The Theory of Constructed Emotion

Many models attempt to explain the functioning and development of emotions. This recent model offers a new perspective on emotional skills and the cultural variations of them.

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1. WHAT IS THE THEORY OF CONSTRUCTED EMOTION ?

Constructed emotion theory is a relatively new perspective in the field of the psychology of emotion that suggests that emotions are not static, universal entities, but rather dynamic mental constructs that result from the complex interplay between different cognitive, social, and physiological factors. According to this theory, emotions are not innate or biologically determined, but rather created and regulated by individuals themselves through a construction process that involves the attribution of meanings to specific events or sensory experiences.

A bit of history

The theoretical underpinnings of constructed emotion theory can be traced back to the early 1990s, when Lisa Feldman Barrett and her colleagues began to challenge traditional assumptions in emotion psychology that emotions are discrete, universal entities that are triggered by specific stimuli. Instead, Barrett proposed that emotions are constructs that emerge from the interaction between complex cognitive, social, and physiological processes, all of which are influenced by culture, life experiences, and social contexts.

Constructed emotion theory suggests that emotions are not determined by specific physiological response patterns, such as heart acceleration or sweating, but rather by thought patterns that interpret these responses as meaningful in a given context. For example, heart acceleration may be interpreted as being related to fear in some situations, but as being related to arousal in other situations.

2. WHAT DOES THE THEORY OF CONSTRUCTED EMOTION PROPOSE ?

According to this theory, emotions are not innate, but rather constructed by individuals through a complex process of emotional regulation that involves the attribution of meanings to specific stimuli or experiences. This process involves a cognitive evaluation of stimuli, which consists of interpreting them according to the individual’s prior knowledge, beliefs, and expectations. For example, a person with negative self-beliefs may interpret constructive criticism as a personal attack, which may trigger negative emotions such as anger or sadness.

In addition, constructed emotion theory suggests that emotions are regulated by cognitive processes such as attention, memory, and judgment.

For example, a person may regulate emotions by focusing on positive aspects of a situation rather than negative ones, or by recalling positive experiences to reinforce a positive emotional state.

Constructed emotion theory emphasizes that emotions are not only individual constructs, but are also influenced by the social contexts in which they occur. For example, cultural norms and social expectations can affect how people interpret and express their emotions. In some cultures, open expression of anger may be considered inappropriate, whereas in other cultures it may be considered an acceptable form of emotional expression.

Similarly, social roles and interpersonal relationships can influence the construction and regulation of emotions. For example, a person may regulate their emotions differently depending on their social status or relationship with another person. Emotions can also be used to maintain or change interpersonal relationships, such as when a person uses flattery to improve their relationship with another person.

3. WHAT DOES THIS THEORY CONTRIBUTE TO OUR UNDERSTANDING OF EMOTIONS ?

Constructed emotion theory suggests that physical contexts can also influence the construction and regulation of emotions. For example, temperature, lighting, and noise can all affect people’s emotional states. Studies have shown that people may feel more anxious in noisy and cluttered environments, while calm and peaceful environments may induce more relaxed and positive emotional states.

Another important feature of the constructed emotion theory is that it recognizes that emotions are not automatic responses to stimuli, but rather are constructed through a construction process that may involve significant individual variation. According to this theory, individuals may have differences in how they construct and regulate their emotions based on their background, personality, and social environment.

For example, some people may be more prone to anxiety because of their life history or temperament, while others may be more resilient to stressful events because of their ability to regulate their emotions effectively.

Finally, constructed emotion theory has important implications for clinical practice, as it suggests that emotional disorders can be better understood and treated by examining the cognitive and social processes underlying their construction and regulation. Clinical interventions can therefore be designed to help patients identify and change the thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to the construction and regulation of their emotions.

In sum, the theory of constructed emotion represents an important advance in understanding emotions as dynamic, socially constructed processes rather than static, universal entities. This theory offers a rich and nuanced perspective on the nature of emotions, which can help to better understand their role in everyday life and their relevance to mental health.

4. TO SUMMARIZE

According to the theory of constructed emotion, emotions are not innate, but rather constructed by individuals through a complex process of emotional regulation that involves the attribution of meanings to specific stimuli or experiences. This process involves a cognitive evaluation of stimuli, which consists of interpreting them according to :

Beliefs, knowledge and expectations

For example, a person with negative self-beliefs may interpret constructive criticism as a personal attack, which may trigger negative emotions such as anger or sadness.

Attention, memory and judgment

A person can regulate emotions by focusing on positive aspects of a situation rather than negative ones, or by recalling positive experiences to reinforce a positive emotional state.

Social context (cultural norms and social expectations)

In some cultures, open expression of anger may be considered inappropriate, while in other cultures it may be considered an acceptable form of emotional expression.

Social roles, interpersonal relationships

For example, when a person uses flattery to improve their relationship with another person.

Physical contexts (weather, lighting, noise)

People may feel more anxious in noisy and cluttered environments, while calm and peaceful environments may induce more relaxed and positive emotional states.

Background and personality

For example, some people may be more prone to anxiety because of their life history or temperament, while others may be more resistant to stressful events because of their ability to regulate their emotions effectively.

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FAQ

Virtual reality (VR) is an innovative technology that enables patients to be exposed to immersive and controlled environments, facilitating the management of numerous psychological and psychiatric disorders. Its use in mental health offers several advantages:
  • Gradual and Controlled Exposure: VR allows patients to confront anxiety-inducing situations in a secure environment, gradually adjusting the intensity of stimuli to promote habituation and emotional regulation.
  • Realistic and Reproducible Environments: Unlike traditional techniques, VR provides immersive scenarios that can be consistently reproduced, ensuring a coherent and effective approach.
  • Increased Patient Engagement: The interactive and immersive nature of VR enhances treatment adherence and motivates patients to continue their therapy.
  • Personalized Treatment: Virtual environments can be adapted to meet the specific needs of each patient.
  • Versatile Applications: VR is used to treat anxiety disorders (phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorders), addictions, mood disorders, and even cognitive remediation.
The use of virtual reality in healthcare is not new! It has been studied and utilized for over 30 years in the medical and psychological fields. As early as the 1990s, researchers began exploring its potential for treating anxiety disorders, particularly phobias and post-traumatic stress disorder. Since then, numerous scientific studies have confirmed its effectiveness in addressing various psychiatric, neurological, and cognitive disorders.
Today, VR is widely integrated into therapeutic and medical practices, with clinically validated protocols. It is used in hospitals, clinics, and psychologists' offices worldwide to provide patients with innovative, effective, and safe treatments.
To use virtual reality, one must immerse themselves in a virtual environment. There are several ways to achieve this.
In the past, the CAVE system (Cave Automatic Virtual Environment), a 3D setup consisting of multiple screen walls, was the primary method used. This system allowed users to be fully immersed in the virtual world, with their movements detected in real-time. However, this technology was expensive and not widely accessible.
Since around 2016, with the introduction of virtual reality headsets like the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, VR has become much more accessible. These headsets immerse users in virtual reality through an enclosed screen that projects digital images. The user's head movements are tracked, enabling them to look around and interact with the environment as they would in the real world.
Today, VR headsets are wireless and standalone, providing maximum comfort and ease of use without requiring external sensors or cables.
A virtual environment is an immersive digital simulation created through virtual reality. It allows users to navigate in a 3D space that accurately replicates everyday situations or specific contexts.
In mental health, these environments are designed to help individuals gradually face certain situations, manage their emotions, or enhance cognitive skills. By interacting with these virtual spaces, patients can engage in meaningful experiences tailored to their needs.
You need to equip yourself with a virtual reality headset. Our software is compatible with Meta Quest 2, 3, and 3S. 
You will then only need an internet connection. 
Numerous studies confirm that virtual reality is safe to use. However, some restrictions are in place to protect users from potential adverse effects.
For instance, individuals with epilepsy and pregnant women should avoid this type of therapy.
As with any immersive technology, prolonged use may cause visual fatigue or mild discomfort, particularly for those sensitive to motion sickness. Therefore, it is recommended to take regular breaks and adjust session durations according to individual needs.
Virtual environments are designed to be gradual and controlled, minimizing the risk of excessive anxiety. Most users quickly adapt to immersion and experience the benefits of this innovative approach from the first sessions.
Anxiety disorders and phobias can be effectively treated using virtual reality. Patients are gradually and progressively exposed to anxiety-inducing situations in various environments while remaining in a safe space. This process helps develop a sense of habituation, ultimately reducing or even eliminating anxiety over time.
Behavioral and substance addictions can also be addressed through virtual reality. By incorporating synthetic stimuli into the environments that trigger craving responses, patients struggling with addiction can work on their cravings to diminish the urge to consume.
Additionally, multiple environments—such as bars, casinos, and social settings—enable cognitive work on dysfunctional beliefs associated with specific temptation scenarios.
Regarding eating disorders, virtual reality software helps target key etiological factors, such as body dysmorphia, allocentric lock (a tendency to focus on others rather than oneself), and food cravings.
Currently, our TERV (Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy) solutions include multiple software programs designed to address critical psychiatric, psychological, and neuropsychological determinants such as relaxation, cognitive stimulation, behavioral activation, and social skills training.
Reminiscence therapy is also a major therapeutic tool in treating depression. By allowing patients to relive sensations linked to past pleasurable activities (such as sports, driving, or traveling), virtual reality stimulates hypoactive brain areas, enhancing therapeutic success. VR serves as an excellent mediator for reigniting engagement in enjoyable activities.
Moreover, cognitive stimulation for elderly individuals is another area where virtual reality proves beneficial. By leveraging technology to make stimulation activities more engaging and accessible, patients and nursing home residents can improve executive functions and memory through specially designed applications.
Today, virtual reality in mental health care is advancing rapidly. Researchers, clinicians, and developers continue to explore new therapeutic targets to offer innovative and effective treatment solutions in the near future.
VR can be used by all healthcare professionals assisting patients with anxiety, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorders, addictions, or other psychological challenges.
It is particularly beneficial for psychologists, psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, specialized nurses, as well as psychomotor therapists, physiotherapists, dietitians, sophrologists, and hypnotherapists. With a wide range of immersive environments, VR enhances therapeutic approaches and provides innovative tools to improve patient care.
Healthcare providers incorporating virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) expand their range of treatment options. VRET is a well-established therapeutic technique with scientific validation from cognitive-behavioral therapy research.
  • Professional Differentiation: Integrating VR into practice allows therapists to stand out from traditional treatment options.
  • Scientific Validation: VRET is backed by extensive research, reinforcing its credibility as an effective treatment method.
  • Improved Patient Engagement: The interactive nature of VR fosters greater patient involvement in therapy.
  • Time-Saving: VR provides direct access to various exposure environments without needing external logistics.

One of the considerable advantages of virtual reality is that it is effective on a wide spectrum of populations. Existing data from the literature on the subject shows us that it is entirely possible to expose a wide age group to virtual reality, with real therapeutic benefits.

The studies attest, in fact, to excellent feasibility and significant results; particularly in adults, in the treatment of anxiety disorders (including school phobia), autism, addictions, eating disorders, neuropsychological disorders, psychotic disorders and mood disorders.

The results are identical for adolescents with a significant added value concerning therapeutic engagement where virtual reality promotes adolescents' interest in their therapy.

Among elderly subjects, study results encourage the use of virtual reality with the aim of working on cognitive stimulation, on behavioral disorders but also on anxiety.

One of the major advantages of virtual reality is its effectiveness across a broad spectrum of the population. Existing literature on the subject shows that virtual reality can be used with individuals of various age groups, providing significant therapeutic benefits.
Studies confirm excellent feasibility and significant results, particularly among adults in the treatment of anxiety disorders (including school phobia), autism, addictions, eating disorders, neuropsychological disorders, psychotic disorders, and mood disorders.
The results are equally promising for adolescents, with a notable advantage in terms of therapeutic engagement, as virtual reality enhances their interest and participation in treatment.
For older adults, research supports the use of virtual reality to improve cognitive stimulation, behavioral disorders, and anxiety management.
However, people with epilepsy and pregnant individuals are not advised to undergo this type of therapy.
Yes, all our environments are grouped within a single application.
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