The James-Lange theory of emotion

• What were the four stages in this theory?

  Stimulus, Arousal, Interpretation, Emotion.
• What was a positive evaluation of this theory?

  Emotions do come after arousal, emotional stares come after physiological arousal in the case of phobias and panic disorders.
• What is a negative evaluation of the JLTOE?

  It was challenged by the Cannon-Bard theory, some emotions (e.g. embarrassment) occur at the same time as physiological arousal.
• What is an example that uses this theory?

  Meet bear in the forest.

  Sympathetic arousal: muscles tense, heart rate increases, interpreted as fear.
• What can’t occur if there’s no physiological changes according to this theory? 


  Emotion.
• Here’s an example:

  You’re speaking in class, and you don’t experience any physiological changes, what ISNT occurring according to this theory?

  You experience no sense of fear.
• What does the Hypothalamus do in response to a stimulus?

  It arouses the sympathetic division of the ANS.
• What does adrenaline being released do?

  Leads to physiological arousal (Fight or flight response.)