Glossary // Glossary term Theoretical
Appraisal
In emotion theory, the evaluation of what an event means for a person's well-being, goals and ability to cope. Appraisal theories hold that such evaluations elicit emotions and differentiate one emotion from another, so the same event can produce anger in one person and sadness in another. Whether appraisals cause emotions or are part of how emotional episodes are described remains debated. Appraisal theories hold that emotions follow from evaluations of what events mean for a person. This essay covers Lazarus, Scherer's component process model, the evidence and its limits, and why appraisal is the mechanism reappraisal targets. Gross's process model sorts regulation strategies by when they act on an emotion, and the extended model adds how strategies are chosen. This essay explains both, the evidence on strategy effects, and where venting and reappraisal sit. The works the definition rests on, with the level of evidence each was appraised at. (1991). Progress on a cognitive-motivational-relational theory of emotion. doi:10.1037/0003-066X.46.8.819 Supports the claim that Lazarus proposed a cognitive-motivational-relational theory in which appraisal patterns and core relational themes explain specific emotions such as anger, anxiety, sadness and pride. Theory illustrated with examples, not a test. (2013). Appraisal theories of emotion: State of the art and future development. doi:10.1177/1754073912468165 Supports the claims that appraisal theories share the premise that emotions reflect evaluations of events' significance for well-being, that the family includes several variants, and that critical objections remain. An overview, not a test.Where the site uses it
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