The Power of Positivity in a Pandemic with Dr. Barbara Fredrickson (podcast)

By Templeton Staff
July 25, 2021
An expert on positivity shares ideas for nurturing positive emotions and resilience amid stress and anxiety.
The Power of Positivity in a Pandemic with Dr. Barbara Fredrickson - podcast

Dr. Barbara Fredrickson, who coined the term “positivity resonance,” has been studying positive emotions for decades, looking at how these emotions affect people’s thinking, physiology, and relationships with others.

In this conversation — the first from our special 5-part series on COVID-19 — Richard Sergay speaks with Dr. Fredrickson about why her work in positive psychology is more relevant than ever during the pandemic. Dr. Fredrickson offers tips on how to nurture our positive emotions and resilience amid the stress and anxiety we are all experiencing during these times, as well as how to foster strong social connections going forward post-pandemic.

Read the transcript from the interview conducted by journalist Richard Sergay, presented by podcast producer Tavia Gilbert. Featuring: Dr. Barbara Fredrickson, director of the​ Positive Emotions and Psychophysiology Laboratory (PEP Lab) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.


Built upon the award-winning video series of the same name, Templeton World Charity Foundation’s “Stories of Impact” podcast features stories of new scientific research on human flourishing that translate discoveries into practical tools. Bringing a mix of curiosity, compassion, and creativity, journalist Richard Sergay and producer Tavia Gilbert shine a spotlight on the human impact at the heart of cutting-edge social and scientific research projects supported by TWCF.