Emotions of Influence on Decisions

Emotions of Influence on Decisions

After reading the following articles describe how emotion affects decision making.

In both articles (i.e. Enduring Impact of Transient Emotions on Decision Making and the Heat of the Moment: the Effect of Sexual Arousal on Sexual Decision Making) there is focus on how emotions will influence the decisions that everyone makes. What each one determined is that this can occur based upon indirect persuasion (which can influence behavior long after the feelings are not as strong). At the same time, sexual desire can have a major impact upon the decisions made by the individual. This has an effect on behavior by forcing the person to exhibit specific types of attributes. Over the course of time, this can lead to a pattern where the individual will continue to engage in these activities. (Andrade, 2009, pp. 1 -8) (Ariely, 2006, pp. 87 -- 98)

How would you counsel someone on making important life decisions (e.g., purchasing a car, picking a mate, etc.)?

The best way to make a major decision is to take the time to think about the benefits and drawbacks. This can be accomplished by focusing on what the choice will yield over the long-term and the kinds of sacrifices it entails. Once the person is able to answer these different questions is when they will make a decision that is informed and rational. (Andrade, 2009, pp. 1 -8) (Ariely, 2006, pp. 87 -- 98)

For example, when someone is purchasing a car, they should never feel pressured into making any kind of decision. Instead, they need to be able understand what they are looking for and how it will address their needs. At the same time, they must ensure that they can afford the possible financial impact. To achieve these objectives the buyer will research different models and create a list of possible vehicles that qualify. During the process of negotiating, is when there will be a reasonable price range established. If this kind of approach is utilized, it will help the buyer to find the right car for them. This is addressing their needs and it is making certain that the decision will not have adverse consequences on them. (Andrade, 2009, pp. 1 -8) (Ariely, 2006, pp. 87 -- 98)

How might other emotions, such as fear or sadness affect our decisions?

Fear or sadness could cause someone to consume more or less of a particular product. This is because it can set off emotional triggers that will help the person feel better. For example, when someone is feeling sad, worried, stressed out or fearful they will often smoke cigarettes and drink alcohol. This is because both can change the person's underlying state by allowing them to forget about their problems. Once this takes place, is when they are able to feel a sense of comfort in times of extreme amounts of stress. (Andrade, 2009, pp. 1 -8) (Ariely, 2006, pp. 87 -- 98)

Moreover, this can cause a person to become disengaged in particular activities. For instance, if someone is afraid of losing something, they will do anything they can to protect themselves. This can influence their decisions by making them more anti-social and withdrawn. As the feelings of fear or sadness is redirected outward (which are leading to a new reaction from these emotions). (Andrade, 2009, pp. 1 -8) (Ariely, 2006, pp. 87 -- 98)