The use of ecological momentary assessment to test appraisal theories of emotion.
Although appraisal theories have received strong empirical support, there are methodological concerns about the research, including biased recall, heuristic responding, ethical issues, and weak and unrealistic induction of emotions in laboratories. To provide a more ecologically valid test of appraisal theories, the authors used ecological momentary assessment, in which the emotions and appraisals of Singaporean police officers were measured online over the course of an ordinary workday. The research focused on happiness. Support was obtained for predictions, demonstrating the generalizability of appraisal theories to a nonlaboratory setting and circumventing the shortcomings of previously used methodologies. Also, evidence was obtained that happiness was reported primarily in association with a specific combination of 3 relevant appraisals: high pleasantness, high perceived control, and low moral violation.
Tong
Eddie M W
EMW
National University of Singapore.
Bishop
George D
GD
National University of Singapore.
Enkelmann
Hwee Chong
HC
National University of Singapore.
Why
Yong Peng
YP
National University of Singapore.
Diong
Siew Maan
SM
National University of Singapore.
Khader
Majeed
M
Singapore Police Force.
Ang
Jansen
J
Singapore Police Force.
D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D001290:Attitude; D004463:Ecology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016495:Police; D011582:Psychological Theory; D013997:Time Factors