Appraisal Processes in Emotion: Theory, Methods, Research

by Klaus R. Scherer, Angela Schorr, Tom Johnstone

Overview

The scientific study of emotion has long been dominated by theories emphasizing the subjective experience of emotions and their accompanying expressive and physiological responses. The processes by which different emotions are elicited has received less attention, the implicit assumption being that certain emotions arise automatically in response to certain types of events or situations. Such an assumption is incompatible with data showing that similar situations can provoke a range of emotions in different individuals, or even the same individual at different times. Appraisal theory, first suggested by Magda Arnold and Richard Lazarus, was formulated to address this shortcoming in our understanding of emotion. The central tenet of appraisal theory is that emotions are elicited according to an individual's subjective interpretation or evaluation of important events or situations. Appraisal research focuses on identifying the evaluative dimensions or criteria that predict which emotion will be elicited in an individual, as well as linking the appraisal process with the production of emotional responses. This book represents the first full-scale summary of the current state of appraisal research. Separate sections cover the history of apraisal theory and its fundamental ideas, the views of some of the major theorists currently active in the field, theoretical and methodological problems with the appraisal approach including suggestions for their resolution, social, cultural and individual differences and the application of appraisal theory to understanding and treating emotional pathology, and the methodology used in appraisal research including measuring and analyzing self-report, physiological, facial, and vocal indicators of appraisal, and simulating appraisal processes via computational models. Intended for advanced students and researchers in emotion psychology, it provides an authoritative assessment and critique of the current state of the art in appraisal research.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780195130072
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	05/03/2001
Series:	Series in Affective Science
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	496
Product dimensions:	9.20(w) x 6.50(h) x 1.44(d)
Lexile:	1490L (what's this?)

About the Author

University of Geneva

University of Siegen

University of Wisconsin

Table of Contents

ContributorsPart I: Introduction1. Appraisal Theory: Overview, Assumptions, Varieties, Controversies, Ira J. Roseman and Craig A. Smith2. Appraisal: The Evolution of an IdeaPart II: Current Appraisal Theories: The State of the Art3. Relational meaning and Discrete Emotions, Richard S. Lazarus4. A Model of Appraisal in the Emotion System: Integrating Theory, Research and Applications, Ira J. Roseman5. Appraisal Considered as a Process of Multilevel Sequencial Checking, Klaus R. Scherer6. Toward Delivering on the Promise of Appraisal Theory, Craig A. Smith and Leslie D. KirbyPart III: Explanding the Paradigm: New and Critical Perspectives7. Appraisal: What Is the Dependent?, Nico H. Frijda and Marcel Zeelenberg8. Metaphor is a Metaphor is a Metaphor: Exorcising the Homunculus form Appraisal Theory, Arvid Kappas9. Putting Appraisal in Context10. Appraisal Processes Conceptualized from a Schema-Theoretic Perspective: Contributions to a Process Analysis of Emotions, Raner ReisenzeinPart IV: Variations in Appraisal: Socio-Cultural and Individual Factors11. Personal Pathways in the Development of Appraisal: A Complex Systems/Stage Theory Perspective, Marc D. Lewis12. Social Appraisal: The Social World as Object of and Influence on Appraisal Process, Antony S. R. Manstead and Agneta H. Fischer13. The Role of Culture in Appraisal, Batja Mesquita and Phebe C. Ellsworth14. Applications of Appraisal Theory to Understanding, Diagnosing, and Treating Emotional Pathology, Ira J. Roseman and Susanne KaiserPart V: Emotional Response Modalities: Indicators of Appraisal15. Vocal Expression Correlates of Appraisal Processes, Tom Johnstone et al16. Facial Expressions as Indicators of Appraisal Processes, Susanne Kaiser and Thomas Wehrle17. The Psychophysiology of Appraisals, Anna PecchinendaPart VI: Methods of Research on Appraisal18. Advacned Statistical Methods for the Study of Appraisal and Emotional Reaction, Michael Eid19. Subjective Measurements in Appraisal Research: Present State and Future Perspectives, Angela Schorr20. Toward Computational Modeling of Appraisal Theories, Thomas Wehrle and Klaus R. SchererPart VII: Perspectives for Theory and Research21. The nature and Study of Appraisal: A Review of the Issues, Klaus S. SchererReferencesSubject IndexAuthor Index

Editorial Reviews

Appraisal theories of emotion fill a lacuna in psychological theorizing and research on emotions by bypassing the imprecise implicit meaning of emotional terms in natural languages. Here researchers from Europe and the US summarize the current state of the major appraisal theories, critically assess their basic assumptions, and review research methods and representative results. The anthology serves as a compendium and source for advanced students and researchers. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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