The developmental functions of emotions: An analysis in terms of differential emotions theory

A substantial body of theoretical literature testifies to the evolutionary functions of emotions. Relatively little has been written about their devel opmental functions. This article discusses the developmental functions of e motions from the perspective of differential emotions theory (DET; Izard, 1 977, 1991). According to DET, although all the emotions retain their adapti ve and motivational functions across the lifespan, different sets of emotio ns may become relatively more prominent in the different stages of life as they serve stage-related developmental processes. In the first section, we present a brief overview of relevant aspects of the theory. In the second s ection, we discuss how emotions play a central role in helping the individu al achieve developmental milestones and tasks during four major periods of life: Infancy, toddler through preschool years, middle to late childhood, a nd adolescence. The underlying thesis of this article is that emotions play a central role in stimulating social cognitive attainments at each stage o f development.