Why do we have emotions? Why do we seem to emote differently than other animals? How do other processes like thoughts and behavior influence our own emotions?
There have been many theories on how and why emotions function the way they do. One foundational theory that has become widely accepted among emotion scientists is Robert Levenson’s intrapersonal functions of emotions. This theory builds on previous related theories. It also provides a fitting framework for contemporary and later ones (e.g., Gross’ process model of emotion regulation).
Levenson’s theory rests on a long-held assumption that humans experience and express emotions to help respond to and communicate events in our environments. Emotions are not just random. They actually help us function in a number of ways, even if they can sometimes be difficult to experience. This is based on “functional emotions theory”, with beginnings dating back to Darwin and on through Schacter & Singer.
Levenson (who also has done a lot of foundational couples therapy research with John Gottman) proposed that emotions function using two separate systems: a “core” system and a “control system”.
The core system of emotions helps us respond to a common set of experiences very quickly and automatically. For example, encountering threats like a bear in the woods leads us to experience fear and mobilizes us to respond. Or, when we experience loss we simply become sad. There is not much mental deliberation or “appraisal” along with these emotions. The basic emotions proposed by Ekman (fear, sadness, anger, joy, disgust, and surprise) may occur in line with this system.
The theory suggests that the control system developed as part of a later advancement in evolution. This system is slower and much more deliberate, but can apply to a large range of situations. The control system uses other processes (e.g., cognition, behavior, social support) to influence and regulate emotional reactions. We may stop ourself from yelling at the person writing a check and slowing the grocery line because we assess that expressing anger will make us look like “the jerk” and risk our being ostracized.
Both systems can influence the difficulties we see clients experience. However, much of the work we do in therapy appears to influence the control system. For example, we may help clients build ways to more accurately interpret situations they believe to be threatening to regulate anxiety when they have a trauma history or constantly anticipate abandonment. Or, when we help clients learn ways to increase awareness of emotional reactions to help regulate emotions and redirect actions.
All emotional experiences are valid for our clients. But, like so many of the experiences therapy approaches, few things are cut and dry. Levenson’s compelling theory suggests that we may choose which emotional experiences to intently work with. For example, we may choose to not work on modifying sadness after loss or anger following real transgression. But we may choose to help clients learn to modify negative thought patterns that contribute to anxiety or perceived transgression. Discerning which emotional situations to work with can also be paramount for client understanding of their own emotion regulation.
