SKILL
When we have a positive experience, what’s the first thing we often want to do? Share it! The process of sharing a positive event or good news is called “capitalization.” Capitalizing on good news provides an opportunity to savor and reap some benefit from positive events, rather than just experiencing that positive event alone. But, what is most important to wellbeing is the response you receive to the good news you share with others. Researcher Shelly Gable has discovered that there are 4 different ways people respond to good news. When someone shares good news, we might respond with understated and neutral acknowledgement, “change the channel” to our own good news or life event, point out the flaws and concerns in their good news, OR … lean in and ask authentically engaging questions, help the person relive the positive event, and SHOWCASE THE GOOD.

SCIENCE
The science is clear — only 1 of 4 response styles strengthens relationships and benefits wellbeing. Active Constructive responding, otherwise known as Showcasing the Good, is the only response style that boosts wellbeing, trust, intimacy, social connections and positive affect. Passive Destructive, Passive Constructive, and Active Destructive all deteriorate relationships and wellbeing. There are also individual differences in how response styles are interpreted. For instance, individuals who are not securely attached might not recognize or interpret responses in the same way as those who are securely attached. The science is not as clear on the right “dose” of Showcasing the Good for long-term benefits.

BENEFITS
People who regularly give and receive Active Constructive Responses to good news are more likely to experience:

• • • Increased wellbeing
    • Stronger memories of positive events
    • Increased positive affect
    • Increased trust
    • Stronger social connections