The structure of subjective emotional intensity

Examined whether the subjective intensity of emotion is one dimensional, and, if not, what are its dimensions? 222 instances of emotions were studied and for each instance 37 Ss completed a questionnaire. Ss also drew a diagram of the course of their emotion over time. A factor analysis of the intensity questions and the diagram variables yielded 6 factors: (1) duration of the emotion and delay of its onset and peak; (2) perceived bodily changes and strength of felt passivity; (3) recollection and re-experience of the emotion; (4) strength and drasticness of action tendency, and drasticness of actual behavior; (5) belief changes and influence upon long-term behavior; and (6) overall felt intensity. Most specific dimensions correlated moderately with overall felt intensity