Theories of Emotions

  • James-Lange Theory:

    stimulus → arousal → emotion


  • Cannon-Bard Theory:

    stimulus → emotion + arousal


  • Schacter-Singer Theory:

    stimulus → arousal + cognitive appraisal → emotion


  • Lazarus Theory:

    stimulus → cognitive appraisal → emotion + arousal

** makes the most sense


  • Zajoncs-Ledoux Theory:


    • short road:

      stimulus → emotion


    • long road:

      stimulus → cognitive appraisal → emotion