A Framework of Emotional Functions

Judgment and Decision Making, Vol. 3, No. 1, January 2008, pp. 5–17

The multiplicity of emotions: A framework of emotional functions

in decision making

Hans-Rüdiger Pfister ∗

Department of Business Psychology, University of Lüneburg

Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen

Gisela Böhm

Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen

Abstract

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.

Keywords: emotion, affect, decision making.

1

Introduction

cision making. In particular, we argue that emotion(s)

should not be construed as a homogenous category, that

the positive-negative valence dimension is not the most

important aspect of emotions in decision making, and that

emotions do not imply irrationality.

We argue that it is more useful to think of emotional

phenomena as implementing specific mechanisms to account for different functions that arise in decision making. Four functions are proposed which are conceptually independent, though empirically correlated. The

four-fold classification of functions which we propose includes information, speed, relevance,...