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The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos
Harnessing People Around us to Feel Happier (Live with Ethan Kross)
Mar 10, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Ethan Kross, a professor of psychology and business at the University of Michigan, explores how our social interactions can affect happiness. He reveals social hacks for enhancing emotional wellness and discusses the impact of emotional contagion—how feelings can spread among people. Kross emphasizes the importance of mirroring in relationships and how an individual’s emotional advisory board can bolster well-being. Listeners learn actionable strategies to create more positive environments in their everyday lives.
49:27
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Quick takeaways
- Emotional contagion highlights how our feelings are influenced by those around us, emphasizing the importance of fostering positive interactions for happiness.
- Reframing social comparisons can transform feelings of inadequacy into motivation, encouraging personal growth by viewing others’ achievements as inspiration rather than failure.
Deep dives
Understanding Emotional Contagion
Emotional contagion plays a significant role in shaping our feelings and behaviors. It occurs when we unconsciously mimic the emotions of those around us, which can lead to positive or negative emotional states. For instance, volunteers in a study demonstrated that they adopted feelings of euphoria or anger based on the behavior of actors in the room. Recognizing this phenomenon allows individuals to intentionally influence group dynamics, fostering more uplifting interactions by projecting positivity, ultimately initiating a beneficial ripple effect.
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Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode