4.4 Theories of Emotion

Learning Objective: Contrast physiological (noncognitive) and cognitive theories of emotion.

Key Concepts

Emotions = short-term responses to internal/external stimuli.

Moods = longer-lasting emotional states; can influence thinking and behavior.

Affect = outward expression of emotion/mood.

Primary emotions: universal (fear, joy, anger, sadness, surprise, disgust, contempt).

Secondary emotions: socially constructed (e.g., pride, guilt).

Emotions & cognition are deeply connected in brain processing.

🧠 Noncognitive / Physiological Theories

Focus on biological and automatic body responses to stimuli.

1. James–Lange Theory (1880s)

Emotion follows physiological response.

Event → body reaction → interpretation as emotion.

Ex: heart racing → “I must be afraid.”

Application: Janna’s body arousal could heighten her awareness of sadness or fear before labeling it emotionally.

2. Cannon–Bard Theory (1927–28)

Emotion and physiological reaction occur simultaneously, not sequentially.

Event → brain (thalamus) → emotion + bodily response at same time.

3. Izard’s Differential Emotions Theory (DET)

10 innate emotions: interest, joy, surprise, sadness, anger, disgust, contempt, fear, shame, guilt.

Emotions = core motivators of behavior; hardwired and universal.

Emotion schemas form when emotions combine with cognition.

Later work: emotion–cognition interactions shape motivation and personality.

4. Davidson’s Six Emotional Dimensions (Neuroscience-Based)

Emotional style = unique mix of six neural dimensions:

Resilience – recovery speed from negatives.

Outlook – ability to sustain positive emotions.

Social intuition – reading emotional cues.

Self-awareness – sensing one’s own emotional state.

Sensitivity to context – reading situations appropriately.

Attention – staying emotionally focused.

Emotional styles can be changed through training (e.g., mindfulness).

💬 Cognitive Theories

Focus on how thinking and interpretation shape emotional experience.

1. Schachter–Singer Two-Factor Theory (1962)

Emotion = physiological arousal + cognitive label.

We feel an emotion when we interpret bodily arousal in context.

Ex: racing heart → “I’m excited” or “I’m scared,” depending on situation.

2. Lazarus’s Cognitive Appraisal Theory (1991)

Emotions arise after appraisal (judgment) of a situation’s impact.

Sequence: Appraisal → physiological response → action.

Primary appraisal: Is this a threat?

Secondary appraisal: Can I cope?

Explains why different people react differently to same event.

3. Weiner’s Attribution Framework (1985)

Emotions depend on how we explain causes of events.

Internal vs. external, stable vs. unstable causes shape motivation.

Positive attributions → hope, effort.

Negative attributions → hopelessness, guilt.

Janna’s belief she’s a “bad person” = maladaptive internal attribution.

4. LeDoux & Brown’s Higher-Order Theory (2017)

Emotions are cognitive states, not purely instinctive.

Arise from cortical networks, same as conscious thought.

Emotion schemas formed early guide later emotional interpretation.

⚖ Comparing Theories

Type Key Idea Example

Physiological Body reactions cause or accompany emotion James–Lange, Cannon–Bard, Izard, Davidson

Cognitive Thoughts/appraisals shape emotional experience Schachter–Singer, Lazarus, Weiner, LeDoux & Brown

🌈 Practice Applications

Janna: Likely influenced by Weiner’s attribution and Lazarus’s appraisal—views herself as cause of misfortune, leading to sadness.

Charles: Davidson’s outlook and resilience dimensions help explain mild anxiety during transition but strong emotional stability overall.

💡 Takeaway

Emotions emerge through body + mind interaction.

Social workers can help clients by:

Recognizing physiological triggers.

Exploring cognitive appraisals and attributions.

Teaching emotional awareness and regulation skills.