A Framework for Emotions and Dispositions in Man-Companion Interaction - Coverbal Synchrony in Human-Machine Interaction - page 113

Figure 2. Stepwise Cognitive Appraisals with checks of relevance, implication, coping
potential, and normative signifi cance as a result of emotional events according to in the
Sequential Check Theory.
relevance detection is divided into an appraisal of novelty (within
the meaning of sudden onset and familiarity of the events), intrinsic
acceptability, and relevance for goals and needs.
The second step comprises the assessment of the implication, and
deals with an estimation of consequences and future developments,
whereby the causes and the consequences of the event are considered.
This process is divided into the following five assessment dimensions:
Causal attribution, meaning who did what and why?; the probability
with which certain consequences are expected; the discrepancy or
consistency with expectations that the individual has regarding the
situation (created by the event) at this point in time; the positive
or negative effect it has on the individual's goals and needs; and
the urgency that depends on the importance of the events for the
individual as well as chronological reaction contingencies.
Step three is responsible for evaluating the coping potential,
which is assessed in order to change an event and its consequences
or to successfully adapt to unchangeable events. The control over the
event or its consequences, the power (of the individual to be able to
align the results of the event with his/her own interests, when he/
she has some measure of control) and the adjustment potential to the
event play an important role. The fourth step checks the normative