Emotion as a Tool
I have included the following ideas about emotion in several article. This is the short version of emotion that more easily fits in a tool bag:
· Emotion is a mental state in which “a situation is perceived as positive or negative for one’s concerns.” Clore (1994)
· Emotion provides information.
The process looks like this: Situation >>> Appraisal >>> Emotion
· Appraisal can be conscious or unconscious (automatic)
The response we make will be based on our emotion, which is in turn based on our approasal of the siutation. Making sure to get the appraisal right before reacting is a best tool.