Emotion and Adaptation (by Richard S. Lazarus)

Richard S. Lazarus's theory of emotion and adaptation explains that emotions result from how we interpret and evaluate events around us. When faced with a situation, our mind appraises whether it is relevant, threatening, or meaningful, which then triggers an emotional response. Our emotions help us adapt by guiding our behavior—either motivating us to approach or avoid certain circumstances. This process shows that emotions are not just automatic reactions but are influenced by our thoughts and perceptions, allowing us to adjust to changing environments and challenges effectively.