Appraisal theorists believe that discrete emotional states are the result of specific cognitive appraisals. This theory has not been tested with familyrelated events, especially negative emotions and the potential influence of attachment towards significant others. This study found that individuals cognitively process family events much as predicted by appraisal theorists and that attachment does not appear to have a global influence on this process. This finding suggests that cognitivefamily therapists can directly link appraisals with negative affect.
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