Constructed Emotion Theory
Many models try to explain the functioning and development of emotions. This recent model offers a new perspective on emotional skills and their cultural variations.
Key takeaways
- Emotions are dynamic mental constructs, neither innate nor universal.
- Theory developed by Lisa Feldman Barrett in the 1990s.
- Emotions result from cognitive processes: attention, memory, judgment.
- Social and physical contexts (culture, norms, noise, lighting) influence their construction.
- Clinical implications: working on thought patterns linked to emotional regulation.
1. WHAT IS THE THEORY OF CONSTRUCTED EMOTION?
Constructed emotion theory is a relatively new perspective in the field of emotion psychology that suggests that emotions are not static entities and universal, but rather mental constructions dynamic which result from the complex interaction between different cognitive, social and physiological factors. According to this theory, the emotions are not innate or biologically determined, but rather created and regulated by individuals themselves through a construction process which involves the attribution of meanings to specific events or sensory experiences.
A little history
The theoretical foundations of constructed emotion theory date back to the early 1990s, when Lisa Feldman Barrett and colleagues began to question traditional assumptions in the psychology of emotion 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 cognitive, social and physiological processes complex, all of which are influenced by the culture, life experiences and social contexts.
Constructed emotion theory suggests that emotions are not determined by specific physiological response patterns, such as racing heart or sweating, but rather by thought patterns that interpret these responses as meaningful in a given context. For example, racing heart may be interpreted as being related to fear in some situations, but as being related to excitement 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 attributing meanings to specific stimuli or experiences. This process involves cognitive evaluation of stimuli, which involves interpreting them based on the individual's prior knowledge, beliefs, and expectations. For example, a person who has negative beliefs about themselves may interpret constructive criticism as a personal attack, which can trigger negative emotions such as anger or sadness.
Furthermore, constructed emotion theory suggests that emotions are regulated by cognitive processes such as attention, memory, and judgment.
For example, a person may regulate their emotions by focusing on positive aspects of a situation rather than negative aspects, 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, the open expression of anger may be considered inappropriate, while in other cultures it may be considered an acceptable form of emotional expression.
Likewise, 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 their 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 IS THE CONTRIBUTION OF THIS THEORY TO THE 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 can feel more anxious in noisy, cluttered environments, while quiet, peaceful environments can induce more relaxed and positive emotional states.
Another important feature of 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 that underlie their construction and regulation. Clinical interventions can therefore be designed to help patients identify and change thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to the construction and regulation of their emotions.
In sum, constructed emotion theory 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 better understand their role in daily 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 who has negative beliefs about themselves may interpret constructive criticism as a personal attack, which can trigger negative emotions such as anger or sadness.
Attention, memory and judgment
A person can regulate their emotions by focusing on positive aspects of a situation rather than negative aspects, or by recalling positive experiences to reinforce a positive emotional state.
Social context (cultural norms and social expectations)
In some cultures, the 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 (time, lighting, noises)
People may feel more anxious in noisy, cluttered environments, while quiet, 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 resilient to stressful events because of their ability to regulate their emotions effectively.
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Constructed Emotion Theory and Virtual Reality FAQ
How long has this existed?
C2Care has been testing its virtual reality exposure therapy software in hospitals since 2016. This clinical experience has made it possible to gradually expand the catalog of environments offered to practitioners.
How is virtual reality used?
The practitioner exposes the patient to virtual environments reproducing anxiety-provoking situations, gradually adjusting the intensity of the stimuli. This graduated exposure, carried out in a secure and reproducible setting, promotes habituation and the management of emotions.
What is a virtual environment?
A virtual environment is an immersive scene reproducing an anxiety-provoking situation or place, such as an airplane, a crowd or an elevator. These scenarios, which can be reproduced identically, allow the practitioner to adjust the intensity of the stimuli offered to the patient.
Can virtual reality be dangerous?
Virtual reality is not considered dangerous, but it can cause cybersickness in around 10% of people. This phenomenon results in sensations such as nausea, generally temporary, linked to immersion.
What pathologies can be treated in virtual reality?
Virtual reality is used in the treatment of anxiety disorders, including phobias, post-traumatic stress and obsessive-compulsive disorder. She also intervenes in the treatment of addictions, mood disorders and cognitive remediation.
Can I feel nauseous while using the headset?
Some people may experience nausea related to cybersickness, a phenomenon that affects around 10% of users. This sensation is generally temporary and varies depending on individual sensitivity to virtual immersion.
Who can use virtual reality for treatment?
Therapeutic virtual reality is aimed at practitioners such as psychologists, psychiatrists and occupational therapists. It can be used in private practices as well as in health establishments, such as hospitals, clinics or nursing homes.
Author
C2Care
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