Editing Emotion (section)

==== Laws of Emotion ====
[[Nico Frijda]] was a prominent psychologist known for his work in the field of emotion and affective science. One of the key contributions of Frijda are his "Laws of Emotion",<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Haviland-Jones |first1=Jeannette M. |title=Handbook of emotions |last2=Lewis |first2=Michael |last3=Barrett |first3=Lisa Feldman |date=2016 |publisher=Guilford press |isbn=978-1-4625-2534-8 |edition=4 |location=New York (N.Y.)}}</ref> which outline a set of principles that help explain how emotions function and how they are experienced. Frijda's Laws of Emotion are as follows:

# '''The Law of Situational Meaning''': This law posits that emotions are elicited by events or situations that have personal significance and meaning for the individual. Emotions are not random but are a response to the perceived meaning of the situation.
# '''The Law of Concern''': Frijda suggests that emotions are fundamentally concerned with the individual's well-being and adaptation. Emotions serve as signals or reactions to situations that impact one's goals, needs, or values.
# '''The Law of Appraisal''': This law acknowledges the role of cognitive appraisal processes in the emotional experience. Individuals appraise or evaluate a situation based on factors such as its relevance, congruence with goals, and coping potential, which in turn shapes the specific emotional response.
# '''The Law of Readiness''': Frijda's theory suggests that emotions prepare individuals for action. Emotions are associated with physiological changes and action tendencies that ready the individual to respond to the situation. For example, fear may prepare someone to escape a threat.
# '''The Law of Concerned Expectancy''': Emotions are influenced by both what is happening now and what is anticipated to occur in the future. Emotions can reflect an individual's expectations about the consequences of a situation.

Frijda's theory emphasizes the adaptive function of emotions and the role of cognitive appraisal in shaping emotional experiences. It highlights that emotions are not simply reactions to external events but are intimately tied to the individual's goals, values, and perceptions of the situation's meaning. Frijda's work has had a significant influence on the study of emotions and has contributed to a more comprehensive understanding of how emotions operate.