Emotions are a central part of the experience of being human. People's feelings and moods affect their behavior, choices, and perspectives in myriad ways. The physical and psychological mechanisms behind emotions are correspondingly complex, and many different theories of emotion have been proposed to explain them. What are these theories, and are they supported by biology, psychology, physiology, or even common sense?
James-Lange Theory of Emotion
The James-Lange theory contends that emotions are driven by physiological responses to events.
Emotions are caused by physiological reactions
The physiological response comes first, then the emotion follows.