Emotions

Theories on Emotion

General Psychology

​General Psychology

Multiple Choice

_________ is an intense biological response to immediate danger.

• Sadness

• Fear

• Anxiety

• Anger

Multiple Choice

_________ is an emotional state characterized by feelings of unhappiness and low mood.

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Excitement

• Sadness

Open Ended

In one word, what comes to your mind when you hear the term "emotion?"

Emotion: the “feeling” aspect of  consciousness characterized by:

​

– certain physical arousal (autonomous nervous system);

– certain behavior that reveals the emotion to the outside world;

– inner awareness of feelings; and

– can influence thought and behavior.

General Psychology

What is emotion?

Theories on Emotion

General Psychology

Universal Basic Emotions

How do emotions happen?

General Psychology

Common Sense Theory of Emotion

Common sense theory of emotion: a stimulus leads to an emotion, which then leads to bodily arousal.

Theories on Emotion

General Psychology

James-Lange Theory of Emotion

James-Lange theory of emotion: a physiological reaction leads to the labeling of an emotion.

Theories on Emotion​

General Psychology

Cannon-Bard Theory of Emotion

Cannon-Bard theory of emotion: the  physiological reaction and the emotion are  assumed to occur at the same time.

Theories on Emotion

General Psychology

Cognitive Arousal Theory of Emotion​

Cognitive arousal theory: both the physical arousal and the labeling of that arousal based on cues from the environment must occur before the emotion is experienced.

Theories on Emotion

General Psychology

Facial Feedback Hypothesis

Facial feedback hypothesis: facial expressions provide feedback to the brain concerning the emotion being expressed,  which in turn causes and intensifies the emotion.

​

Theories on Emotion

General Psychology

Cognitive Mediational Theory

Cognitive-mediational theory: a stimulus must be interpreted (appraised) by a  person to result in a physical response and an emotional reaction.

Theories on Emotion

General Psychology

Poll

Of all the theories on emotion, which do you think is more accurate based on your personal experiences?

• Common-Sense Theory

• James-Lange Theory

• Cannon-Bard Theory

• Cognitive Arousal Theory

• Cognitive Mediational Theory

General Psychology - Theories on Emotion

Why do you think it is important for us to study emotions?

References

​•Ciccarelli, S. K., & White, J. N. (2021). Psychology. Pearson. 

•Sander, D., & Herschdorfer, N. (2017). Emotions. Benteli. 

​