Question

Your friend-a psychology major-tells you, "I was at a party last night. During the course of the evening, my general level of arousal increased. since I was at a party where people were enjoying themselves, I assume I must have felt happy." What theory of emotion does your friend subscribe to?

Short answer

Your friend subscribes to the Schachter-Singer theory (also known as the two-factor theory) of emotion. This theory suggests that physiological arousal and cognitive labeling based on environmental context are both needed for the experience of emotion.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Theories of Emotion

There are several theories of emotion, including the James-Lange theory, the Cannon-Bard theory, the Schachter-Singer two-factor theory, and Lazarus' cognitive mediation theory.

Evaluate the Statement Given

Consider the information provided: The friend observed an increase in arousal at a party, then made a cognitive conclusion ('I must have felt happy'). Therefore, they are linking physiological arousal with a cognitive interpretation to generate the experience of emotion.

Match the Statement to The Appropriate Theory

The two-factor theory, also known as the Schachter-Singer theory, suggests that emotions are based on interpretations of physiological responses. In this case, the friend noticed increased arousal (factor one) and then identified the situation and decided that happiness was the appropriate emotion (factor two). Thus, the friend's view aligns with the Schachter-Singer theory.

Key concepts

James-Lange Theory

The James-Lange theory is one of the earliest theories of emotion, proposed by William James and Carl Lange. This theory posits that emotions arise from our physiological responses to stimuli in the world around us. For example, if you encounter a growling dog, your heart might start racing, and you'd interpret this bodily response as feeling scared.

According to this theory, the sequence of events goes like this: you perceive a stimulus (the dog), physiological arousal occurs (heart racing), and then you experience a specific emotion (fear). This theory emphasizes that different emotions are associated with distinct physiological states—noticing these physical changes is key to understanding how you’re feeling at that moment.

Key Takeaway

Understanding the James-Lange theory can help explain why sometimes we need to notice our bodily changes to recognize how we're feeling in situations where emotions aren't immediately clear.

Cannon-Bard Theory

The Cannon-Bard theory challenges the James-Lange theory by suggesting that we experience physiological arousal and emotional experience simultaneously and independently. It's as if two cannons are fired at the same time - one represents our emotional response, and the other the physiological response.

For instance, if you are watching a tearful movie scene, according to Cannon-Bard, you will begin to cry and feel sad at the same time, not one after the other as suggested by James-Lange. The two responses occur in unison rather than consecutively. This theory underscores that emotions are not a postscript to physiological events; they have their own distinct pathway in the brain and are experienced alongside the body's reaction.

Emotional Context

It's important to remember that emotions provide context and color to our lives, and according to this theory, they're not simply a product of our bodily states.

Schachter-Singer Two-Factor Theory

In contrast to singular arousal theories, the Schachter-Singer two-factor theory, also known as the two-factor theory of emotion, asserts that emotion is a combination of two factors: physiological arousal and cognitive labeling. This theory proposes that when you experience an event, your body reacts with arousal, which is then cognitively interpreted based on the environment, resulting in a labeled emotion.

The key insight from this theory is that the physical reaction alone is not enough; the cognitive appraisal, which can be conscious or unconscious, meaningfully influences what emotion we feel. An example would be feeling your heart race during a public speech. According to the two-factor theory, you'll look for cues in your environment to help label the arousal. If the crowd is smiling and engaged, you might label that arousal as excitement; if they're frowning and bored, you might interpret your racing heart as anxiety.

Application in Real Life

Consider your own experiences and realize that sometimes, your understanding of an event might shape the emotion you feel as much as the actual event itself.

Cognitive Appraisal in Emotion

Cognitive appraisal refers to your personal interpretation of a situation that ultimately affects your emotional experience. It's the idea that our thoughts and evaluations about an event shape the emotional significance it has for us. This process can be broken down into primary appraisal, where we consider the initial impact of an event (is it a threat or an opportunity?), and secondary appraisal, where we assess our ability to cope with the event.

For example, getting a low grade on a test can lead to a primary appraisal of 'this is bad,' followed by a secondary appraisal of 'I can improve next time.' This comprehensive evaluation dictates whether you feel discouraged or motivated to push forward. Cognitive appraisal is crucial in understanding emotions because it shows that our interpretation of events can transform emotional experiences, effectively framing us not merely as passive participants in our emotional lives but as active interpreters.

Shaping Your Emotional Landscape

Understanding how cognitive appraisal works provide valuable insights into managing emotions by reframing our interpretations of events.