Scientific article
OA Policy
English

Demystifying the Role of Goal-Related Processes in Explaining the Effects of Emotion on Information-Seeking Decisions

Published inEmotion review, vol. 18, no. 2, p. 76-79; 17540739261422938
First online date2026-02-17
Abstract

Adopting componential and appraisal approaches to emotion, this commentary highlights how Moors' goal-directed theory allows a deep analysis of the role of emotion in information-seeking decisions. We illustrate how (i) the opportunity to gain information can signal discrepancies with multiple goals, which are reduced by seeking or avoiding information, (ii) goalrelated appraisals and goal satisfaction may partly account for the rewarding properties of information, (iii) practical rationality can explain seemingly irrational information-seeking behaviors, and (iv) biased goal priorization and appraisal biases could lead to maladaptive information-seeking. We suggest that appraisal and goal-directed theories may complement current theoretical frameworks of information-seeking by providing a mechanistic approach to understanding how the evaluation and selection of goals, behavioral strategies, and actions influence information-seeking.

Keywords
  • Emotion
  • Goals
  • Information-seeking
  • Expected utility
Citation (ISO format)
STUSSI, Yoann, GAUDRE, Martin, SANDER, David. Demystifying the Role of Goal-Related Processes in Explaining the Effects of Emotion on Information-Seeking Decisions. In: Emotion review, 2026, vol. 18, n° 2, p. 76–79. doi: 10.1177/17540739261422938
Main files (2)
Article (Accepted version)
Article (Published version)
accessLevelRestricted
Identifiers
Journal ISSN1754-0739
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97downloads

Technical informations

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Update22/04/2026 12:58:21
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