Lisa Lukianoff, Psy.D.
  • Lisa Lukianoff, Psy.D.
  • Professional Blog
  • Legal & Copyright Disclaimer

Understanding how #EmotionalContagion spread's in a group setting can improve the "EmotionalIntelligence of a work environment. #ExecutiveCoaching #Consulting #HR

12/20/2013

 
Paying attention to the emotional atmosphere in a work environment is crucial to the overall health and well-being of individuals and employees.

An emotional contagion can impact all members of a group, either positively or negatively.  Researcher’s Dezecache, Conty, Chadwick, Philip, Soussignan, Sperber, & Grèzes (2013) examined emotional contagions within a group. Their findings reveal how emotional states are spread throughout people spontaneously! 

People exchange emotional cues and non-verbal communication from each other and from groups of people either with direct contact or peripherally. Consciously and unconsciously people read emotional cues in work environments and at social gatherings. These subtle exchanges of information are transmitted via facial expressions, body language, verbal-tone, and emotional expressions. In these instances, communication occurs.

People are inherently perceptive of what other’s emotional expressions produce. In their research Dezecache, Conty, Chadwick, Philip, Soussignan, Sperber, & Grèzes (2013) demonstrate that emotions like joy and fear are instantly transmitted throughout a group setting. They show that people are neurologically programmed to respond and react to the emotional signals of others, which in turn produces emotional states. This hard-wired function is a survival mechanism. 

“These findings demonstrate that one is tuned to react to others' emotional signals and to unintentionally produce subtle but sufficient emotional cues to induce emotional states in others. This phenomenon could be the mark of a spontaneous cooperative behavior whose function is to communicate survival-value information to nonspecifics”, Dezecache, Conty, Chadwick, Philip, Soussignan, Sperber, & Grèzes (2013).

Understanding the collective emotional tone of an organization is imperative for guiding the group towards better cohesiveness, collaboration, and cooperation. A work environment that feels healthy and vibrant allows people to function more optimally, as a group. Positive emotions spread throughout people who experience them. An executive who works with this understanding can improve the collective emotional intelligence of their work environment.

References:
Dezecache, G., Conty, L., Chadwick, M., Philip, L., Soussignan, R., Sperber, D., & Grèzes, J. (2013). Evidence for Unintentional Emotional Contagion Beyond Dyads. Public Library of Science. Volume 8(6), e67371. Doi:  10.1371/journal.pone.0067371

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23840683

    Author

    This blog is intended to explore ideas, educate, entertain and expand our thinking. Some posts speak to current trends in the brain sciences, neural benefits of exercise & sports, emotional intelligence and personal growth. 

    About me. Experienced Consultant  with a demonstrated history of working in the professional services industry. Skilled in psychological assessment, executive coaching, clinical research writing, and behavioral medicine. Strong healthcare services professional with a Psy.D., Doctorate in Clinical Psychology focused in Clinical Psychology..

    Tweets by @lisa_lukianoff

    Categories

    All
    Bouncing Back
    Emotional Intelligence
    Executive Coaching
    Idea Blog
    Neurogenesis
    Neuroplasticity
    Neuroscience And Exercise
    Neuroscience And Genetics
    Neuroscience And Pspychoanalysis
    Psychoanalytic Pain Management
    Psychological Consulting
    Psychotherapy
    Resilience
    The Brain And Emotions

    Archives

    October 2018
    December 2017
    August 2017
    May 2016
    April 2016
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    April 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    April 2013
    August 2012
    December 2011

    RSS Feed

    © Copyright Lisa Lukianoff, Psy.D., 2022 http://www.lisalukianoffpsyd.com/professional-blog All Rights Reserved
Proudly powered by Weebly
  • Lisa Lukianoff, Psy.D.
  • Professional Blog
  • Legal & Copyright Disclaimer