(ITP-27) Theories of Emotion
Abstract: Emotions
are complex psychological and physiological experiences triggered by various
stimuli. The major theories of emotion fall into three categories:
physiological, neurological, and cognitive. The James-Lange theory posits that
emotions result from physiological reactions to events. In contrast, the
Cannon-Bard theory suggests emotional responses occur independently of
physiological states. The Schachter-Singer theory, a cognitive approach,
proposes that emotions stem from the interpretation of physiological arousal in
a given situation. These theories offer insights into the nature and
functioning of emotions, emphasizing the interplay between bodily sensations,
cognition, and emotional experiences. Understanding emotions is crucial for
comprehending human behavior and improving psychological well-being.
What are emotions?
Emotions are complex psychological and physiological experiences that are generally
temporary in nature.
They can be triggered by a
variety of external and internal stimuli,
and are often accompanied by distinct feelings and bodily sensations.
Emotions have been studied
for centuries, but there are still many competing theories about what they are and how they work.
Some of these theories
focus on specific
aspects of emotions
like their evolutionary purpose or their cognitive underpinnings
Types of Theories
of Emotion
The major theories of emotion can be grouped into three main categories:
1) Physiological theories suggest
that responses within the body are responsible for emotions.
2) Neurological theories propose
that activity within
the brain leads to emotional responses.
3) Cognitive theories argue that thoughts
and other mental
activities play an essential role in
forming emotions.
Theories of Emotion
The James-Lange Theory
of Emotion:
The James-Lange theory is one of the best-known examples
of a physiological theory of emotion. Independently proposed by psychologist William James and
physiologist Carl Lange, the James-
Lange theory of emotion suggests that emotions occur as a result of physiological reactions to events.
For example, suppose you are walking in the woods and see a grizzly bear. You begin to tremble, and your heart begins to race. The James- Lange theory proposes that you will conclude that you are frightened ("I am trembling. Therefore, I am afraid"). According to this theory of emotion, you are not trembling because you are frightened. Instead, you feel frightened because you are trembling.
The Cannon-Bard Theory of Emotion:
Another well-known physiological theory is the Cannon-Bard
theory of emotion. Walter Cannon disagreed
with the James-Lange theory of emotion on several different grounds.
First, he suggested, people can experience physiological reactions linked to emotions without
actually feeling those
emotions. For example, your heart might race because you have been exercising, not because you are afraid.
Cannon also suggested that emotional responses occur much too
quickly to be simply products of
physical states. When you encounter a danger in the environment, you will often feel afraid before you start to
experience the physical symptoms associated with fear, such as shaking
hands, rapid breathing, and a racing heart
Schachter-Singer Theory:
Also known as the two-factor theory of emotion, the
Schachter-Singer theory is an example
of a cognitive theory of
emotion. This theory suggests that the physiological arousal occurs first, and then the individual must identify the reason for
this arousal to experience and label
it as an emotion. A stimulus leads to a physiological response that is
then cognitively interpreted and labeled, resulting in an emotion.
Schachter and Singer’s
theory draws on both the James-Lange theory and the Cannon-Bard theory.
Like the James-Lange theory, the Schachter-Singer theory proposes that people infer emotions based onPhysiological responses. The critical factor is the situation and the cognitive
interpretation that people use to label that emotion.
Conclusion: Emotions are complex, influenced by physiology
and cognition. The James-Lange theory links emotions to physiological
reactions, while the Cannon-Bard theory suggests they can occur independently.
The Schachter-Singer theory emphasizes cognitive interpretation. Understanding
emotions is crucial for human behavior and well-being.
Referances:
1. Cannon, W. B. (1927). The James-Lange theory of emotions: A
critical examination and an alternative theory. The American Journal of
Psychology, 39(1/4), 106-124.
2. Cannon-Bard, W. (1927). The James-Lange theory of emotions: A
critical examination and an alternative theory. Psychological Review, 34(4),
281-295.
3. James, W. (1884). What is an emotion? Mind, 9(34), 188-205.
4. Lange, C. G. (1887). On emotions: A contribution to the
physiological explanation of emotion. Psychological Review: Monograph
Supplements, 1(4), i-56.
5. Schachter, S., & Singer, J. E. (1962). Cognitive, social, and
physiological determinants of emotional state. Psychological Review, 69(5),
379-399.
6. Schachter, S., & Singer, J. E. (1962). Cognitive, social, and
physiological determinants of emotional state. In L. Berkowitz (Ed.), Advances
in Experimental Social Psychology (Vol. 1, pp. 39-88). Academic Press.
7. Wundt, W. (1896). Grundriss der Psychologie. Wilhelm Engelmann.
