Emotional Contagion | Elara’s Blog

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WHAT IS EMOTIONAL CONTAGION?

Hatfield et al. (1992) describe the phenomenon of emotional contagion (EC) as a process of “automatic imitation and synchronization of others’ expressions, sounds, postures, and movements, ultimately culminating in the attainment of emotional consistency” .

As per the theoretical framework proposed by Petrides et al. (2007) for emotional intelligence (EI), the inclusion of EC within the component of emotionality is justifiable. EC constitutes a vital element of EI, reflecting an individual’s adeptness in emotional perception and expression.

Individuals exhibit varying degrees of EC in social interaction, which have notable implications for their psychological and behavioral propensities.

EC operates via the mechanism of affective mimicry and synchronization, whereby individuals’ subjective emotional experiences are shaped by their automatic mirroring of others’ emotional expressions, which then informs their cognitive evaluations and feedback of others’ emotional states (Hatfield et al., 1993).

HOW TO MEASURES?

Emotional Contagion Ability Scale: Compilation and empirical validity for Chinese college students

EC has been predominantly assessed through questionnaires.

Questionnaires related to EC are constructed to quantify the extent to which individuals experience EC in response to various stimuli, thereby capturing specific reactions to particular contexts, rather than characterizing EC as a dimension of EI.

The questionnaire we developed for assessing trait emotional contagion ability was subjected to a comprehensive set ofreliability and validity analyses.

In the course of EC, the initial step involves perceiving emotional signals and mimicking them. The mirror-like interaction between the emotional agent and the observer produces a synchronicity, and although the imitation may not be discernible externally, it can be detected through electromyography.

Typically, zygomaticus major and corrugator supercilii muscles are used as measures of emotional mimicry.

WHAT INFULENCE ON EMOTIONAL CONTAGION

INDIVIDUAL FACTORS

Light makeup decreases receivers’ negative emotional experience

This study explores the impact of makeup on emotional experiences during video chats, finding that makeup enhances perceived facial attractiveness, increases willingness to communicate, and weakens negative emotional experiences in response to angry and sad expressions. The research suggests that makeup influences emotional contagion and interpersonal communication, prompting consideration of the adaptiveness of the alleviated negative experiences associated with makeup use.

CUlTURE FACTORS

The individualism and collectivism of culture characteristics and their influence on emotional contagion

This research explores the cultural characteristics of Chinese college students, noting the evolving shift towards individualism while maintaining interdependent self-construction. The study, conducted through World Values Survey analysis and questionnaire-based assessments, reveals an increasing trend of individualistic behaviors among the younger generation, yet highlights the persistent influence of interdependence on emotional contagion abilities, particularly noting a negative correlation between anxious contagion and independent self-construction.

REFRENCE

Covey, S. R. (1991). The seven habits of highly effective people. Provo, UT: Covey Leadership Center.

Hatfield, E., Cacioppo, J. T., & Rapson, R. L. (1992). Primitive emotional contagion. In M. S. Clark (Ed.), Emotion and social behavior (pp. 151–177). Sage.

Petrides, K. V., Pita, R., & Kokkinaki, F. (2007). The location of trait emotional intelligence in personality factor space. British Journal of Psychology, 98(2), 273–289.