Psychological Social Contagions
This phenomenon refers to the idea that emotions, behaviors, or beliefs can spread within a group due to social influence, often without individuals consciously realizing it. Studies have demonstrated that individuals are influenced by not only their direct contacts but also friends-of-friends up to three degrees of separation (“Social Contagion Theory”). For emotional contagions, this is like ‘catching someone’s mood’.
Emotional contagion is the phenomenon when the unconscious spread of emotions from one person to another through facial expressions, tone of voice, body language, or behavior occurs. I.e., one person’s emotions and related behaviors directly trigger similar emotions and behaviors in others. This can lead to a domino effect. In relationships, for instance, anger can spread this way, escalating conflicts. It is a shared emotional experience.
- Mirroring Frustration: One partner comes home angry from work, and the other, sensing the tension, also becomes irritable.
- Escalating Arguments: One partner raises their voice, and the other instinctively matches or exceeds it, intensifying the conflict.
- Defensive Reactivity: A partner criticizes the other, who then becomes defensive and retaliates, fueling mutual resentment.
This can happen in both positive and negative emotional contexts and is a key element in group dynamics and social interactions. For example, if someone is anxious or joyful, others nearby might start to feel anxious or joyful as well.