Feeling Good-and Feeling Bad-Affect Social Problem Solving: A Test of the Broaden-and-Build Model in Asian Americans

We examined the reciprocal relationship between affect and social problem solving in 329 Asian Americans over 3 months. A cross-lagged panel analysis showed initial positive affect predicted more positive problem orientation, more rational problem solving, and less avoidance style 3 months later. However, the adaptive facets of problem solving did not lead to more prospective positive affect. Further, positive affect was not the only antecedent to problem solving. Initial negative affect also played a role and predicted more negative problem orientation. Conversely, initial negative problem orientation predicted reduced positive affect over time. Results suggest the cultural shaping of Fredrickson's broaden-and-build model on the upward spiral effects of positive affect. Our findings underscore not only the promotion of positive affect but also the reduction of negative affect as avenues of intervention in cultivating effective problem-solving strategies for Asian Americans. What is the public significance of this article? For Asian Americans, both feeling good and feeling bad affected problem solving 3 months later. Findings encourage not only the promotion of positive affect but also the reduction of negative affect in cultivating effective ways to help Asian Americans tackle everyday problems.