Schechter–Singer Theory of Emotions

Cognitive Bases of Emotions

            The James Lange Theory Cannon Bard Theory explained the emotions from the perspective of physiological changes (internal and external). James Lange Theory explained emotions as cause-effect relationship while Cannon Bard Theory explained emotions as thalamus mediated simultaneous biological based responses. The role of cognitive or mental processes was largely ignored in dealing with emotional experiences and emotional behaviour.  These theories didn’t have sufficient explanation as how the emotional experiences are differentiated. How do we differentiate between anger and fear, surprise and sadness (Baron, 1993) despite being having several similar physiological reactions. The interpretation of emotions and consequently labelling them is a cognitive activity that was missing from James Lange & Cannon Bard theories.

These question was answered by a new theory that was propounded by Stanley Schachter and Jerome Singer (1962). This theory known as Cognitive Arousal Theory or Two Factor Theory of emotions.

            According to this theory emotions have two ingredients i.e. Physical Arousal and Cognitive Label. The emotional experiences is the result of  conscious interpretation of present aroused state in context of the cues from the immediate surrounding environment. The Physical Arousal and Cognitive Labelling occurs at same time but prior to the emotional experience.

We know the heart beats faster either we are excited, frightened or angry. This is physiological aroused state. Now the brain interpret this state considering the external environmental cues. They suggested that emotional experience requires a conscious interpretation of the aroused state.

Example, If a person comes across an angry tiger, the physical arousal (increased heart rate, respiration rate, dilation of pupil etc.) is accompanied by instant idea that this must be scary. After this the individual experience the emotion (Cicerreli & Meyer, 2016).

Experiment

In 1962 Schachter and Singer designed an experiment to prove that emotions are determined by the interaction of physiological arousal and labelling of that arousal (cognitive interpretation). The male subjects were told that they are going to answer a questionnaire about their reactions to a new vitamin Suproxin. They were injected with epinephrine (Adrenaline).  This hormone initiates physiological arousal (Internal Bodily Changes). The participants were divided into two groups and sent to different rooms to fill up the questionnaire.

In one room a confederate posing as participant displayed angry behaviour & stomped out of the room while in another room different confederate displayed happiness. After this, the participants were asked to describe their own emotions. As predicted participants who observed angry behaviour labelled their physiological arousal as anger, where as those exposed to happy situation labelled happiness despite epinephrine being the cause of physiological arousal having similar symptoms. This experiment vindicated that physiological arousal has to be labelled by cognitive functionality prior to experiencing emotion. 

References:

1.         NCERT,  (2013). XI Psychology Text book.

2.         Ciccarelli, S. K. & Meyer, G. E. (2016). Psychology. Noida: Pearson India.

3.         Baron, R. (1993). Psychology.

4.         https://explorable.com/cannon-bard-theory-of-emotion        

5.         https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMRWrrsoM-g

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