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Theories of Emotion

Lily Scott

Lily Scott

8 min read

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Study Guide Overview

This study guide covers the psychological components of emotions, including physiological arousal, expressive behaviors, and conscious experience. It explores major theories of emotion: James-Lange, Cannon-Bard, Schachter-Singer, Zajonc-LeDoux, and Lazarus. It also examines the role of facial expressions, cultural influences on emotion, and the facial feedback effect. Finally, the guide provides practice questions and exam tips for the AP Psychology exam.

AP Psychology: Emotions - The Night Before 🌃

Hey! Let's get you feeling confident about emotions for your AP Psych exam. We'll break it down, make it stick, and you'll be ready to rock! 💪

What are Emotions?

Emotions are your body's way of responding to the world, involving:

  • Physiological arousal ❤️ (heart racing, sweating)
  • Expressive behaviors 🚶 (facial expressions, body language)
  • Conscious experience 🤔 (what you're actually feeling)
Key Concept

Emotions are a complex interplay of these three components. Understanding this is key to grasping the different theories.

Theories of Emotion

Emotions are vital for survival, keeping us alert and focused. Here's how different theories explain them:

1. Common Sense Theory

  • Idea: Emotion comes first, then the physical response.
  • Example: "I'm scared, so I tremble."
  • Problem: This theory is too simplistic and doesn't explain the complexity of emotions.
  • 💡Tl;dr: Emotion → Physiological Response

2. James-Lange Theory

  • Idea: Physical response comes first, then the emotion.
  • Example: "We feel sad because we cry, angry because we tense up, and afraid because we tremble.”

James-Lange Theory Image Courtesy of Pixorize.

  • 💡Tl;dr: Physiological Response → Emotion

3. Cannon-Bard Theory

  • Idea: Stimulus triggers the brain, which simultaneously causes both physiological responses and the feeling of emotion.
  • Example: "My heart begins pounding as I feel fear."

Cannon-Bard Theory Image Courtesy of Pixorize.

  • 💡Tl;dr: Physiological Response + Emotion (happen at the same time)

4. Schachter-Singer (Two-Factor) Theory

  • Idea: Physiological arousal happens first, then you cognitively appraise the situation to determine the emotion.
  • Example: "I am trembling because of the snake in the room. Therefore, I must be afraid."

![Schachter-Singer Th...

Question 1 of 14

Which of the following BEST describes the three core components that make up an emotion? 🤔

Physiological arousal, cognitive interpretation, and cultural context

Expressive behaviors, cultural norms, and personal history

Physiological arousal, expressive behaviors, and conscious experience

Cognitive appraisal, subjective feelings, and social interactions