Previous Theories of Emotion

Definition

Previous theories of emotion refer to early psychological theories that attempted to explain the causes and components of emotions, such as the James-Lange theory and the Cannon-Bard theory. These theories proposed different explanations for how emotions are experienced and the role of physiological arousal in emotional responses.

Related terms

James-Lange Theory:

This theory suggests that our subjective experience of an emotion is a result of perceiving specific physiological changes in our body. For example, feeling afraid because we notice our racing heart.

Cannon-Bard Theory:

This theory proposes that both physiological arousal and emotional experiences occur simultaneously, but independently. In other words, we can feel fear without first experiencing bodily changes.

Two-Factor Theory:

Schachter-Singer's two-factor theory asserts that emotions are a combination of physical arousal and cognitive interpretation or labeling. It emphasizes the importance of cognitive appraisal in determining emotional experiences.