As we age, our social interactions and emotional connections continue to play a vital role in our overall well-being. But have you ever noticed how the mood of those around you can influence your own? This phenomenon, known as 'emotional contagion,' is more than just a fleeting change in mood—it can have significant implications for mental health, particularly in seniors.

Imagine this: you're sitting with a friend who shares their financial concerns, and as they express their distress, you can't help but feel a wave of sadness wash over you. This isn't just empathy; it's a form of behavioural mirroring that psychologists refer to as 'emotional contagion.' It's the unconscious adaptation of another's emotions through the mimicry of facial expressions, gestures, and postures, leading to a convergence of feelings.



This concept isn't new, but recent research has shed light on its profound impact on the mental health of seniors. Marie-Josée Richer, a psychoeducator at the Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, affiliated with Université de Montréal, conducted doctoral research on the subject, revealing that just as some individuals are more susceptible to catching a cold, others are more prone to 'catching' emotions.


Pierrich Plusquellec, a professor at UdeM's School of Psychoeducation and co-director of the Center for Studies on Human Stress, explains that this sensitivity can manifest in various ways. For instance, a person might feel tense after witnessing anger, tear up in response to someone else's tears, or become more cheerful around a happy individual. Emotional contagion is the foundation of empathy, playing an essential role in society.



However, this vulnerability can also be a double-edged sword. In a study co-supervised by Plusquellec and UdeM psychology professor Sébastien Grenier, Richer found that seniors suffering from psychological distress are more susceptible to emotional contagion. This research aimed to understand the factors influencing resilience among seniors to help prevent psychological distress, which can lead to serious health consequences like cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, and even premature death.

The study involved 170 adults aged 55 or older from Quebec retirement homes or community organizations, all facing some form of adversity. The participants were divided into three groups based on their level of psychological distress: those with anxiety, those with anxious depression, and those with no significant symptoms. The findings were startling: seniors most vulnerable to emotional contagion were up to 10 times more likely to present symptoms of anxiety or anxious depression than their less susceptible counterparts.

This groundbreaking research is the first to examine emotional contagion as a determinant of psychological distress in seniors. While it didn't establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship, it highlights the need to consider both explicit and implicit adversity when identifying seniors at risk for psychological distress.



In communal living environments and caregiving situations, it's crucial to address the risks of emotional contagion proactively. The researchers recommend developing tools to help those most vulnerable manage their sensitivity, potentially strengthening their psychological resilience and improving their quality of life.

Future studies are suggested to explore moderators of vulnerability to emotional contagion, aiming to enhance our understanding of its impact on mental health and find ways to alleviate psychological distress in older adults.
Members, have you ever felt overwhelmed by the emotions of those around you? Do you think this has affected your mental health? It's important to recognise the power of emotional contagion and take steps to protect and improve our mental well-being. Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below, and let's discuss how we can support each other in managing our emotional health.