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Whining, griping, and complaining: positivity in the negativity
1Department of Psychology, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC 28723, USA. kowalski@wcu.edu
Journal of Clinical Psychology
|September 5, 2002
Summary
This study explores the positive aspects of complaining, a behavior often viewed negatively. It reveals that complaining can offer personal, relational, and material benefits, broadening the scope of positive psychology.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Positive Psychology
Background:
- The positive psychology movement focuses on human strengths and virtues.
- It has largely overlooked the potential positive aspects of seemingly negative behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To expand the scope of positive psychology.
- To examine the positive features of complaining, a typically aversive behavior.
Main Methods:
- Defining the behavior of complaining.
- Analyzing the benefits of complaining across personal, relational, interpersonal, and material domains.
Main Results:
- Complaining possesses positive attributes.
- It yields benefits in personal, relational, interpersonal, and material aspects.
Conclusions:
- Complaining, despite its negative perception, offers significant positive outcomes.
- The study demonstrates positivity within negativity, advocating for a broader view in positive psychology.