A model of emotions and emotion communication

Abstract

This paper sketches a psychological model of emotions. Emotions are regarded as provisions for signalling the relevance of events for the major goals or concerns of the individual, and for modifying action readiness in a way that corresponds with the appraisal of the events. Different emotions correspond both with different appraisals, and with different modes of change in action readiness. Emotions being interpreted as functional provisions, the model lends itself to incorporation into artificial systems. The modes of emotional action readiness include readiness for actions that influence social interactants, for the benefit of resolving the issues posed by relevant events. This implies that emotional systems recognize the corresponding states of readiness. Emotion communication therefore has its roots in elementary aspects of the emotion process itself.<>