emozione

Emozione refers to the subjective experience of affective states that arise in response to stimuli, events, or memories, and are accompanied by physiological changes and observable expressions. Emotions influence perception, memory, decision-making, and social interaction, and they can motivate action and guide behavior.

The Italian term emozione derives from the French émotion, which in turn comes from Latin emotio, from emovere “to move.” In Italian usage, emozione often denotes a strongly felt, immediate affective state rather than a long-lasting mood.

Theories of emotion include James–Lange (arousal precedes emotion) and Cannon–Bard (arousal and emotion occur together). The two‑factor theory (Schachter–Singer) emphasizes cognitive labeling of arousal, while appraisal theories (Lazarus, Scherer) highlight evaluative processes in emotion generation.

Emotions are often described by valence (positive–negative) and arousal (calm–excited); some models include discrete categories such as happiness, fear, anger, and sadness. Measurements rely on self-report scales, behavioral observation, and physiological indices.

Neurobiologically, the limbic system, especially the amygdala, interacts with prefrontal circuits to produce and regulate emotions. Neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and serotonin modulate affect, while cognitive control and regulation strategies influence emotional experience.

Cultural and developmental factors shape emotion classification and expression. Some theories propose a basic set of universal emotions, while others adopt dimensional or constructionist views. Display rules and social context influence how emotions are expressed and managed.

Applications of emotion research span psychology, psychiatry, education, and artificial intelligence, including emotion recognition, affective computing, and therapeutic approaches such as emotion-focused therapies.