Lazarus Model of Emotion

The Lazarus Model of Emotion explains how our feelings are influenced by our thoughts and interpretations. When we encounter a situation, our mind quickly assesses its significance and possible outcomes. This cognitive appraisal determines our emotional response—if we see a threat, we might feel fear; if it's a positive event, we might feel happiness. In this model, emotions are not just automatic reactions but result from how we interpret and evaluate events. Essentially, our mental assessment shapes whether we feel anxious, excited, or calm, highlighting the importance of our thoughts in experiencing emotions.