Conflicted Emotions Following Trust-Based Interaction

Abstract

Abstract:We observed reports of conflicted (concurrent positive and negative) emotions activated after interactions in the Trust game. Our analyses reveal that activation of 20 emotional states following trust-based interaction is better explained by predictions derived from a multidimensional Recalibrational perspective than by predictions derived from two-dimensional Valence and Arousal perspectives. The Recalibrational perspective proposes that emotions are activated according to their functional features -for example, emotions help people achieve short or long-sighted goals by up or down-regulating behavioral propensities, whereas Valence and Arousal perspectives consider simpler hedonic dimensions lacking functional specificity. The Recalibrational perspective is also distinguished from the Valence and Arousal perspectives in that it predicts the possibility of conflicted emotions. We discuss the theoretical implications of having conflicted goals and the economic implications of having conflicted emotions.

A Study of the Triggers of Conflict and Emotional Reactions

“…Following Schniter et al [49], we create two categorical variables corresponding to a valence positive-negative perspective of emotional reactions. Of course, more sophisticated categorization of emotions could be used, such as the one following the recalibration perspective [50,51]; for applications, see Schniter and Shields [52] and Schniter and Sheremeta [53].…”

Predictable and Predictive Emotions: Explaining Cheap Signals and Trust Re-Extension

“…fool me twice, shame on me," there may be stronger hedonic costs to being a targeted victim of repeated deception, than are experienced after being a first-time victim. 5 In this study we focus on 12 emotions that had previously been shown to be affected by trust-based exchange outcomes (Schniter and Shields, 2013;Schniter et al, 2014). However, to avoid demand effects that might result by focusing participants only on the 12 emotions of interest to our study, and to limit post-rationalization that might result from inducing a more limited focus, we presented subjects with a larger number of 20 emotions.…”

“…According to the recalibrational theory of emotions, when evolved psychological machinery has computationally identified adaptive problems (such as resulting from social dilemma outcomes), emotional responses are triggered that encourage recalibration of behavior regulation programs Schniter and Shields, 2013;Schniter et al, 2014). As such, emotions are hedonic components of a learning system that integrates relevant experiences to inform individual decisions and interaction behaviors.…”

“…It is hypothesized that this positive or negative emotional feedback is designed to motivate changes to behavioral propensities so as to enhance success in future relationships characterized by similar cooperation dilemmas. For example, when a trust-based relationship has been developed and assured, good feelings such as pride and appreciation are experienced (Schniter and Shields, 2013;Schniter et al, 2014). As a result, proud trustees may be more inclined to re-affirm the good relationship and demonstrate more trustworthiness (Nesse, 1990;Fessler, 1999Fessler, , 2001, and appreciative or grateful investors may be more likely to trust the trustee's cheap signals and re-extend trust (Hirshleifer, 1987;McCullough et al, 2001;Dunn and Schweitzer, 2005;Algoe et al, 2008;.…”

“…We evaluate 9 Schniter et al (2014) also collected data on emotional reactions to trustbased interaction outcomes using an emotional status survey with multiple emotion items. They reported floor effects with some of their items: where participants indicated experiencing the emotion very little or not at all.…”