Theories of Emotion

These flashcards cover key concepts related to emotions and different theories explaining their physiological and psychological components.

Emotion

A complex psychological state that involves a subjective experience, a physiological response, and a behavioral or expressive response.

Sympathetic division of the nervous system

The part of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for action.

Parasympathetic division of the nervous system

The part of the autonomic nervous system that returns the body to a resting state.

James Lange theory of emotions

A theory stating that physiological arousal occurs first and then emotions are interpreted based on that arousal.

Cannon Bard theory of emotions

A theory suggesting that emotions and physical reactions occur simultaneously and independently.

Schachter and Singer (Two factor) theory of emotions

A theory that posits that both the event and the environment must be interpreted in order to determine the emotion.

Polygraph test

A test that measures physiological signs of arousal, often used to assess truthfulness.

Physiological arousal

The body’s response that is often used as a tool to determine emotional states or truthfulness.