A cultural-psychological analysis of emotions

I argue that an activity theory-which regards emotions as interdependent and interpenetrating with other cultural phenomena-is central for the cultural psychology of emotions. Activity theory maintains that the cultural characteristics, development and functions of psychological phenomena are shaped by social activities and cultural concepts. I present evidence that activity theory is central for the cultural psychology of emotions. I also explain the relation of biological to cultural factors in shaping the characteristics and development of emotions. Evidence is presented which shows that biological processes-hormones, neurotransmitters, autonomic reactions-underlie (mediate) but do not determine emotional qualities and expressions. Particular qualities and expressions are determined by cultural processes and factors.