Emotional Construing: A Psychobiological Model

A psychobiological model of emotions is proposed based on Katz's (1984) "origin postulate" and his concept of "primitive constructs." Emotions are treated as phylogenetically available, evaluative sensorimotor constructs. It is proposed that this treatment of emotions falls within the range of convenience of Kelly's formulation of constructs. Phylogenetic arguments and neurophysiological findings are presented in support of a model of "primitive emotional constructs" grounded in the capacity to construct the fundamental distinctions of similarity and difference. Two sets of primitive emotional constructs are proposed. One set comprises emotions of difference, labeled as approach-avoidance and arousal-quiescence. The second set are emotions of similarity, labeled attachment-loss of attachment and intensity-quiescence. This model is discussed in terms of prototypical emotional experiences such as excitement (approach) and sadness (loss of attachment). Interrelations among personal identity, social and cultural factors, and the emotional construction of events are discussed, and the model is applied to a number of emotional states discussed by George Kelly and Mildred McCoy