- Question
What are the theories of emotion?
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
This position presents the James-Lange theory of emotion, which holds that emotions arise from our physiological responses to events. On this view, we do not tremble because we are afraid; rather, we feel afraid because we notice ourselves trembling — the bodily reaction comes first.
Cannon-Bard Theory of Emotion
This position presents the Cannon-Bard theory of emotion, which holds that physiological and emotional responses occur simultaneously rather than one causing the other. It argues, against the James-Lange view, that bodily reactions are too slow and too ambiguous to be the source of emotion.
Schachter-Singer Two-Factor Theory
The Schachter-Singer two-factor theory explains emotion through two elements: physiological arousal and cognitive interpretation. It holds bodily arousal is the starting point, which the mind then labels through cognitive processes to produce a specific emotion.
Cognitive-Mediational (Lazarus) Theory
This position presents the cognitive-mediational (Lazarus) theory of emotion. It holds that a cognitive appraisal of a situation comes first, before any physiological or emotional reaction — so it is our interpretation of an event, not the event itself, that determines the emotion we feel.
Facial Feedback Hypothesis
This position presents the facial feedback hypothesis of emotion, which holds that there is a direct link between facial expressions and emotional experience. It argues that the expressions we make do not merely reflect our feelings but can actively influence and shape them.