The positivity ratio and functioning under stress

The positivity ratio reflects the ratio of positive affect to negative affect. In two studies, the authors investigated the relationship between positivity ratio and functioning under stress. Study 1 examined gastric cancer patients (N = 123) and Study 2 explored hospital personnel exposed to missile attacks (N = 84). In both studies, there was a curvilinear relationship between positivity ratio and functioning. As the positivity ratio increased there was a steep decrease in maladaptive functioning. The decrease in maladaptive functioning leveled at around a ratio of three, from which point maladaptive functioning stayed the same, or even started to mildly ascend, till the maximum positivity ratio score. Taken together, this finding indicates that a moderate positivity ratio is sufficient for optimal functioning at the midst of stress. Implications for the role of affect in coping with stress are discussed.