Positive ratios revisited: reports of the theory’s death have been greatly exaggerated

ABSTRACT

The states of mind (SOM) model-related ratios of positive/negative affect to psychological functioning, findings that were later integrated into Lefebvre’s mathematical model of self-awareness. Using a different mathematical model, Fredrickson and Losada proposed a ‘tipping point’ that distinguished ‘languishing’ from ‘flourishing groups,’ but a critique of their work led to a retraction. This cast doubt on positivity ratios and left the concept without mathematical underpinnings. This article highlights critical differences between tipping points and balance points, the latter used by the SOM model and not subject to the same criticisms. An experiment using Fredrickson’s and Losada’s model was re-analyzed comparing their method with the SOM model, revealing a higher concordance of ratios with existing norms using the SOM method. Since positive and negative affect are important mental-health indicators, restoring a valid mathematical model strengthens the scientific status of this phenomenon and provides a robust theory for positive psychology research.

KEYWORDS:

• Positive and negative emotions
• positive ratio
• positive psychology
• self-awareness
• mathematical model

Acknowledgments

The authors gratefully acknowledge the technical assistance and generous support that Vladimir Lefebvre provided over the years regarding his theory. In light of his recent passing, the paper is dedicated to his memory. We also thank Martin Seligman for his comments on an earlier version.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.