关键词: 愤怒；利益权衡比；演化；愤怒标定理论；共情

Abstract: The recalibrational theory of anger is a theoretical model used to explain human anger from an evolutionary perspective. It hypothesizes that anger is the expression of a neurocomputational system deriving from evolution. According to this theory, whether anger would be triggered depends on the welfare tradeoff ratio (WTR) one holds towards us. When the WTR one holds towards us is lower than expected, our anger system would be triggered. Once anger is triggered, the detection system will send “anger signals” to the receivers as negotiative tools to bargain for a higher WTR. Moreover, the triggering stimuli of anger includes the costs others inflict on us and the “insult” we receive. Recent empirical studies have provided partial support for the theory. However, how one mentally sets the equilibrium point of WTR that others should hold on oneself is still unclear. Future studies would benefit from infusing social factors as well as trait empathy into the model, and studying the processes of anger evolution by computer simulations.

Key words: anger, welfare tradeoff ratio, evolution, the recalibrational theory of anger, empathy