A structural model of emotions was used to reveal patterns in how children interpret the emotional facial expressions of others. Tests with young children and adults indicate that children organize the emotional domain in a systematic fashion, initially according to pleasure and arousal and later in terms of adult-like categories. (Author/AS)

Assessed through two studies the organization and basis for preschool children's (n=240) and adults' (n=60) categorization of emotions. In one, children and adults chose facial expressions that exemplify emotion categories such as fear, anger, and happiness. In another they grouped emotions differing in arousal level or pleasure-displeasure…