different theories with emotions (psy 301 emotions lecture)
Components of Emotion
Emotions consist of different components:
What elicits the emotion
Subjective experience of the emotion
Facial expressions associated with the emotion
Behaviors motivated by the emotion
Sequence of Emotional Components
There is a traditional sequence perceived in emotions:
A stimulus occurs → Emotion is felt → Behavioral response follows
This model has been challenged, particularly by early psychologist William James.
William James' Theory
James proposed a different perspective on the sequence:
Behavioral response occurs first, followed by subjective experience.
Example: "We don't weep because we're sad; we're sad because we weep."
The physiological response/behavior is the leading indicator, not the emotional experience.
Cannon-Bard Theory
Canon and Bard criticized James's sequence:
Proposed that the physiological response and emotional experience occur simultaneously in reaction to a stimulus.
Example: Seeing a snake leads to simultaneous fear and physiological reactions (e.g. increased heart rate).
Schachter's Attribution Theory
In the 1960s, Daniel Schachter developed the attribution of arousal theory:
Sequence: stimulus → physiological arousal → context allows for emotional label assignment.
Schachter's related study:
Focused on a tall, rickety suspension bridge and a low, sturdy bridge as contexts for emotional arousal.
The Bridge Experiment
Participants (men) encountered an attractive female researcher on either bridge and were asked to complete a survey.
Predictions:
Class speculation divided nearly evenly on whether more men would call the researcher after either bridge experience.
Results:
Men were significantly more likely to call the experimenter after the tall rickety bridge encounter.
Explanation of the Results
Interpretation of excitement:
Arousal from the height (sweaty palms, nervousness) was misattributed to attraction to the experimenter.
Context influences emotional labeling of physiological arousal.
Why Scary Experiences Attract Us
The theory helps understand why people seek out thrilling or scary experiences (e.g. haunted houses, action movies).
A strong attribution process can lead to positive feelings in risky situations, hence defining the thin line between thrilling and scary.
Positive Psychology Movement
Recently, psychology has shifted from simply reducing negative emotions to enhancing positive emotions.
Practice Recommendation: Journaling
Writing for 5-10 minutes daily on things you're grateful for has shown effectiveness in boosting positive emotions and an overall sense of well-being over time.