The unexpected importance of expectations in self-conscious emotions.

Key Points

• This research investigates how expectation-behavior discrepancies influence self-conscious emotions like pride, shame, and guilt.
• Conducted six studies with a total of 1,643 participants.
• Examined expectation-behavior discrepancies using both hypothetical and recalled situations.
• Manipulated behaviors or expectations to create discrepancies, observing emotional responses.
• Utilized a longitudinal design to assess emotional tracking over time outside the lab.
• Tested the new account against alternative accounts for validation.
• Participants felt greater pride when exceeding expectations compared to falling below or meeting them.
• Those who fell below expectations reported higher levels of shame and guilt.
• Findings indicate a distinct relationship between expectation discrepancies and self-conscious emotions, marking a shift in understanding the cognitive factors involved.