This study employed Ecological Momentary Assessment to test predictions from appraisal theories of emotion about the relationships between emotions and appraisals, using a sample of police officers from Singapore. Strong support was obtained for the predictions, thus demonstrating ecological validity of appraisal theories while circumventing shortcomings of previously used methods in appraisal studies. The results also indicate that the emotions were accounted for by specific configurations of appraisals over and above those accounted for by individual constituent appraisals.Appraisal theories of emotion are among the most prominent theoretical frameworks explaining emotions. These theories argue that each emotion is associated with a specific pattern of appraisals, such as pleasantness and controllability, which are cognitive evaluations made on the environment (Arnold,

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

The demand-control model for coronary heart disease was tested using ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Male patrol officers (N = 118) wore ambulatory blood pressure monitors during 1 of their day shifts with readings taken every 30 min. Following each reading, officers completed a questionnaire using a handheld computer. Significant interactions were obtained between job demands and decisional control for heart rate and pressure rate product such that both variables were highest under conditions of high demand and low control. Main effects were obtained for control such that diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure were significantly higher under conditions of low control. These results support the demand-control model and emphasize the importance of psychological control in cardiovascular responses.

No abstract

No abstract

This study examined the emotion and appraisal correlates of the needs for Competence and Relatedness. Using experience-sampling, fluctuations of competence and relatedness throughout a day's period were found to correspond to fluctuations in emotions and appraisals in ways theoretically consistent with the self-determination theory (Deci & Ryan, 2000). Each need was related in specific ways to the six emotions examined (anger, sadness, fear, guilt, shame, and joy) and, more interesting, was characterized by a specific appraisal-profile. Implications of these findings for needs processes are discussed.