Elation

In psychology, elation describes an emotional condition wherein an individual experiences an extreme high state of feeling a multiplicity of emotions, including happiness, joy, enthusiasm, and an uplifted mood. Elation is not to be confused with simple states of happiness. The feeling of elation is accompanied with an energized and excited state, for instance, the feeling of elation experienced when one gets positive news after a long wait. The elation feeling is a result of active course of action of the emotional system of the particular individual and is accompanied with the enjoyment and positive emotions active in the reward system of the brain, especially the positive feedback of dopamine release. The positive psychology school of thought regards elation to high positive emotions which fosters creativity, positive social emotions, and social connections. More extreme or prolonged elation is rarely noted as positively adaptive and can signal a mood disorder, in particular, an elevated mood in bipolar disorder. Everyday elation is important for positive human flourishing, increasing social connections, and the joy from shared festivities.