Emotional Framing: How Do Emotions Contribute to Framing Effects?

Emotional Framing: How Do Emotions Contribute to Framing Effects? Public Deposited

Last Modified

Creator

Yacoub, Mark
- Affiliation: College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Political Science

Abstract

A great deal of research has shown the ability of issue frames to affect individuals' opinions on a variety of issues. In explaining these effects, however, researchers have mainly focused on the cognitive processes behind framing, failing to systematically place emotions in the framing process. Frames, though, often rely upon emotional appeals and can be designed to elicit specific emotional reactions. How exactly do these emotions operate to influence framing effects? To address this question, I propose a theory of emotional intensity as a crucial part of the framing process-the intensity of emotional reactions to a frame influence how important beliefs brought up by the frame are viewed, affecting subsequent opinions. I test my specific expectations with an experiment using emotional news articles based on two issues. I conclude with a discussion of my results, the potential drawbacks and limitations of my experimental design, and directions for future research.

Date of publication