Coherence of emotional response systems: Theory, measurement, and benefits

Abstract

Emotions are core to the human experience, with questions about what they are going back millennia. Most psychological theorists agree that emotions involve responses in multiple systems (experience, behavior, and physiology). However, theorists disagree regarding how these responses relate to one another. Here, we propose an integrative view that predicts some coherence exists but that the degree of coherence and its benefits vary across types of coherence, people, emotions, and contexts. We begin by addressing the theoretical underpinnings of coherence, and how their implications for coherence can be integrated. Then, we outline methodological considerations for empirically testing the predictions of this integrative view. Next, we review research from the past two decades that speaks to—and generally supports—these predictions, and discuss its theoretical and well-being implications. We close by discussing directions for future research on coherence that will further advance this area of profound theoretical and practical importance.