4.7 - Theories of Emotion

James-Lange Theory

emotion occurs as a result of psychological reactions to an event; noise = heart pounds = fear

Cannon-Bard Theory

the physiological arousal and the emotional experience occur simultaneously and independently; noise = heart pound + fear

Schachter-Singer (Two Factor) Theory

cognitive appraisal of the arousal comes before the emotional experience; noise = hear pounding = why am I scared of a noise?

Cognitive Appraisal

personal interpretation of a situation that determines how an individual feels after an incident

Lazarus Theory

a cognitive appraisal of the stimulus comes before both the psychological arousal and the emotional experience, which occur together; noise = home alone = heart pounding + fear

Broaden-and-Build Theory

proposes that positive emotions tend to broaden awareness and encourage new actions and thoughts

Facial Feedback Hypothesis

suggests that facial expressions are capable of influencing our emotions

Display Rules

a collection of culturally specific standards that govern the types of displays of emotions that are acceptable

Internal Elicitors

may include changes in your psychological state (hunger) and cognitive processes

External Elicitors

include noise, death of a loved one, etc