登录

Richard Lazarus' cognitive mediational theory highlights the pivotal role of cognitive appraisal in shaping emotional responses. According to this theory, the evaluation of a stimulus — based on personal values, goals, beliefs, and expectations — mediates the emotional response. This appraisal process is immediate and often occurs unconsciously, influencing the intensity and nature of the resulting emotion.

Cognitive Appraisal and Emotional Response

Lazarus proposed that emotions are not solely automatic reactions to stimuli but depend on how an individual appraises a situation. This appraisal assesses whether a stimulus poses a threat, aligns with personal goals, or disrupts expectations. For example, encountering a snarling dog triggers an initial appraisal determining the emotional outcome. If the dog is securely confined behind a fence, the appraisal might conclude that there is "no threat," leading to a calm or mildly annoyed response. On the other hand, if the dog is unrestrained, the appraisal might be "danger — threatening animal," resulting in increased arousal and the experience of fear. This process highlights that the cognitive interpretation of an event, rather than the event itself, dictates the emotional response.

Criticisms of the Theory

Some researchers argue that emotional responses can be so rapid that they precede conscious cognitive appraisal. For example, the reflexive action of shrieking upon seeing a snake might occur without deliberate cognitive evaluation. Critics suggest that emotional reactions may be immediate and automatic in certain situations, raising questions about whether cognitive appraisal is always a necessary precursor to emotion. However, proponents of the cognitive mediational theory maintain that even rapid responses involve a primary, unconscious appraisal, indicating that cognitive processes still play a crucial role in shaping emotions.

Tags

Cognitive TheoriesLazarus Mediational TheoryCognitive AppraisalEmotional ResponsesThreat AssessmentPersonal ValuesEmotional OutcomeAppraisal ProcessReflexive ActionAutomatic ReactionsPrimary Unconscious AppraisalEmotion Shaping

来自章节 8:

article

Now Playing

8.19 : Cognitive Theories: Lazarus Mediational Theory of Emotion

Motivation and Emotion

345 Views

article

8.1 : Introduction to Motivation and Emotion

Motivation and Emotion

169 Views

article

8.2 : Motivational Cycle

Motivation and Emotion

349 Views

article

8.3 : Primary Motives: Hunger and Thirst

Motivation and Emotion

90 Views

article

8.4 : Primary Motives: Sleep, Sex, and Pain Avoidance

Motivation and Emotion

182 Views

article

8.5 : Secondary Motives: Power Motivation and Achievement Motivation

Motivation and Emotion

65 Views

article

8.6 : Secondary Motives: Affiliation Motivation and Aggression Motivation

Motivation and Emotion

242 Views

article

8.7 : Instinct Theory

Motivation and Emotion

134 Views

article

8.8 : Drive-Reduction Theory: Push Theory of Motivation

Motivation and Emotion

144 Views

article

8.9 : Incentive Theory: Pull Theory of Motivation

Motivation and Emotion

286 Views

article

8.10 : Optimal Arousal Theory

Motivation and Emotion

75 Views

article

8.11 : Maslow's Need Hierarchy Theory

Motivation and Emotion

105 Views

article

8.12 : Ryan and Deci's Self-Determination Theory

Motivation and Emotion

8.2K Views

article

8.13 : Physiology of Emotion

Motivation and Emotion

389 Views

article

8.14 : Emotional Expression

Motivation and Emotion

112 Views

See More

JoVE Logo

政策

使用条款

隐私

科研

教育

关于 JoVE

版权所属 © 2025 MyJoVE 公司版权所有,本公司不涉及任何医疗业务和医疗服务。