Hess got a Nobel prize for his work on the function of the diencephalon on the coordination of internal organs. Moniz, with whom he shared the prize, developed a psycho surgery called leucotomy. This surgery which was performed was similar to Gage's accidental surgery. But it caused a blunting of emotion from the destruction of tissue. Arnold brought about modern research on appraisal of emotions.
Emotions are relational and produce felt tendencies of attraction or repulsion.
Emotions are defined by their appraisals. Lazarus has since continued this work, and discusses primary and secondary appraisal as well as ways of coping. Perhaps Tompkins main impetus was to promote the idea that emotions are amplifiers. We have drives and we have the amplification of those drives. For example, obstruct breathing and fear arises which amplifies the drive and makes us struggle.