Exploring Rejection as an Action Tendency of Negative Aesthetic Emotions

The present research focused on appraisal theories and emotional responses to art. Using a within-subjects design, Study 1 explored the role of value incongruence, perceived intention, and unpleasantness in the appraisal structures of anger and disgust. In addition, rejection was assessed as a possible action tendency of these emotions. Multilevel modeling analyses revealed that these appraisals were indeed related to the specified emotions. Furthermore, it was found that anger and disgust predicted people's rejection of statements endorsing the controversial artwork. This suggests that rejection is a possible action tendency related to anger and disgust. Study 2 used a behavioral measure to strengthen the relationship between emotions and behavior suggested by Study 1. Results of Study 2 indicated that anger and disgust significantly predicted people's acceptance or rejection of a postcard depicting Piss Christ, a controversial photograph. These results suggest that rejection is a legitimate action associated with negative emotions.