Abstract
Several theorists have proposed that distinctions are needed between different positive emotional states, and that these discriminations may be particularly useful in the domain of vocal signals (Ekman, 1992b, Cognition and Emotion, 6, 169–200; Scherer, 1986, Psychological Bulletin, 99, 143–165). We report an investigation into the hypothesis that positive basic emotions have distinct vocal expressions (Ekman, 1992b, Cognition and Emotion, 6, 169–200). Non-verbal vocalisations are used that map onto five putative positive emotions: Achievement/Triumph, Amusement, Contentment, Sensual Pleasure, and Relief. Data from categorisation and rating tasks indicate that each vocal expression is accurately categorised and consistently rated as expressing the intended emotion. This pattern is replicated across two language groups. These data, we conclude, provide evidence for the existence of robustly recognisable expressions of distinct positive emotions.
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Appendix A
Appendix A
Scenarios for emotions and dimensions.
Scenarios for putative positive emotions, and the dimensions arousal and valence .
Emotion | Scenario |
|---|---|
Achievement/Triumph | You get a phone call offering you a job you really want |
Amusement | You are being tickled and find it really funny |
Contentment | You are sitting on the beach watching the sunset |
Pleasure | Your boyfriend/girlfriend is touching you in a sensual way |
Relief | You thought you had lost your keys but find them again |
Arousal | Minimum: You are feeling sleepy |
Maximum: You are very awake and alert | |
Valence | Positive: You are having an ecstatic experience |
Negative: You are experiencing trauma or extreme fear |
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Sauter, D.A., Scott, S.K. More than one kind of happiness: Can we recognize vocal expressions of different positive states?. Motiv Emot 31, 192–199 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11031-007-9065-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11031-007-9065-x