Social process theory of emotion: A dynamic systems approach |
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Authors: | Alan Fogel Eva Nwokah Jae Young Dedo Daniel Messinger K Laurie Dickson Eugene Matusov Susan A Holt |
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Institution: | University of Utah;Purdue University;University of Utah |
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Abstract: | In this paper we apply a dynamic systems perspective to infant emotional development. We propose that emotions are not states but self-organizing dynamic processes intimately tied to the flow of an individual's activity in a context. We review data on the relationship between emotional actions and the social context, in particular the development of smiling and laughter. These data are more adequately explained by our perspective than by other theories of emotional development. We provide a model for how emotional processes in early infancy become embedded into sociocultural systems, and suggest new avenues of research on emotional development. |
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Keywords: | Emotional development dynamic systems nonverbal communication self-organization |
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