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Feedback Loops in Expression and Experience: Emotion as Cause and Effect

We present a synthesis of ideas and findings from emotion theory, cerebral lateralisation, and control theory which suggest that feedback from behavior motivated by lateralised approach and avoidance systems results in the valence and intensity of emotion. As movement towards appetitive and away from aversive goals deviates from optimal rates, the direction and magnitude of the deviation offers an account of emotional valence. Thus, positive/negative emotion is the first derivative of distance from a goal with respect to time. In addition, the rate of change of movement, the second derivative or acceleration, relates to emotional intensity. We link aspects of this model to well-known psychological variables, and argue that emotion, cognition and behavior are deeply interdependent. Emotions have frequently been described in terms of underlying dimensions where the primary axes are labelled valence/pleasure and arousal (see Reisenzein, 1994; Russell & Mehrabian, 1977; Schlosberg, 1954). The results of studies employing techniques such as multidimensional scaling and factor analysis have revealed remarkably similar circumplex models with specific emotion terms arranged around the edge of a twodimensional surface. While the existence of additional dimensions continues to be debated, valence and arousal consistently appear as the most statistically and theoretically important. Although the reliability of the two factor solution is not generally questioned, the nature of the underlying dimensions is. First, rotating the solution produces an alternative fit with the dimensions labelled positive and negative affect { ADDIN }(Watson & Tellegen, 1985){ ADDIN }suggesting that emotion consists of a blend of positive and negative feelings. Second, if the dimensional model of emotion is to challenge the discrete emotions model espoused mainly by Ekman and colleagues (e.g. { ADDIN }Ekman, 1989; Ekman, 1992a; Ekman, 1992b; Ekman, 1994; Izard, 1992; Panksepp, 1992), it becomes important to demonstrate that valence and arousal have a more than statistical existence. One aim of this work is to demonstrate that valence may arise from the feedback generated by intentional (i.e. goal-directed) behavior. A second problem facing theories of emotion is the relationship between emotion, cognition and behavior. Central to this question is the issue of causality and precedence in cognitive-emotional-behavioral systems. In considering emotion and cognition, is it cognitive appraisals which cause emotional responses, or do ‘preferences need no inferences’ { ADDIN }(Zajonc, 1980)? Regarding the relationship between emotion and behavior, do we run away because we are scared, or are we scared because we run away? A second aim of this work is to demonstrate how emotion, cognition and behavior are inextricably linked through mutual cause-effect relationships.