Chapter 4: What Elicits Emotion Flashcards
appraisal
subjective interpretation of what a stimulus means for an individual’s goals, concerns, and well-being; i.e. how relevant is a stimulus?
Arnold’s (Magda) Theory
cognitive appraisal is the defining feature of feelings and the cause of emotional behaviour (basically can’t have feelings without cognitive appraisal
Lazarus’ Theory
appraisal causes emotion, but is not emotion in an of itself; emotions are comprised of physiological, behavioural, and motivational responses; emotional themes reflect the fundamental problems that humans face through life
How Fast?
appraisals take longer than many other kinds of responses; depends on what definition of appraisal is being used
Core Relational THemes
appraisal is derived from the basic/prototypical benefit/problem analysis that people encounter in their interactions with the environment
no grey area
can have emotional blend, but will ultimately end at one definitive emotion
Sher’s Appraisal Dimensions
a list of questions that people (whether consciously or unconsciously) ask about everyday objects and experiences they encounter, and the responses are linked to biological, motivational, cognitive, and behavioural consequences
e.g.: expectedness, pleasantness responsible agent, goal conduciveness, control, certainty, fairness
Primary Appraisal
goal relevance to the situation, goal congruence (good or bad?), ego-involvement (why does it matter)
Secondary Appraisal
evaluation of whether one can cope with the situation or not, who is responsible (blame/credit), control over the situation (coping potential) and future expectations
Craig et al
Challenge vs Threat study, where those who were encouraged to view something as a challenge showed both positive physiological responses while those in the threat study showed an increase in heart rate but vascular constriction (extremities not getting enough blood)
demonstrated how a mindset can change their attitude and has been showed across racial lines
Scherer’s Study
similar appraisals for emotions/what to expect as a cause of emotion; fairness and morality are the most divergent dimensions to measure emotion on
Zayonc’s Mere Exposure Effect
the result of having a pleasant appraisal of a neutral stimulus after being exposed to it multiple times unconsciously, regardless of remembering it or not
criticism: not really an emotional response with the appraisal dimensions or core relational themes models
Lazarus and Anger
a demeaning offense against me and mine
Scherer and Anger
situation that is unfair, unexpected, unpleasant, and interfered with goals; is caused by someone else but potentially changeable
Berkowitz’s Cognitive Neoassociationistic Model of Anger Generation
any unpleasant events facilitate anger and aggressive behaviour
can arise without reason
emotions can derive from bodily sensations
danger and control = anger
danger and no control = fear
