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Basic Emotions or Constructed Emotions: Insights From Taking an Evolutionary Perspective.
Karlijn van Heijst1, Mariska E Kret2,3,4, Annemie Ploeger5
1Institute for Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Amsterdam.
Summary
Basic emotion theories (BETs) and the theory of constructed emotion (TCE) may explain different phenomena—emotion and feeling, respectively. Reconciling these requires clear definitions to advance emotion research.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Theories of emotion research are divided between basic emotion theories (BETs) and the theory of constructed emotion (TCE).
- This ongoing debate hinders scientific progress in understanding the nature and evolution of emotions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To reconcile BETs and TCE by analyzing them through the lens of Tinbergen's four questions.
- To clarify the evolutionary basis of emotion theories and identify areas of convergence.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and conceptual analysis.
- Application of Tinbergen's four questions (causation, development, evolution, survival value) to BETs and TCE.
Main Results:
- BETs primarily address the evolutionary aspect of emotion, while TCE focuses on causation.
- Both theories largely agree on the survival value of emotions, emphasizing adaptive responses.
- Evidence for the evolutionary history of emotions is growing but remains limited for both frameworks.
Conclusions:
- BETs and TCE may explain distinct phenomena: emotion and feeling, respectively.
- While seemingly irreconcilable, these theories could be supplementary for studying emotion evolution.
- Clearer definitions of what aspects of emotion are studied are crucial for converging evidence.
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