Some people insist on maintaining a positive outlook no matter what reality they confront.
When this upbeat attitude becomes excessive, psychologists call it Toxic Positivity. Research suggests it carries a host of negative influences.
Not only does a happy and optimistic state across all situations mask important emotions, but it also leads people to underestimate risks and discourages open and candid communication.
If you know someone with this affliction, they can be tremendously annoying to deal with. In their worldview, everything has a silver lining, and gratefulness for this truth solves all problems.
Such generalizations can cause grave harm to others who follow their lead.
Toxic positivity is fairly easy to spot. Overly positive people often engage in platitudes for any difficult situation.
Expressions such as “look on the bright side,” “just stay positive,” “it could be worse,” “cheer up,” and “everything happens for a reason” may come from good intentions, but they dismiss the negative feelings felt by others.
A good vibes only mindset marginalizes any expression of difficulty or struggle. But its pernicious effect doesn’t end there. When others listen to them and suppress their negative emotions, it increases stress, anxiety, and isolation.
Such toxic positivity can also erode authentic relationships by discouraging open communication and emotional honesty, causing people to feel misunderstood and unsupported.
Over time, as emotional invalidation builds up, it can result in feelings of inadequacy as people are expected to be happy as they struggle through legitimate issues.
When leaders have this mindset, team members often feel pressured to appear upbeat and cheerful, even in difficult or painful circumstances, resulting in the suppression of authentic emotional experiences.
Optimism and positivity go too far when they become an expectation.
Genuine optimism allows for hope and resilience while still recognizing the full spectrum of emotions people feel. People need the positive support others can offer as they face adversity.
But this positivity becomes toxic when it is used to sidestep real issues and challenges. Optimism is never an excuse for ignoring a serious problem or obstacle.
Good leaders are optimistic and positive, and they frame much of their communication toward a brighter future. But they draw the line at expecting everyone to be cheery and happy during tough moments.
Smart people don’t fool themselves into believing every struggle can be faced with only positive emotions. Foolish people do, and they typically make poor leaders, colleagues, and friends.
A Daily Dispatch from the Front Lines of Leadership.
