Surprise (emotion)

Ferdinand Fagerlin - Surprised - Google Art Project

Charles Bell, Essays on the anatomy of Wellcome L0031951

Förvåning - Ystad-2017

Rembrandt - Belshazzar's Feast - WGA19123

Carol Burnett 1958

Surprise (emotion) is a complex emotion characterized by the unexpectedness of an event, situation, or fact. It is one of the basic emotions and can be triggered by something unexpected happening. Surprise can be positive, negative, or neutral in its emotional valence, depending on the context and the individual's perception of the event.

Definition and Characteristics

Surprise is defined by the suddenness and unexpectedness of a particular event or piece of information that interrupts an individual's current state of knowledge or awareness. It is often accompanied by a wide range of physiological responses, including raised eyebrows, wide eyes, and a dropped jaw, which are part of the universal facial expressions identified by Paul Ekman. These involuntary responses are part of the body's natural reaction to novel or startling stimuli.

Psychological Mechanisms

The psychological mechanism behind surprise involves the violation of expectations. When an event deviates from what is anticipated based on an individual's prior knowledge or beliefs, the surprise emotion is triggered. This deviation prompts a cognitive process of reassessment and adjustment of understanding, which can enhance learning and memory retention.

Types of Surprise

Surprise can be categorized into several types based on its cause and the nature of the response it elicits:

• Positive Surprise: Often associated with joy or excitement, positive surprises include unexpected gifts, pleasant news, or fortunate events.
• Negative Surprise: Linked with emotions such as fear, sadness, or disappointment, negative surprises occur due to unforeseen adverse events or information.
• Neutral Surprise: This type involves situations where the unexpectedness is neither particularly positive nor negative, but still requires cognitive adjustment.

Role in Learning and Adaptation

Surprise plays a crucial role in learning and cognitive adaptation. It signals a gap in knowledge or an error in prediction, prompting the individual to update their understanding of the world. This process is fundamental to the concept of predictive coding in neuroscience, where the brain is seen as constantly making predictions about the environment and adjusting these predictions based on new information.

Cultural and Individual Differences

The expression and perception of surprise can vary significantly across different cultures and individuals. Cultural norms and values influence what is considered surprising and the appropriateness of expressing surprise in various contexts. Individual differences, such as personality traits and personal experiences, also affect how surprise is experienced and displayed.

In Literature and Media

Surprise is a common theme in literature and media, often used to create plot twists and maintain audience interest. The effectiveness of surprise in storytelling relies on its ability to defy expectations in a believable and engaging way.

See Also

• Emotion
• Facial expression
• Predictive coding
• Paul Ekman

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