Feeling the Frame: a Literature Review on the Role of Emotions in Policy Framing

Emotions are integral to policymaking, shaping how issues are defined, legitimised, and contested. Despite their importance, the intersection of emotions and policy fram- ing remains fragmented across disciplines. This article provides the first systematic review of this relationship, analysing 81 peer-reviewed studies (1990-2025) via PRISMA and inductive thematic analysis. Findings identify three primary roles for emotions: as rhetorical strategies, audience triggers, and mediators between frames and behavior. Notably, the review highlights a research gap regarding emotions as mediators in Street-Level Bureaucrat behaviour. Current literature exhibits significant Western bias, focusing heavily on public health, security, and climate. We propose an integrated framework linking affective and cognitive dimensions, positioning emotions as both inputs and outputs to better understand how meaning and legitimacy are constructed in public policy.