social appraisal theory

Social appraisal theory explores how individuals interpret and evaluate events based on their social context and relationships. It suggests that our emotional responses are shaped not just by the events themselves but also by how we perceive others' opinions, judgments, or reactions related to those events. For example, feeling proud or ashamed may depend on how we think others will view our actions. This theory emphasizes that our emotions are influenced by social dynamics and the meanings we assign in social situations, helping us understand how social factors impact our emotional experiences.