Passion and Reason

Lazarus draws on his four decades of pioneering research to bring readers the first book to move beyond both clinical jargon and feel-good popular psychology to really explain in plain accessible language how emotions are aroused how they are managed and how they critically shape our views of ourselves and the world around us. With his co-author writer Bernice Lazarus Dr Lazarus explores the latest findings on the short and long-term causes and effects of various emotions including the often conflicting research on stress management and links between negative emotions and heart disease cancer and other aspects of physical and psychological health. Lazarus makes a strong case that contrary to common assumption emotions are not irrational -- our emotions and our analytical thought processes are inextricably linked.While not a how-to book it does describe how readers can interpret what lies behind their emotions and those of their families friends and co-workers and how to manage them more effectively. Exploring fifteen emotions in depth from love to jealousy the authors show how the personal meaning we give to the events and conditions of our lives triggers such emotions as anger anxiety guilt and pride. Packed with insight and compellingly readable Passion and Reason will enrich all readers fascinated by our emotional lives.