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Schachter-Singer Theory

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

The Schachter-Singer Theory, also known as the two-factor theory of emotion, suggests that emotions are determined by a combination of physiological arousal and cognitive interpretation. In other words, we feel an emotion and then seek to explain it based on our environment.

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Schachter-Singer Theory Definition - AP Psychology Key Term | Fiveable