Toxic Positivity: The Reality of Suppressing Emotions

Dr. Tracy Marks discusses toxic positivity, its negative effects, and how it can damage relationships and self-perception. She explains the difference between suppression and repression and critiques thought stopping as a coping strategy. The video offers two approaches to counter toxic positivity: self-compassion and acceptance, and showing empathy and validation to others. These strategies help in acknowledging and processing negative emotions, fostering resilience, and improving interpersonal connections.

What is an emotionally healthy state according to Dr. Tracy Marks?

• Avoiding all emotions

• Experiencing and expressing a full range of emotions

• Suppressing negative emotions

• Experiencing only positive emotions

How can toxic positivity affect personal relationships?

• It strengthens emotional bonds

• It invalidates feelings and damages relationships

• It encourages open communication

• It has no effect on relationships

What is the main difference between suppression and repression?

• Both are unconscious processes

• Suppression is conscious, repression is unconscious

• Both are conscious processes

• Suppression is unconscious, repression is conscious

What is a key strategy to overcome toxic positivity?

• Employing self-compassion and acceptance

• Ignoring negative emotions

• Avoiding emotional expression

• Focusing solely on positive thoughts

What is affective labeling?

• Replacing negative thoughts with positive ones

• Ignoring emotions

• Naming the emotion you are experiencing

• Suppressing emotions

How should you respond to someone expressing negative emotions?

• Ignore them

• Show empathy and validation

• Dismiss their feelings

• Tell them to look on the bright side

What does resilience involve according to the video?

• Avoiding adversity altogether

• Suppressing negative emotions

• Adapting to circumstances despite adversity

• Pretending to enjoy adversity