Publications [#354625] of Patty Van Cappellen

Journal Articles

1. Van Cappellen, P (2020). The emotion of joy: commentary on Johnson. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 15(1), 40-43. [doi]
   (last updated on 2024/01/01)

   Abstract:
   In this contribution, I push for a deeper understanding of the emotion of joy as compared to happiness and to other discrete positive emotions, by specifying its appraisals and functions. I suggest that joy connects us to our core identity, values, and priorities. It is the emotion that makes life worth living in the moment. I further discuss the distinction between an objective versus subjective account of instances of joy, a distinction I find important to bear in mind when dealing with morally problematic cases of joy. Finally, I discuss points of connection between the psychologies of joy and religion and suggest multiple lines of future research.