Toxic positivity is the act of avoiding, suppressing, or rejecting negative emotions or experiences. This may take the form of denying your own emotions or someone else denying your emotions, insisting on positive thinking instead. Although setting aside difficult emotions is sometimes necessary temporarily, denying negative feelings long term is harmful because it can prevent people from processing their emotions and overcoming their distress.
Consequences, Examples, Signs, and Controversies
As the famous Robert Frost saying goes, “The best way over is through.” Negative emotions are difficult to deal with—but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t feel them. Feeling all of our emotions in full, whether positive or negative, is part of being human and navigating the world.
Emotional suppression doesn’t only fail to resolve the underlying problem, but it can also breed guilt , shame, sadness, and anxiety . It can even backfire by magnifying suppressed feelings.
Emotions contain important information; they can point the way toward changes that lead to fulfillment, happiness , and meaning. Genuine emotional expression also fosters authenticity , which is an essential ingredient of well-being .
Toxic positivity hinges on the failure to acknowledge or accept someone’s negative emotions. A few examples include:
Explore More About Toxic Positivity
For a comprehensive understanding of toxic positivity, read our complete guide: