Lazarus's Cognitive-Mediational Theory

Definition

Lazarus's Cognitive-Mediational Theory is a theory of emotion that emphasizes the role of cognitive appraisal in the emotional experience. It suggests that our emotions are influenced by how we interpret and evaluate a situation, rather than just being a direct response to external stimuli.

Related terms

Appraisal:

The process of evaluating and interpreting incoming information from the environment to determine its significance and implications for oneself.

Emotional Experience:

The subjective feeling or reaction one has in response to an emotional stimulus.

Emotion Regulation:

Strategies used to manage, modify, or control one's emotional experiences and expressions in order to adaptively respond to different situations.