Which theory proposes that physiological arousal precedes emotion?

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

Answer: (D)

The main idea tested is that emotion comes from recognizing the body's physiological response to a stimulus. In the James-Lange view, encountering something triggers bodily changes (like a racing heart or trembling), and the brain then interprets those changes as a specific emotion. So arousal happens first, and the feeling of fear, joy, or anger is the perception of that arousal.

This contrasts with other theories. Cannon-Bard argues arousal and emotion happen together but independently, not in a sequence. Lazarus emphasizes that cognitive appraisal of the situation determines the emotion. Schachter-Singer suggests emotion arises from arousal plus a cognitive label based on the situation. The James-Lange perspective is the clearest fit for the idea that physiological arousal precedes and even constitutes the emotional experience.