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The timing of appraisals.
Nathalie Lanctôt1, Ursula Hess
1Medical and Health Science Faculty, University of Sherbrooke, Longueuil, PQ, Canada. nathalielanctot@usherbrooke.ca
Emotion (Washington, D.C.)
|March 14, 2007
Summary
Emotional appraisal involves subjective evaluation. This study found that evaluating intrinsic pleasantness happens before assessing goal conduciveness, supporting a sequential appraisal process.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Emotion Research
Background:
- The appraisal theory of emotion posits that subjective evaluations of events trigger emotional responses.
- Understanding the temporal sequence of appraisal processes is crucial for differentiating emotions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To empirically test the hypothesis that intrinsic pleasantness evaluation precedes goal conduciveness evaluation.
- To investigate the sequential nature of emotion elicitation through appraisal.
Main Methods:
- Two studies were conducted using intrinsically pleasant/unpleasant images and a Pacman-style videogame to manipulate pleasantness and goal conduciveness.
- Facial electromyography (EMG) was employed to measure participants' facial reactions to these manipulations.
Main Results:
- Facial reactions to the intrinsic pleasantness manipulation occurred significantly faster than reactions to the goal conduciveness manipulation.
- This temporal difference supports the proposed order of appraisal evaluations.
Conclusions:
- The findings provide empirical evidence for a sequential appraisal process in emotion elicitation.
- Intrinsic pleasantness evaluation is a faster, initial step compared to goal conduciveness evaluation.
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