The temporal dynamics of emotion-antecedent appraisal and the nature of two-component synchronization

Abstract

Scherer's Component Process Model proposes a comprehensive architecture of the underlying mechanisms of emotion elicitation and differentiation. This thesis examined the plausibility of the following predictions: (a) the appraisal process is sequential, (b) appraisal results drive facial expressions, (c) the appraisal and the facial expression components become synchronized during the response unfolding, and (d) self-beliefs bias the appraisal process. In two experiments, the appraisal of goal conduciveness (motivational valence appraisal), control (general control appraisal), and power (personal ability appraisal) were manipulated in a gambling task. Participants' brain activity (event-related potentials, ERPs) and facial muscle activity (electromyography, EMG, brow and cheek regions) were concurrently recorded. The findings are largely consistent with the predictions: (a) sequential appraisal check effects were repeatedly found in the ERPs. (b) The findings suggest that appraisal results drove facial expressions, which indirectly supports (c) the prediction of emotion component synchronization, and (d) biased self-beliefs affected the appraisal process.