The Structure of Subjective Emotional Intensity

"'Emotions vary in intensity. But what is it that varies? There are many 1 parameters that can be considered parameters of emotional intensity, and it . is unclear how these parameters are related. The main question of this study ~ is: Is the subjective intensity of emotion one dimensional, and, if not, what ~ are its dimensions? We sampled 222 instances of emotions, and for each instance subjects completed a questionnaire. The subjects also drew a diagram of the course of their emotion over time. A factor analysis of the intensity questions and the diagram variables yielded six factors: (1) duration of the emotion and delay of its onset and peak; (2) perceived bodily changes and strength of felt p~ssivity; (3) recollection and re-experience of the emotion; (4) strength and drasticness of action tendency, and drasticness of actual behaviour; (5) belief changes and influence upon long-term behaviour; and (6) overall felt intensity. Most specific dimensions correlated moderately with overall felt intensity. Special attention is given to the relation between intensity and the duration of emotion.