The meaning of a situation
Explore how interpreting an event contributes to an emotional episode.
The picture in words
- Event
- Something happens or is anticipated.
- Appraisal
- The person interprets its significance.
- Experience
- That meaning contributes to the emotional response.
Reading the illustration
Start with the identical invitation, then follow each possible interpretation. The branches show how different meanings can contribute to an emotional episode.
Try a question
How might two interpretations of the same invitation lead to different feelings?
Show the explanation
One person may see an opportunity to connect, another a demanding obligation. Their interpretations contribute to how the invitation is experienced.
Read the sources
- Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020). Psychology 2e. OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/10-4-emotionSelected rendered passages: Opening components and major theories passages.