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Schachter-Singer's two-factor theory of emotion

Written by the Fiveable Content Team โ€ข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโ€ขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โ€ข Last updated September 2025

Definition

Emotions are the result of both physiological arousal and cognitive interpretation. This theory suggests that when we experience a physiological response, we label it based on our cognitive interpretation of the situation, which then leads to the experience of an emotion.

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