Don't worry, be happy, see more: Another reason to monitor the conflict moodscape

Some research out of University of Toronto adds to the list of benefits of having a positive mood. From "Seeing More With Rose-Coloured Glasses" (Medical News Today):

A University of Toronto study provides the first direct evidence that our mood literally changes the way our visual system filters our perceptual experience suggesting that seeing the world through rose-coloured glasses is more biological reality than metaphor.

"Good and bad moods literally change the way our visual cortex operates and how we see," says Adam Anderson, a U of T professor of psychology. "Specifically our study shows that when in a positive mood, our visual cortex takes in more information, while negative moods result in tunnel vision. The study appears in the Journal of Neuroscience.

What are some of the advantages of seeing more when in a conflict? To name one: Improved communication can result from paying close attention to people's demeanor, posture, gestures, expressions, and other non-verbal cues. What are other advantages?

In the past, I have posted about ways to regulate moods and emotions. Examples:

• Regulating in-the-way emotions in conflict resolution: Is the difference between a roar and a purr found in the eye of the beholder (or ear of the listener)?
• What's the quickest route from reactive brain to reflective mind (and a new kind of dispute)? Climb a tree
• "What are you feeling?" "What am I feeling?" These questions are tools for brain taming
• From scaredy cat to serene lion: The alchemy of cognitive reappraisal
  

Comments

[writing a dissertation]

Blogs are good for every one where we get lots of information for any topics nice job keep it up !!!

[John Folk-Williams]

Thanks, Stephany -

This reference and your own set of posts offer a lot of insight and practical help in understanding what goes on around the table. The models regarding mind and emotions are especially useful.

The way you pull these ideas together and relate them to conflict resolution is especially thought-provoking. It would be great to see this dimension of practice much more widely discussed.

John