Surprises

Surprise is an emotional and cognitive response to an event or stimulus that is unexpected. It commonly involves a brief interruption of current expectations, a reorientation of attention, and physiological arousal such as a rapid heartbeat or a flutter of the breath. The experience is typically transient and is followed by processing of the new information. Surprises can be advantageous, harmful, or benign depending on the context and the individual's appraisal of the event.

Etymology: The term derives from the Old French surprendre, meaning to seize by surprise, from Latin roots implying "over" and "to take". In English, the noun "surprise" has long referred to something unforeseen that alters beliefs or plans.

Types: Positive surprises occur when an unexpected event is favorable, such as a gift or good news. Negative surprises involve unfavorable events, such as abrupt changes or adverse information. Surprises may be social (as in a planned party), practical (unexpected consequences of a decision), or situational (an unanticipated turn of events). Cultural practices sometimes employ surprises, such as celebration rituals or plot twists in storytelling to elicit engagement.

Psychology and cognition: Surprise is linked to expectancy violation and involves rapid appraisal to decide whether to adapt beliefs or actions. It can enhance memory encoding for the surprising event and influence learning by signaling a need to update mental models. Reactions vary by individual, culture, and context, and extreme surprises can trigger fear or shock.

In culture and design: Surprises are used in literature, film, and advertising to maintain interest or create memorable experiences. The "surprise ending" is a narrative device, while marketing often aims to maximize "surprise and delight" to engage audiences.