The value of ambivalent emotions: a cross-cultural lexical analysis

Article


Lomas, T. 2023. The value of ambivalent emotions: a cross-cultural lexical analysis. Qualitative Research in Psychology. 20 (2), pp. 193-217. https://doi.org/10.1080/14780887.2017.1400143
AuthorsLomas, T.
Abstract

Although wellbeing tends to be associated with positive affect, theorists have suggested it might also involve more ambivalent emotions. Scholars have further argued that although such emotions are somewhat overlooked in Western societies, other cultures are more attuned to them. In the interest of exploring the value of ambivalent emotions, an enquiry was conducted into relevant concepts found across the world’s cultures, focusing specifically on so-called untranslatable words. Through a quasi-systematic search of academic and grey literature, together with conceptual snowballing, 30 relevant terms were located. A process of grounded theory analysis identified five main themes: hope, longing, pathos, appreciation of imperfection, and sensitivity to mystery. The analysis highlights the need for a more expansive conception of wellbeing, going beyond an exclusive identification with positively valenced emotions to incorporate more complex and ambivalent processes.

JournalQualitative Research in Psychology
Journal citation20 (2), pp. 193-217
ISSN1478-0887
Year2023
PublisherTaylor & Francis
Accepted author manuscript
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Anyone
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1080/14780887.2017.1400143
Publication dates
Online27 Nov 2017
Print2023
Publication process dates
Deposited02 Jan 2018
Accepted07 Nov 2017
Copyright holder© 2017, The Author (s)
Additional information

This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Qualitative Research in Psychology on 27.11.17, available online: http://www.tandfonline.com/10.1080/14780887.2017.1400143

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