The paradoxical effect of deterrence on emotional intensity: Why less can be better than more - MANUSCRIPT IN PREPARATION

In this paper, we review the original theoretical propositions advanced by emotional intensity theory (Brehm, 1999) and suggest revisions and future directions of research. The theory assumes that obstacles to emotion (deterrents) affect emotional intensity as a function of their strength. Specifically, it is predicted that emotional intensity will be high when no obstacle to emotion is salient to the person, will decrease in response to a low obstacle to emotion, will rise from a low to a moderate obstacle, and will decrease when the obstacle to emotion becomes greater than the importance of the emotion instigation. We present evidence from recent experiments and discuss the broad implications of this theory for the understanding of the motivational functions of emotions and the mechanisms responsible for regulation of emotional intensity. Unresolved theoretical issues and domains of application are also reviewed.