Toxic positivity is an emotional response that counteracts negative and painful emotions. Moreover, it goes by many names, such as positive toxicity or excessive positivity. Specifically, these individuals tend to suppress or reject all forms of negativity.
The Negative Impact of Toxic Positivity
People who engage in toxic positivity are more likely to deny others’s negative emotions and even their own. They do this because they believe that optimism will lead to more positive life outcomes. Although putting negative emotions aside in the in the short term can be beneficial, avoiding them altogether can harm these people. As a result, toxic positivity can prevent these individuals’ emotional regulation and overcome any anxiety caused by it.
Ultimately, positivity and optimism are traits that help individuals and society accomplish their goals and be successful. Yet, seeking positivity only becomes an issue when it’s used to suppress or outright block negative emotions. This optimistic mindset, while good, can cause problems when responding to someone voicing negativity.
Consequences and Controversies
While toxic positivity isn’t considered an official psychological diagnosis or term, it mainly describes a behavioral pattern. Unfortunately, this definition of toxic positivity remains controversial, as some may believe that the term is either overused or incorrectly used. For instance, excessive positivity may undercut resilience and encourage pathology instead. Others believe that positive toxicity risks dismantling healthy positivity.
Negative emotions can be a struggle, but feeling them is necessary for personal growth. Indeed, feeling the full range of positive or negative emotions is essential to humanity, as it pushes people to rise above any issues. Conversely, suppressing emotions doesn’t fix an individual’s underlying problems but instead can breed negative feelings such as shame, guilt, and anxiety. What’s more? Emotions give people understanding, which can lead to feelings of happiness and fulfillment. Genuine expressions of emotion help individuals promote authenticity, which enhances their overall health.
Toxic Positivity Versus Genuine Positivity
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Due to the nature of toxic positivity, it can be challenging to distinguish it from regular positivity. For instance, a friend telling someone to look on the bright side may not be trying to ignore their anxiety intentionally. However, consistently rejecting someone’s negative emotions with optimism becomes toxic positivity. Likewise, being encouraged to act in a way that feels disingenuous can be toxic as well.
More than that, positivity may not help people in specific situations, such as being laid off from a job or going through a divorce. Indeed, research has shown that rejecting negative feelings may not benefit individuals going through uncontrollable situations. Comparatively, using positivity to tackle threats against one’s identity can also decrease their well-being and self-esteem. Consequently, pushing positive emotional regulation as a strategy against negative experiences that don’t work in a particular situation also affects one’s self-esteem.
Positivity Leads to Positive Outcome
Overall, people who avoid negativity to push positivity may have good intentions behind their suggestions and behavior. Specifically, they may believe they’re doing good by offering support and encouragement. Lacking knowledge or experience may also hinder these individuals from helping, as they don’t know how to communicate what they mean, leading them to become offensive unintentionally.
Despite its intentions, toxic positivity can be hurtful and unproductive, as people may feel judged or dismissed. These individuals may not be understood, or the world is uncaring of their problems or themselves entirely. Due to their feelings being ignored, these individuals may struggle with being vulnerable and reaching out for help with their problems. Ultimately, relationships require trust and authenticity to grow, so understanding other people’s emotions and experiences is the only way for these individuals to get help with their needs.
Developing Better Emotional Regulation
To navigate through negative emotions, people should first be aware of their own feelings. In fact, they should explore their feelings with curiosity, which leads to acceptance rather than avoidance and judgment. It could help these individuals to write down how they feel in a journal or share their experiences and emotions with family members and trusted friends.
Figuring out the cause of their feelings may help them understand their meaning, which, in turn, leads to acceptance and stronger resilience. After understanding their emotions, these individuals can develop skills and tools to change their situations. Furthermore, learning mindfulness as a coping skill and practicing deep feelings can help regulate emotions more.
Disclaimer: This article is intended simply to provide information. It does not replace the medical advice of a physician or other medical professional. Please speak with your doctor or therapist if you have any questions or concerns.
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