title: The use of ecological momentary assessment to test appraisal theories of emotion.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: National University of Singapore.
authors.forename: Eddie M W
authors.initials: EMW
authors.lastname: Tong
authors.affiliation: National University of Singapore.
authors.forename: George D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Bishop
authors.affiliation: National University of Singapore.
authors.forename: Hwee Chong
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Enkelmann
authors.affiliation: National University of Singapore.
authors.forename: Yong Peng
authors.initials: YP
authors.lastname: Why
authors.affiliation: National University of Singapore.
authors.forename: Siew Maan
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Diong
authors.affiliation: Singapore Police Force.
authors.forename: Majeed
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Khader
authors.affiliation: Singapore Police Force.
authors.forename: Jansen
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ang
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D001290:Attitude; D004463:Ecology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016495:Police; D011582:Psychological Theory; D013997:Time Factors