Felt emotions, and verbally communicated emotions: The case of pride

Journal/Book: Eur J Soc Psychol. 1996; 26: Baffins Lane, Chichester, W Sussex, England PO19 1UD. John Wiley & Sons Ltd. 233-245.

Abstract: Potential discrepancies between felt and verbally communicated emotions elicited by two Pride events ('selected for a job among a large group' and 'being congratulated for one's own new partner') were studied by means of a structured questionnaire. Italian male (n=88) and female (n=107) university students attributed felt and communicated emotions to the event protagonist P, choosing from a list of 14 emotions; the communication occurred with P's partner or friend, or with an acquaintance. Statistical analyses of subjects' attributions confirmed the hypothesis that felt emotions are regulated in verbal communication to others: pride, triumph, self-satisfaction and excitement were de-emphasized in communication; joy, satisfaction, happiness and surprise were intensified; other emotions were communicated as felt. Event type, and to a lesser extent sex of subject, significantly influenced the direction and extent of regulation. The results are interpreted as showing that the verbal communication of emotion is influenced by emotion-related social norms and beliefs.

Note: Article VL Zammuner, Univ Padua, Dipartimento Psicol, Sviluppo & Socializzaz, Via B Pellegrino 26, I-35137 Padua, Italy

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