Emotion in animal contests. Issue 1939 (18th November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Crump, Andrew; Bethell, Emily J.; Earley, Ryan; Lee, Victoria E.; Mendl, Michael; Oldham, Lucy; Turner, Simon P.; Arnott, Gareth
• Is Part Of: Proceedings. Volume 287:Issue 1939(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-11-18
• Subjects: affective state -- assessment -- cognition -- resource-holding potential -- resource value -- winner/loser effects; Biology -- Periodicals; 570.5
• DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.1715
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0962-8452

Abstract

Abstract : Emotions encompass cognitive and behavioural responses to reward and punishment. Using contests as a case-study, we propose that short-term emotions underpin animals' assessments, decision-making and behaviour. Equating contest assessments to emotional 'appraisals', we describe how contestants appraise more than resource value and outcome probability. These appraisals elicit the cognition, drive and neurophysiology that governs aggressive behaviour. We discuss how recent contest outcomes induce long-term moods, which impact subsequent contest behaviour. Finally, we distinguish between integral (objectively relevant) and incidental (objectively irrelevant) emotions and moods (affective states). Unlike existing ecological models, our approach predicts that incidental events influence contest dynamics, and that contests become incidental influences themselves, potentially causing maladaptive decision-making. As affective states cross contexts, a more holistic ethology (incorporating emotions and moods) would illuminate animal cognition and behaviour.