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social science subjects > psychology > cognitive psychology > emotion > opponent process theory of emotions
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social science subjects > psychology > social psychology > emotion > opponent process theory of emotions

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opponent process theory of emotions  

Definition

  • Definition Richard L. Solomon's opponent process theory of emotions—also commonly referred to as the opponent process theory of acquired motivation—contends that the primary or initial reaction to an emotional event (State A) will be followed by an opposite secondary emotional state (State B). In other words, a stimulus that initially inspires displeasure will likely be followed by a pleasurable after-feeling and vice versa. [Source: Encyclopedia of Social Psychology; Opponent Process Theory of Emotions]

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https://concepts.sagepub.com/social-science/concept/opponent_process_theory_of_emotions

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