Consider the following scenario:

As he makes his online travel reservations, Robert is overcome with a sense of anxiety. His fear of flying fills him with dread at the thought of taking an airplane. Robert’s appraisal of flying (his interpretation of the situation) instills an irrational fear. Robert mentions his concern to a close friend who works for the airline industry. His friend shares the following information—travel by air is one of the safest modes of transportation. The drive to the airport is statistically far more dangerous than a flight. Robert’s fear decreases in light of the new information. This is an example of a cognitive process helping an individual to regulate an emotional response.

For this Discussion, consider how cognitive processes can influence regulation of emotional responses. Also consider the influence of appraisal on emotional responses. Then think about how conscious and unconscious cognitive processes influence emotion.

With these thoughts in mind:

BY DAY 4
Post a brief explanation of how cognitive processes can influence regulation of emotional responses. Then explain the influence of appraisal on emotional responses. Finally, provide one example of a conscious cognitive process and one example of an unconscious cognitive process and explain how each influence emotion. Justify your response using the Learning Resources and current literature.

Sample Solution