Appraisal Theory of Emotions

A theory of emotion that states that emotional experiences are experiences of the situation as interpreted by the organism. Thus, the emotions people feel, along with their interpretation of the situation, is predictable from their appraisal of the situation. See also discrete emotions, and contrast with basic emotions.

Reference:

Ellsworth, P.C., & Scherer, K.R. (2003). Appraisal processes in emotion. In Davidson, R.J., Scherer, K.R. & Goldsmith, H.H. (eds.), Handbook of affective sciences, pp. 572-595. New York: Oxford University Press.