Emotional contagion refers to the phenomenon in which a person unconsciously mirrors or mimics the emotions of those around them. Emotional contagion can be triggered by nonverbals such as facial expressions as well as by overt conversational or behavioral cues: A smile can spread from one person to another, and someone who is complaining can bring someone else down. People are often unaware of th
What Is Emotional Contagion? (Plain Language Explanation)
Emotional Contagion refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Emotional Contagion
- Symptoms: The specific ways emotional contagion shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen emotional contagion
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When emotional contagion occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Emotional Contagion
- Emotional Contagion is far more common than most people realize
- Emotional Contagion is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with emotional contagion see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about emotional contagion is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing emotional contagion, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.