ReThinking Overcoming toxic positivity with Susan David
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Jan 23, 2024 
Susan David, a Harvard Medical School psychologist and author of "Emotional Agility," joins the conversation to explore the crucial concept of emotional agility. She highlights the dangers of toxic positivity and the importance of acknowledging all emotions, even the difficult ones. David discusses the value of genuine optimism over forced positivity, and how self-awareness can enhance personal growth. She also delves into the complex relationship between guilt and personal values, promoting compassionate emotional awareness to navigate challenges effectively.
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Susan David's Story
- Susan David's father died when she was 15, and she was praised for staying positive.
- She suppressed her grief, developed bulimia, and learned that forced positivity is harmful.
Tyranny of Positivity
- Toxic positivity, or the tyranny of positivity, is an avoidant coping strategy.
- It hinders resilience, tough conversations, and shared value understanding.
Optimism vs. Pessimism
- A meta-analysis showed that the absence of pessimism predicts health better than extreme optimism.
- Shielding yourself from the dark side is more important than looking on the bright side.
