A theory of emotion proposing that our emotional responses to a stimulus are determined by our cognitive appraisal of that stimulus. According to this theory, when we encounter a potential stressor, we engage in a process of appraisal where we evaluate the situation in terms of its potential harm, threat, or challenge. Based on this appraisal, we then generate emotional responses such as fear, anger, or excitement.

Columbia University

Michigan State University

Stress is a complex phenomenon that affects individuals in various ways. The study of stress has led to the development of several theories that attempt to explain its causes and effects.

Theories of stress

Appraisal theories of emotion propose that cognitive processes, specifically our thoughts or appraisals about a situation, are the primary determinants of our emotional experience. According to this perspective, an emotion is not a direct reaction to an event, but rather a response to our interpretation of that event. The specific emotion we feel is contingent on our appraisal; a positive evaluation of a situation will lead to positive emotions, while a negative evaluation will result in negative emotions. This framework explains individual differences in emotional responses to the same stimulus.

Appraisal Theories of Emotion

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

 This theory was proposed by Richard Lazarus and Susan Folkman in 1984. According to this theory, stress is a result of the interaction between the individual and the environment. The individual's appraisal of the stressor, their perceived ability to cope, and their emotional response all contribute to their level of stress. Coping strategies such as problem-solving, emotional regulation, and social support can help to reduce stress.

The Transactional Model of Stress and Coping

This model is based on the idea that stress is not just a result of external events but also of internal psychological processes. According to this model, stress arises from a mismatch between an individual's perceived demands and their perceived ability to cope with those demands. The model suggests that individual differences in personality, coping strategies, and social support can influence an individual's response to stress.

The Psychosocial Stress Model

Taylor et al.'s "Tend and Befriend" theory propose that in response to stress, women are more likely to engage in nurturing and affiliative behaviors aimed at protecting themselves and their offspring, rather than the fight or flight response typically associated with stress. The theory suggests that this tendency evolved as a way to increase the chances of survival for women and their offspring. The tend and befriend response involves seeking social support, building alliances, and forming nurturing relationships as a way to reduce stress and increase feelings of safety and security.

Taylor et. al Tend and Befriend theory

Lazarus's Cognitive-Mediational Theory

Walter Cannon's theory posits that in response to a perceived threat, the body activates the sympathetic nervous system, triggering a cascade of physiological changes. Cannon viewed this response as a fundamental, built-in mechanism for maintaining homeostasis, the body's stable internal environment. He considered it an adaptive function that prepares an individual to either fight or flee, enabling them to adjust to environmental threats and ultimately enhance their chances of survival.

Cannon's Fight or Flight Response Theory

Developed by endocrinologist Hans Selye, the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) describes the body's consistent physiological reactions to stress. The theory posits that this response occurs in three stages, regardless of the specific stressor: the alarm reaction, where initial fight-or-flight reactions begin; the resistance stage, where the body adapts to continuing stress; and the exhaustion stage, where the body's adaptive energy is depleted and stress begins to take a physical toll.

The General Adaptation Syndrome Theory

Appraisals are the mental processes that enable us to notice and evaluate stimuli and events in the environment to determine their significance in our lives.  

Appraisals

Appraisal theorists suggest that one's distinct patterns of appraisal are the cause of specific emotions.

Causes of Emotion: Appraisal Theories 

Componential theories believe that certain components of emotions are elicited together. For instance, fear is elicited by the components of a certain facial expression, ANS arousal, etc.

Componential Appraisal Theories

Lazarus' cognitive-mediational theory posits that our emotions are determined by our appraisal of a stimulus. This appraisal, which is an immediate and often unconscious evaluation, acts as a mediator between the stimulus and the resulting emotional response. A key distinction of this theory, particularly in contrast to the Schachter-Singer model, is that this cognitive appraisal occurs before any cognitive labeling of the physiological response.

Lazarus' Cognitive-mediational Theory

Magda Arnold is recognized as a pioneering theorist in the study of emotion. She was the first to systematically explore the concept of appraisal, outlining how this cognitive process works and establishing its fundamental relationship to the experience of emotion.

Magda Arnold

Appraisal theory can be illustrated by considering how two individuals might react differently to being asked to give a lecture on emotion. One person, who enjoys public speaking and sees it as a chance to be in the spotlight, would have a positive appraisal and feel happy. In contrast, another person who fears public speaking would have a negative appraisal of the same event and experience feelings of discomfort or anxiety. This demonstrates how the cognitive appraisal, not the event itself, dictates the emotional outcome.

Example of Appraisal Theory in Action

Two friends go to see the same horror movie. One friend spends the entire time laughing and enjoying the thrill, while the other friend feels genuine fear and anxiety. According to the perspective that our thoughts about a situation are the primary determinant of our emotional experience, what best explains their different reactions?

Based on the principles of how our thoughts about a situation determine our emotional experience, explain why Alex and Ben had such different emotional reactions to the exact same event.

Learn Before

Related