Lay Theories of Emotion: 2. Interindividual and Intraindividual Variance in the Appraisal of Emotions

Abstract

Consistency of lay theories of emotion across particular emotional states and the cognitive differentiation of those states was assessed. In Study 1, the Lay Theories of Emotion (LTE) questionnaires was completed with reference to four negative emotions. In Study 2, subjects answered the LTE with reference to four positive emotions. In Study 3, the LTE was filled out with reference to two negative emotions and two positive emotions. In Study 4, the LTE was filled out every day for a period of four weeks with reference to a person's current mood. Results indicated that subjects' scores in the LTE factors were found to be consistent across various positive and negative emotions. The findings also indicated that an emotion-specific component contributed to the explanation of intraindividual variance in the appraisal of different emotions. Specifically, individual differences in the appraisal process remained fairly stable over a variety of emotions and moods and the LTE factors were found to significantly discriminate among the various emotions assessed.