The Psychology Podcast Whitney Goodman || Toxic Positivity
21 snips
Jun 9, 2022 
Whitney Goodman, a radically honest psychotherapist and author of 'Toxic Positivity,' discusses the downside of forced cheerfulness. She emphasizes that positivity can become harmful when we ignore hardships. Whitney explains how to support ourselves and others authentically, advocating for a balance of emotions rather than suppressing negative feelings. The conversation also touches on the role of social media in shaping our views on happiness, the need for realistic affirmations, and the value of complaints in communication.
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Toxic Positivity Factors
- Positivity becomes toxic depending on timing, audience, and topic.
- What's positive in one situation may be toxic in another.
Helpful Positivity
- Helpful positivity acknowledges good, bad, and neutral feelings.
- It avoids shaming negative emotions and allows for realistic outlooks.
Positivity Paradox
- Clients focused solely on positive feelings often struggle more with challenges.
- They lack coping mechanisms for negative experiences, hindering growth.
