‘On the rise’ | How HR can tackle toxic positivity

Toxic positivity is the belief that no matter how terrible a situation is, an individual should maintain a positive outlook and mindset to push past it.

While this term has been around for some time, recently it seems that this way of thinking has increased, likely due to the uncertainty and anxiety that the global coronavirus pandemic has caused.

But one neuroscientist has shared that this way of thinking can have harmful, long-term consequences because toxic positivity “inhibits people from feeling perfectly normal emotions, which if left unchecked can lead to longer lasting deeper issues like anxiety, diminished self-esteem and burnout”.

Dr Lynda Shaw, neuroscientist, business psychologist and change specialist, recently made this statement. She also pointed out that toxic positivity is on the rise and has “flourished” throughout the last year, as many have been forced by others or pushed themselves to think positively during times of hardship.