[4] As early as the end of the 19th century, scholarly discussion has occurred over the existence and importance of the emotional experience often described in English as 'being moved'.
[3] The theory behind kama muta represents a surge in systematized research on the experience in the 21st century,[1] influenced in large part by the work of Alan Fiske.
[1][2][3][4][6] Kama muta has a multifaceted definition based on "appraisals, valence, bodily sensations [and] motivation",[3] which has allowed for research to be conducted on the emotion in many different countries and languages across the globe.
[2][3] In this manner, the theory behind kama muta has addressed some of the ontological and epistemological challenges with identifying, characterising and measuring emotions scientifically.
[1] It is predicted that kama muta occurs when individuals either engage in, or simply observe an event which causes a "sudden intensification"[4] of their perception of communal sharing relations.