Table A2. Table illustrating the...

Table A2.

Table illustrating the emotional states explored in this study, grounded in established literature

Emotional states	Definition	Illustrative references (the initial references for each entry correspond to the definition presented. Any subsequent references refer to additional sources where the emotional states experienced by the participants are classified as affective in nature)
Mystery	Mystery is the state of something being unknown or waiting for discovery. Mystery as an emotional state is felt as “apprehension, anticipation, excitement, dread, curiosity, endlessness, and transcendence” (Peterson-Harkin, 2006, p. 11). Mystery has not only been viewed as aversive but also as beneficial (e.g. enhancing purchase motivation in marketing related fields)	Jansson-Boyd (2011); Peterson-Harkin (2006); Hill et al. (2016) Mystery has been coined in the category of environmental (e.g. Garcia, 2023, p. 16; Windsor, 2019) and aesthetic feelings (Peterson-Harkin, 2006). Although coined as “uncanny atmosphere” in the cited papers “mystery” and “uncanny” are highly related synonyms (Windsor, 2019)
Unhappiness	A persistent negative emotional state. It is frequently experienced as awareness of unmet needs. It falls in the wider group of sadness-related emotions	Shaver et al. (1987)
Disapproval	A (usually) negative emotional state, a blend of surprise and sadness (a primary dyad), experienced as affective judgement	Plutchik’s wheel of emotions theory (1980)
Gloomy	Gloominess is a negative emotional state that belongs in the wider group of sadness-related emotions. It has been similarly categorised within the broader mood state of sadness	Shaver et al. (1987); Mayer and Gaschke (1988) (gloomy included in their Brief Mood Introspection Scale [BMIS])
Bitter	Bitterness is a negative emotional state positioned between anger and sadness. Like anger, it often comes from a feeling that something is unfair. But it also involves a sense of helplessness, which makes bitterness feel closer to sadness. People often feel bitter after being betrayed or let down, especially when their expectations were broken	Poggi and D’Errico (2010) Bitterness is also discussed in Shaver et al. (1987)
Sad	Sadness is a negative emotional state that arises due to an undesirable outcome. It is experienced as a sense of emotional pain, withdrawal and a reduced sense of interest in one’s surroundings	Shaver et al. (1987) Sadness is also included in Plutchik (1980) wheel of emotions
Confusion	Confusion is a negative emotional state experienced as uncertainty, disorientation, or a feeling that the environment is conflicting or inconsistent. It has been described as a cognitive, knowledge or epistemic emotional state. Confusion is often accompanied by feelings of frustration, unease, or mental conflict. Confusion has been explored as part of aesthetic experiences (e.g. Silvia, 2010)	Silvia (2010) Confusion is also discussed in Rozin and Kohen (2003)
Calm	Calmness is a positive emotional state and part of the wider group of love-related emotions. It is experienced as a state of relaxation and lack of mental distress	Shaver et al. (1987)
Peacefulness	Peacefulness is a positive emotional state, a synonym of calm (both terms positioned at the tranquil lower end of arousal). It reflects a sense of balance	Lomas (2017)
Relaxed	Relaxation is a positive emotional state and part of the wider group of love-related emotions. It is experienced as a feeling of contentment, being carefree and a sense of timeless	Shaver et al. (1987); Pham and Sun (2020, p. 117)
Anxious	Anxiety is a negative emotional state, part of the wider group of anger-related emotions. It is experienced as a feeling of unease or worry, usually because the person does not know what will happen, but expects that the result might go against what they want or need	Shaver et al. (1987); Lin et al. (2020) Anxiety is also included in Plutchik’s (1980) wheel of emotions
Curiosity	Curiosity is a positive emotional state, a combination of surprise and trust. It is experienced when we sense that there is more to understand. This feeling draws us to explore or take steps to uncover what we do not yet know. This emotional pull often shapes how we engage with the world around us	Plutchik’s (1980) wheel of emotions; Hill et al. (2016)
Surprise	Surprise is an emotional state experienced when something is perceived as new or unexpected. The feeling of surprise is not fixed; it shifts depending on how the person makes sense of what has happened, whether they feel able to understand, integrate or respond to it. This reflective process can transform surprise into other emotions, such as interest or confusion	Silvia (2009) Surprise is also included in Plutchik’s (1980) wheel of emotions
Staggered	Motion verbs like staggered are frequently used as metaphorical synonyms for emotional states. Staggered can carry both positive and negative emotional meaning. Staggered can be used as a synonym of shocked, surprised, overwhelmed and stunned	Sandström (2006)
Interest	Interest is a positive emotional state that arises when something/a situation feels new and complex but within reach of understanding. It is experienced as a desire to explore such situations	Silvia (2010) Interest is also discussed in Shaver et al. (1987) and Watson et al. (1988)
Optimism	Optimism is a positive (uplifting) emotional state marked by the expectation that a positive or joyful outcome will occur in the future	Shaver et al. (1987)
Disappointment	Disappointment is a negative emotional state that arises when reality falls short of one’s hopes, expectations, or intentions. It reflects a gap between what was anticipated and what is experienced, often accompanied by feelings of letdown and dissatisfaction	Zeelenberg and Pieters (2004) Disappointment is also discussed in Shaver et al. (1987)
Inspiration	Transcendence (one of the components of inspiration) is said to describe “a feeling of positivity, clarity, and self-enhancement, since inspiration involves the realization and appreciation of a new idea”	Böttger et al. (2017, p. 117) Watson et al. (1988) included the term “inspired” as an item in their widely used PANAS measure of positive affect. Inspiration has a deeply emotional nature since, even as a motivational state, it remains closely tied to emotionality (Thrash and Elliot, 2003)
Embarrassment	Embarrassment is a negative emotional state that can arise both publicly (when a person senses that their actions may appear inappropriate to others) and privately (through self-judgement in the absence of observers). It is felt as discomfort, exposure or shame, often resulting in withdrawal or corrective behaviours	Krishna et al. (2019) Embarrassment is also discussed in Silvia (2009), placed in the category of self-conscious emotions
Puzzled	A synonym of confusion, puzzled is sometimes used to indicate a lower intensity but similar quality of emotional experience as confusion	Clore and Parrott (1994)
Excitement	Excitement is a positive emotional state, part of the wider groups of both joy-related and love-related emotions. It has been described as anticipatory, immersive or linked to expected outcomes. When immersive, excitement is characterised by emotional absorption and pleasure that draws individuals fully into the moment (Pham and Sun, 2020, p. 109)	Shaver et al. (1987) and Pham and Sun (2020)
Fear	Fear is a negative emotional state that arises from the interpretation of events as dangerous or threatening. It is experienced as unease and vulnerability	Shaver et al. (1987)
Feeling doubt	Doubt and uncertainty are emotional states that (in some contexts, such as heritage/aesthetic experiences) encourage reflection. They prompt individuals to question and rethink existing narratives, especially when faced with ambiguous or conflicting interpretations. In aesthetic experiences, states such as uncertainty and doubt are frequently understood as affective in nature	Wallen and Docherty-Hughes (2023)
Feeling of engagement	Emotional engagement is an emotional state (that in heritage/aesthetic experiences is) depicted as a reflective, evolving process where visitors’ emotions interact with narratives and interpretations, fostering deeper connections with the experience	Fielding (2022) The emotional dimension of engagement has been acknowledged widely in different areas like aesthetic experiences and consumer research (e.g. Brodie et al., 2011; Brinck, 2018; Fielding, 2022)

Emotional states	Definition	Illustrative references (the initial references for each entry correspond to the definition presented. Any subsequent references refer to additional sources where the emotional states experienced by the participants are classified as affective in nature)
Mystery	Mystery is the state of something being unknown or waiting for discovery. Mystery as an emotional state is felt as “apprehension, anticipation, excitement, dread, curiosity, endlessness, and transcendence” (Peterson-Harkin, 2006, p. 11). Mystery has not only been viewed as aversive but also as beneficial (e.g. enhancing purchase motivation in marketing related fields)	Jansson-Boyd (2011); Peterson-Harkin (2006); Hill et al. (2016) Mystery has been coined in the category of environmental (e.g. Garcia, 2023, p. 16; Windsor, 2019) and aesthetic feelings (Peterson-Harkin, 2006). Although coined as “uncanny atmosphere” in the cited papers “mystery” and “uncanny” are highly related synonyms (Windsor, 2019)
Unhappiness	A persistent negative emotional state. It is frequently experienced as awareness of unmet needs. It falls in the wider group of sadness-related emotions	Shaver et al. (1987)
Disapproval	A (usually) negative emotional state, a blend of surprise and sadness (a primary dyad), experienced as affective judgement	Plutchik’s wheel of emotions theory (1980)
Gloomy	Gloominess is a negative emotional state that belongs in the wider group of sadness-related emotions. It has been similarly categorised within the broader mood state of sadness	Shaver et al. (1987); Mayer and Gaschke (1988) (gloomy included in their Brief Mood Introspection Scale [BMIS])
Bitter	Bitterness is a negative emotional state positioned between anger and sadness. Like anger, it often comes from a feeling that something is unfair. But it also involves a sense of helplessness, which makes bitterness feel closer to sadness. People often feel bitter after being betrayed or let down, especially when their expectations were broken	Poggi and D’Errico (2010) Bitterness is also discussed in Shaver et al. (1987)
Sad	Sadness is a negative emotional state that arises due to an undesirable outcome. It is experienced as a sense of emotional pain, withdrawal and a reduced sense of interest in one’s surroundings	Shaver et al. (1987) Sadness is also included in Plutchik (1980) wheel of emotions
Confusion	Confusion is a negative emotional state experienced as uncertainty, disorientation, or a feeling that the environment is conflicting or inconsistent. It has been described as a cognitive, knowledge or epistemic emotional state. Confusion is often accompanied by feelings of frustration, unease, or mental conflict. Confusion has been explored as part of aesthetic experiences (e.g. Silvia, 2010)	Silvia (2010) Confusion is also discussed in Rozin and Kohen (2003)
Calm	Calmness is a positive emotional state and part of the wider group of love-related emotions. It is experienced as a state of relaxation and lack of mental distress	Shaver et al. (1987)
Peacefulness	Peacefulness is a positive emotional state, a synonym of calm (both terms positioned at the tranquil lower end of arousal). It reflects a sense of balance	Lomas (2017)
Relaxed	Relaxation is a positive emotional state and part of the wider group of love-related emotions. It is experienced as a feeling of contentment, being carefree and a sense of timeless	Shaver et al. (1987); Pham and Sun (2020, p. 117)
Anxious	Anxiety is a negative emotional state, part of the wider group of anger-related emotions. It is experienced as a feeling of unease or worry, usually because the person does not know what will happen, but expects that the result might go against what they want or need	Shaver et al. (1987); Lin et al. (2020) Anxiety is also included in Plutchik’s (1980) wheel of emotions
Curiosity	Curiosity is a positive emotional state, a combination of surprise and trust. It is experienced when we sense that there is more to understand. This feeling draws us to explore or take steps to uncover what we do not yet know. This emotional pull often shapes how we engage with the world around us	Plutchik’s (1980) wheel of emotions; Hill et al. (2016)
Surprise	Surprise is an emotional state experienced when something is perceived as new or unexpected. The feeling of surprise is not fixed; it shifts depending on how the person makes sense of what has happened, whether they feel able to understand, integrate or respond to it. This reflective process can transform surprise into other emotions, such as interest or confusion	Silvia (2009) Surprise is also included in Plutchik’s (1980) wheel of emotions
Staggered	Motion verbs like staggered are frequently used as metaphorical synonyms for emotional states. Staggered can carry both positive and negative emotional meaning. Staggered can be used as a synonym of shocked, surprised, overwhelmed and stunned	Sandström (2006)
Interest	Interest is a positive emotional state that arises when something/a situation feels new and complex but within reach of understanding. It is experienced as a desire to explore such situations	Silvia (2010) Interest is also discussed in Shaver et al. (1987) and Watson et al. (1988)
Optimism	Optimism is a positive (uplifting) emotional state marked by the expectation that a positive or joyful outcome will occur in the future	Shaver et al. (1987)
Disappointment	Disappointment is a negative emotional state that arises when reality falls short of one’s hopes, expectations, or intentions. It reflects a gap between what was anticipated and what is experienced, often accompanied by feelings of letdown and dissatisfaction	Zeelenberg and Pieters (2004) Disappointment is also discussed in Shaver et al. (1987)
Inspiration	Transcendence (one of the components of inspiration) is said to describe “a feeling of positivity, clarity, and self-enhancement, since inspiration involves the realization and appreciation of a new idea”	Böttger et al. (2017, p. 117) Watson et al. (1988) included the term “inspired” as an item in their widely used PANAS measure of positive affect. Inspiration has a deeply emotional nature since, even as a motivational state, it remains closely tied to emotionality (Thrash and Elliot, 2003)
Embarrassment	Embarrassment is a negative emotional state that can arise both publicly (when a person senses that their actions may appear inappropriate to others) and privately (through self-judgement in the absence of observers). It is felt as discomfort, exposure or shame, often resulting in withdrawal or corrective behaviours	Krishna et al. (2019) Embarrassment is also discussed in Silvia (2009), placed in the category of self-conscious emotions
Puzzled	A synonym of confusion, puzzled is sometimes used to indicate a lower intensity but similar quality of emotional experience as confusion	Clore and Parrott (1994)
Excitement	Excitement is a positive emotional state, part of the wider groups of both joy-related and love-related emotions. It has been described as anticipatory, immersive or linked to expected outcomes. When immersive, excitement is characterised by emotional absorption and pleasure that draws individuals fully into the moment (Pham and Sun, 2020, p. 109)	Shaver et al. (1987) and Pham and Sun (2020)
Fear	Fear is a negative emotional state that arises from the interpretation of events as dangerous or threatening. It is experienced as unease and vulnerability	Shaver et al. (1987)
Feeling doubt	Doubt and uncertainty are emotional states that (in some contexts, such as heritage/aesthetic experiences) encourage reflection. They prompt individuals to question and rethink existing narratives, especially when faced with ambiguous or conflicting interpretations. In aesthetic experiences, states such as uncertainty and doubt are frequently understood as affective in nature	Wallen and Docherty-Hughes (2023)
Feeling of engagement	Emotional engagement is an emotional state (that in heritage/aesthetic experiences is) depicted as a reflective, evolving process where visitors’ emotions interact with narratives and interpretations, fostering deeper connections with the experience	Fielding (2022) The emotional dimension of engagement has been acknowledged widely in different areas like aesthetic experiences and consumer research (e.g. Brodie et al., 2011; Brinck, 2018; Fielding, 2022)

Source(s): Authors’ own work

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