Appendix

Summary

Autobiographies

Affect

Each of the three autobiographies was coded for affective content in terms of discrete emotions and more undifferentiated or ambiguous terms. The coding scheme for the discrete affect terms was based on the theoretical framework of Izard's (1971, 1977) differential emotions theory. According to the theory, there are ten basic or primary emotions, designated as discrete emotions. Each of the ten basic emotions can vary in intensity or magnitude. The ten emotions, which are listed here, are expressed as continua from the weaker to the stronger form of emotion. The coding of these terms included, but was not limited to, the examples listed here; cognates and synonyms were also included. Additionally, affect was coded even when it was being denied or minimized (e.g., “I was disinterested” or “not mad”). The more global, undifferentiated, nondiscrete emotional terms were also coded.

1. Discrete Emotions

2. Interest–Excitement: interested, stimulated, curious, excited, fascinated, eager

3. Anger–Rage: anger, irritated, mad, annoyed, frustrated, hostile, hate, rage, enraged.

4. Contempt–Scorn: contempt, put-down, disapprove, belittle, scorn.

5. Fear–Terror: fear, tense, tension, anxiety, afraid, scared, terror, horror, terrified, panic.

6. Distress–Anguish: sadness, blue, feeling low, sorrow, unhappy, anguish, suffering, depressed, distressed, hopeless feeling, agony.