The Distinctive Constitution of Feeling Hurt - a Review and a Lazarian Theory

What is the nature of feeling hurt? I answer this question by systematically reviewingand integrating theories and empirical findings on feeling hurt using Lazarus’ theory ofemotion. Following this approach, feeling hurt is constituted by a primary appraisal ofan illegitimate devaluation and by a secondary appraisal of low controllability whichtogether activate an action tendency to withdraw from an interaction. I derive severalpredictions, e.g., that an increase in appraisals of controllability should turn hurt intoanger. I also point out hypotheses on the facial, vocal, bodily and behavioral expressionof feeling hurt and it’s communicative function. Further, I draw important conceptualdistinctions between a broad and a narrow concept of feeling hurt as well as between feeling hurt as an emotion, a hurtful event and a long-term emotional episode of hurt. Finally, I systematically compare feeling hurt with humiliation, shame, guilt, disappointment, sadness, and anger.