions of other people is natural among social creatures, due to 'mirror neurons’ in the cerebral cortex region of the brain.
It is generally considered a positive emotion and is a vital social, emotional and cognitive function. It is a communal activity that encourages bonding, reduces any possible conflict, and eases stress and anxiety. Laughter can be classified in different types:
- Genuine and spontaneous
- Simulated or fake
- Stimulated (from tickling, for example)
- Induced (by drugs)
- Pathological
- Smile. It is even more important than you think. It's a great way to create trust. We judge people to be more pleasant when we are smiling.
- Expand. Body movements that go up and out are very open and comforting. Anything that is compressing, like lip compression, is conveying stress.