In two extensive meta-analyses it was concluded from both experimental and longitudinal studies that positive emotions not only derive from, but also precede enhanced success and physical and mental health (Lyubomirsky, King, & Diener, 2005; Pressman & Cohen, 2005). Further to this evidence, neuropsychological research suggests that according to plasticity in the brain the pathways of emotions can be shaped to increase positive emotions (Davidson, Jackson, & Kalin, 2000). Thus the newfound interest in positive emotions provides promising support that suggests a wide range of beneficial effects mediated by positive emotions.

(a summary of Martin Newman's 'Emotional Capitalists')

Emotional Intelligence (EI) is currently a flourishing area in positive psychology and research has shown it is associated with academic achievement (Banchard in press, Bracket, Mayer & Warner, in press, Lam & Kirby, 2002), a decreased likelihood of aggressive behavior (Bracket & Mayer, 2003) and positively relating to others (Cote, Lopes, Salovey & Bears, 2003). Additionally EI has potential use in education (Sel, Elias, Hunter & Kness, 2001, Payton et al., 2000) human resource management including teamwork and building positive relationships with others (Cote, Lopes & Salovey, 2003), and in politics including the effect of emotion on decision making and behavior (Marcus, Neuman, & Mackuen, 2000) and family dynamics (Elias, Tobias, & Friedlander, 1999). Thus EI is an important subject to examine with many useful applications.

The term ‘emotion' is notoriously difficult to define. As Fehr and Russell put it: ‘everyone knows what emotion is until asked to give a definition'. Yet we all use this term and seem to easily understand to what, in our experience, it relates. Psychologists often employ the notion of affect as an umbrella term for various positive and negative emotions, feelings and moods we frequently experience and easily recognise. In this chapter, I'll consider two ‘affective' topics popular within positive psychology - positive emotions and emotional intelligence.