Chapter 18. Theories of Emotion

Learning Objectives

James–Lange theory
explains the experience of emotion as derived from the awareness of our physiological responses, which flow directly from the stimulus event
Lazarus cognitive mediational theory
explains the experience of emotion as derived from our appraisal of the event, even if the appraisal occurred below the level of our conscious awareness
Schachter–Singer two-factor theory
explains the experience of emotion as derived from our physiological arousal combined with our conscious cognitive label for the stimulus event
Zajonc–LeDoux direct emotion theory
explains the experience of emotion as derived directly from our perception of the stimulus event, even before we have consciously labeled or interpreted the event, or noticed our physiological arousal
emotion
a conscious mental state or feeling that arises spontaneously as a reaction to events
cognitive
refers to the mental activities involved in perceiving, remembering, thinking, and reasoning
Cannon–Bard theory
explains the experience of emotion as derived from the stimulus event, which simultaneously produces our physical arousal
Theories of Emotion
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People showing strong emotions
Learning Objectives:

Describe the major theories of emotion.

Contrast the major theories of emotion.

Review

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1. Every strong emotion has three components: (1) bodily arousal, (2) expressive behaviors, and (3) conscious experience.

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2. The James–Lange theory proposes that we feel emotion (such as fear) after we notice our physiological responses to a stimulus event (seeing a snake).

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3. The Cannon–Bard theory claims that we feel emotion at the same time that our bodies respond.

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4. The Schachter–Singer two-factor theory proposes that our interpretation of an emotional event leads us to put a cognitive label on that event (such as, "I am afraid"). Then, our body's physical arousal and the cognitive label for the event combine to create our actual experience of emotion.

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5. Zajonc and LeDoux claim that some emotional responses occur before we have time to consciously interpret or appraise the event.

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6. Lazarus argues that emotion responses require some form of cognitive appraisal, even if the interpretation doesn’t reach our conscious awareness.

Practice: Comparing Theories of Emotion

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Practice: Comparing Theories of Emotion

Roll over the theory names to see a description of each theory of emotion.

Theories of Emotion

According to the James-Lange theory, our heart doesn’t pound because we are afraid; we are afraid because our heart pounds. In other words, our feelings follow our body’s response. We see the car, and our heart begins to pound. When we notice our heart pounding, we then experience fear.

According to the Cannon-Bard theory, the subjective, conscious experience of emotion and the physiological arousal are triggered at the same time; neither causes the other. Whatever stimulus triggers a specific emotion is routed simultaneously to the brain’s cortex, causing our subjective experience of emotion, and to the sympathetic nervous system, causing physiological arousal.

According to the Schachter-Singer two-factor theory, both physiological arousal and a cognitive label are necessary for the subjective experience of emotion. In other words, we may experience bodily arousal as different emotions, depending on how we label it.

According to the Zajonc and LeDoux direct emotion theory, some emotional responses occur before we have time to consciously interpret or appraise the event. The emotion comes directly from the stimulus event, before we become aware of our body’s physiological response.

According to the Lazarus cognitive appraisal theory, emotional responses require some form of cognitive appraisal, even if the interpretation doesn’t reach our conscious awareness.

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Quiz 1

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Quiz 1

Drag each theory label to the gray area in front of the appropriate description. When all the labels have been placed, select the CHECK ANSWER button.

Our perceptions, memories, and interpretations of an emotional event lead us to put a cognitive label on that event. Then, our body's physical arousal and the cognitive label for the event combine to create our actual experience of emotion.
We feel emotion after we have appraised the event, even if the appraisal occurred below the level of our conscious awareness.
We feel emotion at the same time that our body responds. Our heart begins to pound as we experience fear. The arousal doesn't cause the fear, nor does the fear cause the arousal.
We feel emotion directly from the perception of the event, even before we have consciously labeled or interpreted the event.
We feel emotion after we notice our physiological responses. Our heart begins to pound, and then as a result of the arousal, we experience fear.
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Perhaps you should go back to review the theories on emotional responses.
Schachter-Singer
James-Lange
Lazarus
Cannon-Bard
Zajonc-LeDoux

Quiz 2

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Quiz 2

Select the option that best completes the sentences. Then, select the CHECK ANSWER button.

single individual walking on the dark street at night
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Try to answer the question again.
As you walk down a poorly lit street, you hear footsteps behind you. The ________ theory suggests that your heart starts to pound and then you feel afraid. In contrast, the _______ suggests your heart pounds and you feel afraid at the same time.
James–Lange; Cannon–Bard
Cannon–Bard; Schacter–Singer
Schacter–Singer; James–Lange

Conclusion

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People showing strong emotions
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