ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the nature of emotions and the emotional response. It considers the relationship between emotion, cognition, and decision-making, and explores methods of emotional regulation. The chapter also explores challenge and threat state as a way to better understand emotional responses and the associated performance implications. There are three related, but distinct concepts that need to be considered when defining emotion: affect, emotion, and mood. One of the main approaches to understanding emotions suggests that there are a discrete number of basic emotions that underlie our emotional experiences. Positive and negative emotions appear to serve complementary cognitive functions. Negative emotions are most beneficial and adaptive in situations requiring immediate action, whereas the benefits of positive emotions and the broader process of creative thinking emerge over time. Emotion regulation refers to the processes by which individuals influence which emotions they have, when they have them, and how they experience and express them.
