Psychopathology and short-term emotion: The balance of affects

In this study, the relationship between short-term emotion expressions and dimensional ratings of internalizing and externalizing symptomatology was e xamined. Short-term emotions, defined as facial or vocal displays of emotio n generally lasting less than 10 seconds and elicited by a specific and pro ximal event, were observed during recess in 71 children from diverse socioe conomic backgrounds, who were between 4 and 8 years old. Internalizing and externalizing symptomatology was assessed through parent and teacher questi onnaire. Sociometric ratings were obtained from peers on children's anger a nd aggression. It was hypothesized following Tomkins (1979) and others that one affect becomes predominant in the emotional experience of the individu al. Different operationalizations of this concept were examined. Using regr ession analyses, externalizing symptomatology was found to be predicted by higher levels of anger, lower levels of happiness, and lower levels of sadn ess. Internalizing symptomatology was found to be predicted by higher level s of sadness and lower levels of anger. It was concluded on the basis of th ese data that the relationship between short-term emotion and internalizing and externalizing psychopathology is best understood as the balance betwee n different short-term emotions. Results are discussed in the context of th eories of emotion and their functions.