“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart” ― Helen Keller
Theories of emotions were formulated by psychologists to help us understand our inner experiences. Emotions are an integral part of human existence, shaping our experiences, decisions, and interactions. These intangible yet potent forces shape our lives in ways we may not always fully comprehend.
Have you ever wondered why we experience emotions the way we do? What triggers these powerful feelings, and how do they affect our day-to-day lives? Why does a simple encounter make your heart race, or why does a surprise bring tears to your eyes? The enigma of emotions has captivated scientists and psychologists for centuries, leading to the formulation of various theories of emotions aimed at understanding our inner experiences.
While we are here on the subject of emotions, you may be wondering how to label and understand what emotions you are feeling. You can use tools like the feelings wheel to help you navigate and manage your emotions.
What are theories of emotions?
Theories of emotions have helped us take a step forward in figuring out why we have different feelings. We need these theories of emotions because feelings are complicated, and it’s hard to explain them without some organized ideas. These theories try to give us a clear and structured way to understand where our feelings come from, what causes them, and how they work. There are various perspectives that attempt to explain the nature and origin of our emotional responses.
These theories exist to answer questions like: Why do we get scared when we see a snake? How does our body react when we’re happy? Why do we feel angry when someone criticizes us?
Understanding your emotions is just one step on the path to personal growth. If you’re interested in continuing to grow as an individual, here are some tips on being the best version of yourself.
Moreover, to fortify yourself and continue on this journey toward personal growth and resilience, don’t miss our article on ways to improve your resilience. It offers practical strategies to build emotional strength and navigate life’s challenges with confidence.
Types of theories of emotions
1. Evolutionary Theory
Our journey through the theories of emotions begins with the evolutionary perspective. One of the notable figures associated with this theory is Charles Darwin. In his book “The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals,” published in 1872, Darwin discussed how emotions might have evolved in humans and other animals through natural selection.
This theory suggests that emotions have evolved over time to serve specific adaptive functions. Emotions like fear, anger, and happiness, for example, may have developed to help our ancestors respond to threats, opportunities, and social interactions effectively.
Consider the emotion of fear
Imagine you encounter a hissing snake while hiking in the woods. Your immediate response is heightened alertness, a racing heart, and a surge of adrenaline – classic fear responses. Evolutionary theorists argue that these reactions evolved to help our ancestors survive in dangerous situations. In today’s world, this emotion still serves a vital function by keeping us safe in potentially hazardous situations.
Want to know more?
Ever wondered if your emotions have a universal language? Paul Ekman’s 1960s and 1970s cross-cultural studies did just that. How do people from different corners of the world interpret expressions like happiness and fear? Turns out, emotions might speak a global tongue!
2. Common Sense Theory of emotion
The Common-Sense Theory of Emotions, suggests that we experience emotions as a direct result of our perception of an event. In other words, when we encounter a situation, we immediately sense an emotion, which, in turn, triggers a physiological response.
Consider the situation:
You unexpectedly receive a heartfelt letter from a loved one. You feel joyful and happy which makes you smile. The theory states that emotions trigger the bodily response.
3. James-Lange Theory
The James-Lange theory of emotion, proposed by psychologist William James and physiologist Carl Lange, suggests that emotions are a result of our physiological responses to external stimuli. In other words, we don’t cry because we’re sad; we’re sad because we cry.
Consider a real-life example:
You receive unexpected good news. According to the James-Lange theory, your body reacts physiologically first, such as increased heart rate and smiling. Subsequently, you recognize these bodily changes as happiness. This theory highlights the interconnectedness of our physical sensations and emotional experiences.
4. Cannon-Bard Theory
In contrast to the James-Lange theory, Walter Cannon and Philip Bard proposed the Cannon-Bard theory of emotions, which posits that emotions and physiological responses occur simultaneously and independently. According to this theory, emotional experiences and bodily reactions are parallel processes triggered by a common event.
Consider a situation:
Imagine you encounter a venomous snake, and you instantly feel both fear and a racing heart. The Cannon-Bard theory suggests that your emotional response (fear) and physiological changes (racing heart) are separate but occur in response to the same threat – the snake.
5. Schachter-Singer Theory
The Schachter-Singer theory of emotion, also known as the “two-factor theory”, builds upon the concepts of physiological arousal and cognitive interpretation. This theory proposes that emotions result from a combination of physiological arousal and cognitive appraisal. In essence, our interpretation of our bodily reactions determines the specific emotion we experience.
Consider a scenario:
You encounter a surprise party. Your racing heart and sweaty palms (physiological arousal) may lead to confusion at first. However, as you appraise the situation and notice friends and decorations, you interpret the arousal as excitement or happiness. The Schachter-Singer theory emphasizes the role of cognitive processes in shaping our emotional experiences.
Want to know more?
Here’s an interesting experiment called the “Suspension Bridge Experiment” conducted by Dutton and Aron (1974). Male participants crossed either a stable bridge or a shaky suspension bridge, both high above a river. Afterward, an attractive female interviewer approached them to complete a questionnaire. Participants who crossed the shaky bridge reported more fear, attributing it to the height and instability. Importantly, they also found the interviewer more attractive, suggesting that they had misattributed their heightened physiological arousal (caused by fear) as heightened romantic attraction.
6. Cognitive Appraisal Theory
The Cognitive Appraisal Theory of Emotion, proposed by psychologist Richard Lazarus, focuses on how individuals interpret and evaluate events to determine their emotional response. According to this theory, our emotions are a result of our assessment of the significance of a situation.
Consider the situation:
Imagine you receive criticism at work. Your emotional response depends on how you appraise the criticism. If you view it as constructive feedback, you may feel motivated to improve. However, if you perceive it as unjust or unfair, you’re more likely to experience negative emotions like anger or sadness. This theory highlights the role of our thought processes in shaping our emotional responses.
So, what’s the difference between Cognitive Appraisal Theory and Schachter-Singer Theory?
Both Cognitive Appraisal Theory and Schachter-Singer Theory are cognitive theories of emotion and involve cognitive appraisal, meaning they recognize the importance of our thoughts and interpretations in shaping our emotions. But what makes them different? Cognitive Appraisal Theory says that the way we interpret events is what leads to our emotions. However, Schachter-Singer Theory goes a step further by also emphasizing the role of physiological bodily responses.
7. Facial-Feedback Theory
The Facial-Feedback Theory suggests that our facial expressions not only reflect our emotions but also influence our emotional experiences. In essence, the act of smiling can make you feel happier, and frowning can intensify feelings of sadness.
Try this experiment:
Smile for a minute, even if you don’t feel particularly happy. You might notice a subtle shift in your mood. This theory emphasizes the relationship between facial expressions and emotions, showcasing how our physical actions can impact our emotional state.
Want to know more?
When you smile, even if it’s a forced or fake smile, the act of moving your facial muscles triggers a neurological response. This response sends signals to your brain, which interprets the muscle movements as a reflection of happiness. Consequently, you may start to genuinely feel happier.
Conclusion
Exploring your emotions and their underlying causes is a fundamental aspect of therapy or counselling. If you’re curious about what truly happens in counseling and how it can help you navigate your emotional landscape, consider reading our article ‘All You Need To Know About What Really Happens in Counselling’.
Furthermore, it’s clear that no single theory of emotion can fully capture the complexity of our emotional experiences. Instead, these theories of emotions offer complementary perspectives, allowing us to appreciate the multi-faceted nature of our feelings. In our quest to understand and harness the power of emotions, we can draw upon these theories to enhance our self-awareness, interpersonal relationships, and overall well-being.