Dimorphous Expressions of Emotion

GLOSSARY

Emotions thought to arise from a singularly valenced appraisal of stimulus and a singularly valenced corresponding emotional experience that produces a spontaneous display of two expressions – one normatively congruent and one normatively incongruent with the valence of the emotion experienced. E.g., crying “tears of joy” or “cute aggression.”

Collection of green and yellow emoji icons showing emotions like happy, sad, crying, and surprised.
Collection of green and yellow emoji icons showing emotions like happy, sad, crying, and surprised.

Reference:


Aragón, O. R., & Bargh, J. A. (2018). “So happy I could shout!” and “so happy I could cry!” Dimorphous expressions represent and communicate motivational aspects of positive emotions. Cognition and Emotion, 32(2), 286-302. https://doi.org/10.1080/02699931.2017.1301388