Anger and Appraisals

*This post contains spoilers for this show Ted Lasso

In this current module of the course, we have been discussing appraisal theory and how it affects emotions. Before we can delve into that, however, we must discuss what appraisal is, the theory, and what that all has to do with our character, Ted Lasso. 

Per an academic article, "Appraisal is a process that detects and assesses the significance of the environment for well-being." (Moors et al., 2013). That "well-being" is anything that satisfies or blocks concerns (Fridja, 1986, 2007).  Lazarus (1991), furthers this by saying that " appraisal is inherently transactional: It involves an interaction between the event and the appraiser"

How does this tie into emotions? Well, the Appraisal Theory essentially states that an emotions come from an assessment of an event occuring, the appraiser taking inventory and processing what is happening, then that processing eliciting an emotional response from what was gleaned from the information. (Reeve, 2009).

Ted illustrates this concept very well in season 1, episode 7. As stated in my initial blog post, Ted wants nothing more than his family to be together both emotionally and physically. As season 1 progresses, we find out that Ted's wife wants a divorce and in episode 7, she asks Ted if he received the divorce paperwork. She then pushes for him to sign as soon as he can. This is on top of a very important game that the team is nervous about playing. 

He looks over the paperwork initially in his hotel room alone while drinking. He gets visibly agitated. That is then confirmed when he opens the door to find Nathan, the assistant Coach, trying to slide game notes under his door. He gets angry at Nathan and tells him to leave in a very aggressive tone. 

Here is the breakdown of the emotions Ted feels by lining it up with the appraisal theory. 

Event/Stimulus: Ted's wife sends divorce papers for him to sign and pushes for him to sign as soon as possible.

Appraisal: This will be a negative outcome and now the goal of Ted's family being together as a whole is threatened. 

                                                                     

Emotion: Ted is visibly sad about having to sign the papers and there is also anger because there is a perceived threat of him no longer having the family he desires. 

                                                                      

Action: Ted drinks a shot or two of liquor in the scene as a means to take the edge off and he raises his voice at Nathan for something that he normally would not have been angry over. (This is solidified in Ted's apology to Nathan later on). 

There are several other instances in which Ted's emotions could be broken down by the Appraisal Theory. This particular event is one I believe highlights the theories components very well.