Which theory posits that emotions are the result of physiological reactions to stimuli?

• A. Cannon-Bard Theory
• B. James-Lange Theory
• C. Schachter-Singer Theory
• D. Two-Factor Theory

Answer: (B)

The James-Lange Theory posits that emotions arise as a result of physiological reactions to external stimuli. According to this theory, when an individual encounters a stimulus, the body experiences a physiological response (such as increased heart rate, sweating, or trembling), and it is this physiological change that the individual interprets as a specific emotion. For example, seeing a bear might lead to an increased heart rate and trembling, which the individual then labels as fear. This sequential process highlights the importance of the body’s physiological responses in shaping emotional experiences.

The other theories—such as the Cannon-Bard Theory, which suggests that emotions and physiological reactions occur simultaneously and independently, and the Schachter-Singer Theory, which emphasizes the role of cognitive appraisal in interpreting physiological arousal—differ fundamentally in their conceptualizations of the relationship between physiological responses and emotional experiences. The distinction lies in how each theory explains the origins and nature of emotions in relation to physiological states.