Many models attempt to explain the functioning and development of emotions. This recent model offers a new perspective on emotional skills and the cultural variations of them.
1. What is the theory of constructed emotion?
Constructed emotion theory is a relatively new perspective in the field of the psychology of emotion that suggests that emotions are not static, universal entities, but rather dynamic mental constructs that result from the complex interplay between different cognitive, social, and physiological factors. According to this theory, emotions are not innate or biologically determined, but rather created and regulated by individuals themselves through a construction process that involves the attribution of meanings to specific events or sensory experiences.
A bit of history
The theoretical underpinnings of constructed emotion theory can be traced back to the early 1990s, when Lisa Feldman Barrett and her colleagues began to challenge traditional assumptions in emotion psychology that emotions are discrete, universal entities that are triggered by specific stimuli. Instead, Barrett proposed that emotions are constructs that emerge from the interaction between complex cognitive, social, and physiological processes, all of which are influenced by culture, life experiences, and social contexts.
Constructed emotion theory suggests that emotions are not determined by specific physiological response patterns, such as heart acceleration or sweating, but rather by thought patterns that interpret these responses as meaningful in a given context. For example, heart acceleration may be interpreted as being related to fear in some situations, but as being related to arousal in other situations.
2. What does the theory of constructed emotion propose?
According to this theory, emotions are not innate, but rather constructed by individuals through a complex process of emotional regulation that involves the attribution of meanings to specific stimuli or experiences. This process involves a cognitive evaluation of stimuli, which consists of interpreting them according to the individual’s prior knowledge, beliefs, and expectations. For example, a person with negative self-beliefs may interpret constructive criticism as a personal attack, which may trigger negative emotions such as anger or sadness.
In addition, constructed emotion theory suggests that emotions are regulated by cognitive processes such as attention, memory, and judgment.
For example, a person may regulate emotions by focusing on positive aspects of a situation rather than negative ones, or by recalling positive experiences to reinforce a positive emotional state.
Constructed emotion theory emphasizes that emotions are not only individual constructs, but are also influenced by the social contexts in which they occur. For example, cultural norms and social expectations can affect how people interpret and express their emotions. In some cultures, open expression of anger may be considered inappropriate, whereas in other cultures it may be considered an acceptable form of emotional expression.
Similarly, social roles and interpersonal relationships can influence the construction and regulation of emotions. For example, a person may regulate their emotions differently depending on their social status or relationship with another person. Emotions can also be used to maintain or change interpersonal relationships, such as when a person uses flattery to improve their relationship with another person.
3. What does this theory contribute to our understanding of emotions?
Constructed emotion theory suggests that physical contexts can also influence the construction and regulation of emotions. For example, temperature, lighting, and noise can all affect people’s emotional states. Studies have shown that people may feel more anxious in noisy and cluttered environments, while calm and peaceful environments may induce more relaxed and positive emotional states.
Another important feature of the constructed emotion theory is that it recognizes that emotions are not automatic responses to stimuli, but rather are constructed through a construction process that may involve significant individual variation. According to this theory, individuals may have differences in how they construct and regulate their emotions based on their background, personality, and social environment.
For example, some people may be more prone to anxiety because of their life history or temperament, while others may be more resilient to stressful events because of their ability to regulate their emotions effectively.
Finally, constructed emotion theory has important implications for clinical practice, as it suggests that emotional disorders can be better understood and treated by examining the cognitive and social processes underlying their construction and regulation. Clinical interventions can therefore be designed to help patients identify and change the thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to the construction and regulation of their emotions.
In sum, the theory of constructed emotion represents an important advance in understanding emotions as dynamic, socially constructed processes rather than static, universal entities. This theory offers a rich and nuanced perspective on the nature of emotions, which can help to better understand their role in everyday life and their relevance to mental health.
4. To summarize
According to the theory of constructed emotion, emotions are not innate, but rather constructed by individuals through a complex process of emotional regulation that involves the attribution of meanings to specific stimuli or experiences. This process involves a cognitive evaluation of stimuli, which consists of interpreting them according to:
Beliefs, knowledge and expectations
For example, a person with negative self-beliefs may interpret constructive criticism as a personal attack, which may trigger negative emotions such as anger or sadness.
Attention, memory and judgment
A person can regulate emotions by focusing on positive aspects of a situation rather than negative ones, or by recalling positive experiences to reinforce a positive emotional state.
Social context (cultural norms and social expectations)
In some cultures, open expression of anger may be considered inappropriate, while in other cultures it may be considered an acceptable form of emotional expression.
Social roles, interpersonal relationships
For example, when a person uses flattery to improve their relationship with another person.
Physical contexts (weather, lighting, noise)
People may feel more anxious in noisy and cluttered environments, while calm and peaceful environments may induce more relaxed and positive emotional states.
Background and personality
For example, some people may be more prone to anxiety because of their life history or temperament, while others may be more resistant to stressful events because of their ability to regulate their emotions effectively.