The Social Psychology of Emotion: Applications of a Naive Psychology

Three research areas illustrating a social psychological approach to emotions were examined: (1) controlling the emotions of others; (2) influencing the thoughts of others by means of emotional communications; and (3) the fit between anticipated and actual emotions communicated from others. Regarding emotional control, research has documented that the self-esteem and anger of others is manipulated by providing false attributions (excuses) for events such as rejection or breaking a social contract. Concerning emotional communication, it has been demonstrated that communication of anger and pity following failure convey that the outcome was respectively caused by lack of effort versus lack of ability. These beliefs, in turn, influence self-perceptions. Finally, research pertaining to emotional fit particularly has been directed toward depressives, the reactions of their families, and the discrepancy between anticipated sympathy and expressed anger. All three research areas have been guided by attribution th...