Comparison of the determinants for positive and negative affect proposed by appraisal theories, goal-directed theories, and predictive processing theories*

The determinants of affect proposed by the appraisal theory, the goal-directed theory, and the predictive processing theory are compared. The first theory attaches a role to multiple factors (goal-related factors, expectation-related factors, and control), the second theory only focuses on goal-related factors, and the third theory only focuses on expectationrelated factors. We hold each of the theories against the light of (some) empirical evidence and examine whether the increase in parsimony of the second and third theories comes at a cost of scope or whether there are ways around it.

Automated summary

This paper compares the determinants of affect proposed by the appraisal theory, the goal-directed theory, and the predictive processing theory, and discusses whether the simplicity of the second and third theories comes at the cost of reducing scope.