Theories of Emotion

Question 5 • Psychology - EL2084

Which of the following statements best reflects the James-Lange theory of emotion?

Answer

The experience of emotions depends on the autonomic arousal and on one's cognitive interpretation of that arousal.

Different patterns of autonomic activation lead to the experience of different emotions.

Emotions occur when the thalamus simultaneously sends signals to the cortex and to the autonomic nervous system.

Emotion develops because it helps to increase one’s survival.

Explanation

The James-Lange theory proposes that bodily changes occur first and that noticing those changes produces the emotional experience. Different patterns of autonomic activation are therefore associated with different emotions, as stated in choice B. Choice A describes the two-factor theory, which adds cognitive interpretation of arousal.

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