Discrete, negative emotions as a cognitive-functional source of systematic processing, and personal relevance as a source of positive bias

Abstract

The current study examines discrete, negative approach emotions from a cognitivefunctional perspective to test their potential as an alternate condition for heuristic processing under conditions of affirmative remedial certainty. A concurrent prediction for personal relevance to serve as a source of positive bias under these conditions is also tested. An experimental study design was conducted using a fictional issue-based message, and the results were generally supportive of both predictions. Sadness did emerge as a potential confound for the intended elicitation of anger in the emotion manipulation. Implications for the theoretical models of the study, practical implications for issue-based rhetoric and potential avenues for future research are discussed.