jausmus

Jausmus is a Latvian term that denotes an emotional state or feeling. It covers a broad spectrum, from immediate sensations such as warmth or fear to more complex experiences like joy, sadness, or nostalgia. The word is rooted in the verb jaust “to feel” and serves as a general label for affective experience in standard Latvian.

In psychology, emotions (jausmas) are understood as relatively short-lived, action-oriented states that arise in response to stimuli and involve subjective experience, physiological changes, and cognitive appraisal. They differ from moods, which are more diffuse and persistent.

Several theories explain how emotions arise and function. Appraisal theories emphasize interpretation of events; the James–Lange view highlights bodily arousal as a core component; the Cannon–Bard theory proposes parallel processing of arousal and emotion; constructivist approaches see emotions as culturally shaped constructions.

Researchers measure jausmus with self-report scales and observational methods, and sometimes with physiological indicators such as heart rate or skin conductance. Emotion regulation—strategies for modulating emotional responses, like reappraisal or suppression—affects social interactions and mental health.

Culture and language influence how jausmas are expressed and interpreted. Emotional norms vary across societies, affecting communication and behavior. Disturbances in emotion processing are central to several mental health conditions, and therapies often target improving regulation and perception of emotions.