Cannon-Bard Theory

Definition

The Cannon-Bard theory is a model of emotion that proposes the physiological and psychological components of an emotional experience occur simultaneously, rather than in sequence. It suggests that the perception of an emotional stimulus triggers both the physical arousal response and the subjective emotional experience at the same time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Cannon-Bard theory was developed by American physiologists Walter Cannon and Philip Bard in the 1920s and 1930s.
2. The theory challenges the earlier James-Lange theory, which suggested that the physiological response to a stimulus causes the subjective emotional experience.
3. According to the Cannon-Bard theory, the thalamus, a structure in the brain, simultaneously triggers both the physiological arousal and the subjective emotional experience in response to a stimulus.
4. The theory emphasizes that the physiological and psychological components of an emotion occur in parallel, rather than in a sequential process.
5. The Cannon-Bard theory has been influential in the understanding of the neurological basis of emotion and has contributed to the development of modern theories of emotion.

Review Questions

• Explain how the Cannon-Bard theory differs from the James-Lange theory of emotion.
  • The key difference between the Cannon-Bard theory and the James-Lange theory is the proposed sequence of the emotional experience. The James-Lange theory suggests that the physiological response to a stimulus precedes and causes the subjective emotional experience, while the Cannon-Bard theory proposes that the physiological arousal and the subjective emotional experience occur simultaneously in response to a stimulus. The Cannon-Bard theory emphasizes the parallel nature of the physical and psychological components of an emotion, rather than a sequential process.
• Describe the role of the thalamus in the Cannon-Bard theory of emotion.
  • According to the Cannon-Bard theory, the thalamus, a structure in the brain, plays a crucial role in the simultaneous triggering of the physiological arousal and the subjective emotional experience. When an individual perceives an emotional stimulus, the thalamus is responsible for activating both the autonomic nervous system, which produces the physiological changes, and the cerebral cortex, which generates the conscious awareness of the emotion. This parallel activation of the physical and psychological components of emotion is a key aspect of the Cannon-Bard theory.
• Evaluate the significance of the Cannon-Bard theory in the development of modern theories of emotion.
  • The Cannon-Bard theory has had a significant impact on the understanding of the neurological basis of emotion and has contributed to the development of more comprehensive theories of emotion. By challenging the earlier James-Lange theory and proposing a simultaneous activation of the physiological and psychological components of emotion, the Cannon-Bard theory laid the foundation for a more nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between the body and the mind in the emotional experience. This theoretical framework has influenced subsequent models of emotion, such as the two-factor theory and the appraisal theory, which have further explored the multifaceted nature of emotional processes. The Cannon-Bard theory's emphasis on the parallel nature of the physical and psychological aspects of emotion has been an important stepping stone in the ongoing quest to unravel the mysteries of human emotional experience.

Related terms

Physiological Arousal: The physical changes in the body, such as increased heart rate, sweating, and muscle tension, that occur during an emotional experience.

Subjective Emotional Experience: The conscious awareness and feeling of an emotion, such as fear, anger, or happiness, that accompanies the physiological arousal.

James-Lange Theory:

An earlier theory of emotion that proposed the physiological response precedes and causes the subjective emotional experience.