Emotions are subjective experiences that shape our daily lives. These experiences involve both physiological and psychological changes, influencing our thoughts, behaviors, and interactions. They are fundamental to our daily experiences, shaping how we interact with the world and each other.
Our relationships, jobs, hobbies, and fears are all influenced by the emotions that emerge from our experiences. That said, emotions are at the core of our experience of life itself. So how exactly do they arise within us?
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What is Emotion Theory Defined By?
First, let’s define emotional theories
Despite their ubiquitous presence, understanding where they come from and how they work remains a complex, yet important puzzle. Luckily, brilliant researchers have proposed various theories to explain emotions and the process through which they arise.
THEORIES OF EMOTION DEFINITION
What are emotional theories?
Emotions result from a combination of cognitive, behavioral, and physiological reactions to a stimulus. Emotional theories, then, aim to understand and describe the series of events that occur when emotions arise.
These theories help us comprehend the mechanisms behind emotional experiences and their impact on our lives. Each emotional theory offers a unique perspective on emotions and how they arise, providing insight into how we experience and express them.
Main Emotional Theories:
- James-Lange Theory
- Cannon-Bard Theory
- Schachter-Singer Two-Factor Theory
- Lazarus Theory
What is Emotion Theory in Psychology?
James-Lange Theory
The James Lange theory of emotion was proposed by William James and Carl Lange who both arrived at this emotional theory independently. The James-Lange Theory suggests that emotions arise from physiological arousal.
First, we encounter an event or external stimuli. Then, our body reacts physiologically to this stimulus, triggering a physical response. This physiological response then leads to the experience of emotion.
Example: Imagine you are walking in the woods, and suddenly you come face to face with a bear. Your body responds by increasing your heart rate and releasing adrenaline. As a result, you experience fear.
Criticisms: One of the main criticisms of this theory is that our physiological response does not always correspond to a distinct emotion.
For example, if someone is running on a treadmill, they may experience an increased heart rate and sweating, but not necessarily fear or anger. Those who refute the James-Lange Theory argue that a specific physiological response such as an increased heart rate can lead to multiple emotions, making this theory too simplistic.
Psychology Emotion Theories Explored
Cannon-Bard Theory
The Cannon Bard theory of emotion was developed by Walter Cannon and Philip Bard and proposes that physiological arousal and emotional experience occur simultaneously and independently.
According to this theory, the brain responds to an external event by sending messages simultaneously to the autonomic nervous system (triggering physiological arousal) and the cerebral cortex (triggering emotional experience). Both physical and emotional responses occur simultaneously.
Example: Seeing a bear in the woods causes both an increase in heart rate and a feeling of fear at the same time.
Criticisms: Critics argue that while this theory may explain the series of events we experience, it does not explain why the same physiological responses can lead to different emotions in different contexts.
For example, if someone sees a bear in the zoo, they may feel excited instead of fearful. This theory also does not account for low-intensity emotions or emotional reactions without physiological arousal.
Schachter Singer Theory Example
Schachter-Singer Two-Factor Theory
Proposed by Stanley Schachter and Jerome E. Singer, this theory suggests that emotions result from a combination of physiological arousal and cognitive interpretation.
When people perceive physiological arousal, they look for environmental explanations to label their emotions. The context in which the arousal occurs determines the specific emotion experienced.
Examples: Seeing a bear in the woods will trigger a physiological response, and the context of being in the woods may lead to the emotion of fear. However, if you see a bear in a zoo, we interpret the context and situation with the physiological response leading to excitement or curiosity rather than fear
Criticisms: Critiques of this theory assume that individuals have complete control over their interpretation and labeling of emotions, which may not always be the case.
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Cognitive Appraisal Theory Example
Lazarus Theory
Richard Lazarus's theory of emotion emphasizes the role of cognitive appraisal in emotional experiences. According to this theory, an individual's appraisal or evaluation of an event leads to a corresponding emotional response and physiological changes. This might sound similar to Schachter-Singer Theory but is different in a key way.
Unlike Schachter-Singer Theory, Lazarus Theory says that the cognitive appraisal process occurs before the physiological response. Therefore, we first evaluate a situation or event and label it then experience a physiological experience and emotion.
How we choose to evaluate a situation depends greatly on personal experiences, cultural backgrounds, social context, and any other relevant factors. This means that emotions are not just a physical response, but also influenced by our unique thoughts and interpretations.
Examples: Seeing a bear in the woods leads to immediate fear because of our appraised understanding of the danger associated with bears in this context. On the other hand, a trained survivalist or experienced hunter may evaluate the same situation differently and experience a different emotion, such as excitement or readiness due to their different background.
Criticisms: One criticism of this theory is that it does not explain emotions that arise without conscious cognitive appraisal, such as instinctive emotional responses. It also assumes that individuals have complete control over their cognitive evaluations and interpretations, which may not be entirely accurate.
What is Emotion Theory Used For?
Why Emotional Theories Matter
Emotion is at the heart of the human experience. It is what makes art cathartic and impactful, life meaningful, and relationships fulfilling. Without emotions, we would be robotic and unable to connect with others on a deeper level.
While some debate still rages about how much control we have over our emotions versus how much we are driven by them, understanding these theories can give us insight into what is happening within us — an important step towards managing our emotions and improving our well-being.
We will never be fully in control of the environment around us, but by better understanding ourselves, we can take ownership of our emotional responses and hopefully lead happier, healthier lives.
Up Next
What is Sympathy?
Understanding emotional theories sets up our dive into another key part of human emotion: sympathy. By looking at how we connect with others and react to their experiences, we can better connect our own feelings and empathy to those around us.
