TY - JOUR

T1 - The multiplicity of emotions: A framework of emotional functions in decision making

AU - Pfister, Hans-Rüdiger

AU - Bohm, Gisela

N1 - Special issue: Intuition and Affect in Risk Perception and Decision Making

PY - 2008/1/1

Y1 - 2008/1/1

N2 - A four-fold classification of emotions with respect to their functions in decision making is proposed. It is argued that emotions are not homogenous concerning their role in decision making, but that four distinct functions can be distinguished concerning emotional phenomena. One function is to provide information about pleasure and pain for preference construction, a second function is to enable rapid choices under time pressure, a third function is to focus attention on relevant aspects of a decision problem, and a fourth function is to generate commitment concerning morally and socially significant decisions. The pertinent literature on the relationship between emotion and decision making is reviewed, and it is concluded that most approaches fit into the proposed framework. We argue that a precise conceptualization of emotional phenomena is required to advance our understanding of the complex role of emotions in decision making.

AB - A four-fold classification of emotions with respect to their functions in decision making is proposed. It is argued that emotions are not homogenous concerning their role in decision making, but that four distinct functions can be distinguished concerning emotional phenomena. One function is to provide information about pleasure and pain for preference construction, a second function is to enable rapid choices under time pressure, a third function is to focus attention on relevant aspects of a decision problem, and a fourth function is to generate commitment concerning morally and socially significant decisions. The pertinent literature on the relationship between emotion and decision making is reviewed, and it is concluded that most approaches fit into the proposed framework. We argue that a precise conceptualization of emotional phenomena is required to advance our understanding of the complex role of emotions in decision making.

KW - Business psychology

KW - emotion

KW - affect

KW - decision making

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=57349121802&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.1017/S1930297500000127

DO - 10.1017/S1930297500000127

M3 - Journal articles

VL - 3

SP - 5

EP - 17

JO - Judgment and Decision Making

JF - Judgment and Decision Making

SN - 1930-2975

IS - 1

ER -