Issa Dee and the Appraisal Theories of Emotion

Issa's emotions serve as a vivid canvas, painting a nuanced picture of her experiences and growth.

Appraisal theories of emotion suggest that our emotions are influenced by the way we evaluate or appraise a situation or event. These theories typically involve several key appraisal dimensions. Let's apply this framework to Issa Dee's character: 

1. Primary Appraisal – Goal Congruence/Incongruence: 

Primary appraisal involves evaluating whether a situation or event is relevant to one's goals and well-being. Issa often finds herself in various challenging and sometimes awkward situations, both personally and professionally. In Season 1, Issa is working at a non-profit called "We Got Y'all." She believes in the organization's mission to help underprivileged students but becomes increasingly aware of its shortcomings, particularly in addressing racial issues. Her primary appraisal involves evaluating whether her job aligns with her goal of making a meaningful impact in her community. As she realizes the incongruence between her values and her job's effectiveness, she experiences frustration and a sense of moral conflict. 

 2. Secondary Appraisal – Certainty/Uncertainty: 

Secondary appraisal involves evaluating one's ability to cope with or manage the situation. Issa's secondary appraisal often focuses on her perceived ability to handle the challenges she faces. In Season 2, Issa decides to explore a career change by pursuing her passion for event planning. As she starts her own business, she faces uncertainty about her success and her ability to handle the challenges of entrepreneurship. Her secondary appraisal involves assessing her skills, resources, and the level of uncertainty associated with her new venture. The uncertainty leads to anxiety and self-doubt, which are recurrent emotions throughout her journey. 

 3. Reappraisal: 

As situations evolve, reappraisal occurs. Issa's emotions can change as new information becomes available or as her understanding of a situation deepens. Over the course of the series, Issa's emotional journey with her ex-boyfriend, Lawrence, is marked by ongoing reappraisal. Initially, their breakup in Season 1 causes her immense sadness and regret. However, as they both evolve individually and as they have moments of reconnection, her emotions shift to include hope, nostalgia, and eventually acceptance. This demonstrates how her emotional responses change as her understanding of the situation and her own growth evolve. 

These examples demonstrate how Issa’s emotions are intricately connected to the appraisal process. Her emotional responses are shaped by her evaluations of each situation's relevance to her goals, the level of certainty or uncertainty they entail, and their impact on her self-concept, values, and relationships. The series portrays her emotional complexity and growth as she navigates various life challenges and opportunities.