Positive emotions in children: current research and future directions

Abstract

Current studies indicate that positive emotions contribute to the development of social, affective, and cognitive resources that promote psychosocial well-being. However, most research has focused on adolescents and adults rather than children, although the basis for emotional development is established during childhood and affects the emergence of social and cognitive processes during this period. This chapter reviews Latin American studies that have examined how children's positive emotions are related to other variables as well as proposed models for assessing and fostering these emotions. It concludes with suggestions for future research.