Lay Theories of Emotion: 3. The Intraindividual Structure of Emotions

Abstract

Five studies assessed the relations between lay theories of emotion (“threat” and “benefit” appraisal) and four dimensions of emotional experience. Study 1 examined the relation of lay theories of emotion and hedonic valence. Study 2 examined the relation of lay theories of emotion and emotional intensity. Study 3 examined the association of lay theories of emotion and emotional range. Studies 4 and 5 examined the relation of lay theories of emotion and accessibility of emotional information. Findings showed that threat appraisal of emotion was related to the hedonic level of a person's habitual emotional state and self-schema. The benefit appraisal of emotion was linked to the intensity, range, and cognitive accessibility of both positive and negative emotions. Results were discussed in terms of the intraindividual structure of emotional experience.