Heartstrings attached!

Human interaction is a complex dance of signals, both verbal and non-verbal, that shape our attitudes and behaviors.At the heart of this dance lies emotion, a powerful force that can subtly or overtly sway our decisions and responses. In their Research Handbook on Social Influence Chapter Ursula Hess and Shlomo Hareli explore the intricate role of emotions in social influence, moving beyond simplistic notions of persuasion to delve into the nuanced ways in which feelings impact attitude change and compliance, providing a comprehensive understanding of the profound and often overlooked ways in which emotions shape and guide the social landscape. Definitely worth reading!

Abstract

This chapter delves into the intricate role of emotions in social influence, emphasizing their impact on attitude change and compliance. It explores how emotional expressions can directly influence others through appeals and indirectly by signaling social norms and power dynamics. The chapter also discusses how expressions of different emotions can signal an individual's influence potential, thereby affecting the responses of others. Emotions can also impact the influenceability of a target. By discussing these issues, the chapter aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay between emotions and social influence, shedding light on the multifaceted ways in which emotions can shape and guide social interactions.