Work

Beyond Right and Wrong: Fostering Connection in Emotion Theory Debates

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Basic emotion theories (BETs) and the theory of constructed emotion (TCE) have both made significant contributions to the field of affective science despite a persistent divide between the two camps. We argue that focusing on which camp is right hampers possibly fruitful collaborations between affective researchers working within different theoretical frameworks. The TCE and BETs can complement each other because they focus on different features of and questions about affective processes. Clearly defining and operationalizing these questions is crucial to further elucidating the evolutionary basis of emotion and feeling.

Source: Perspectives on Psychological Science

DOI: 10.1177/17456916251319042

Authors: Karlijn van Heijst, Annemie Ploeger, Mariska E. Kret

Institutions: Leiden University, University of Amsterdam

Language: English

Topic: Emotions and Moral Behavior

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,900

Funder: H2020 European Research Council