Schachter-Singer's Two-Factor Theory

Definition

This theory suggests that emotions are determined by both physiological arousal and the cognitive interpretation of that arousal.

Related terms

Emotional labeling: The process of attaching a specific emotion to physiological arousal. For example, feeling sweaty hands and a racing heart when seeing someone attractive might be labeled as 'romantic attraction.'

Cognition:

The mental processes involved in acquiring knowledge and understanding. In this theory, cognition refers to the interpretation or appraisal of physiological arousal in order to determine which emotion is experienced.

Misattribution of arousal: When people mistakenly attribute their physiological arousal to something other than its actual cause. For instance, attributing physical exercise-induced elevated heart rate and sweating to being romantically attracted to someone they just met.