Emotion theory makes the claim the emotion is adaptive in nature. It helps us to process complex information from the environment quickly in order to help us take action that helps us meet our needs. Emotions give information about the significance of a situation to our well-being. Les Greenberg identifies three levels of emotion processing, one of which is emotional schemes. Schemes are patterns of neural activation that create an internal field. This provides a sense of internal complexity which the person can refer to.
Regulation of emotions involves satisfying one’s desires and calming fears. This can be done both by self and by others, in mutual regulation. Right after birth the infant feels hungry and organises to such while the breast regulates the infant’s need. Affect regulation is a core part of motivation. People want to have certain emotions while avoiding others – something which evolved to aid survival. A lot of activity is driven by the felt sense of satisfaction. When we meet goals or have harmonious relationships, we experience joy and excitement. Shame, loneliness and anxiety arise when relationships and goals are not going well. Emotions are guides telling us what is good for us and what is bad.