emotional contagion theory
nounUK /ɪˈməʊʃənl kənˈteɪdʒən ˈθɪəri/
US /ɪˈmoʊʃənl kənˈteɪdʒən ˈθɪri/
The idea that feelings can spread from person to person like a yawn.
When the baby laughed, everyone in the room started laughing too, which is a good example of emotional contagion theory.
SYNONYMS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The study of how emotions move through crowds at events like concerts or protests.
Researchers used emotional contagion theory to explain the excitement that swept through the stadium.
3. An explanation for why workers in the same office often share similar moods.
Managers learned about emotional contagion theory to help keep the workplace positive.
4. A way to describe how online posts can spread feelings among many users quickly.
The viral happy video showed emotional contagion theory in action across social media.