How does the Cannon-Bard theory of emotion describe an emotional response?

How does the Cannon-Bard theory of emotion describe an emotional response?

• A. Emotion follows physiological arousal
• B. Emotion occurs simultaneously with physiological changes
• C. Emotion is a delayed reaction to stimuli
• D. Physiological arousal is a result of emotional experience

Answer: (B)

The Cannon-Bard theory of emotion posits that when an individual encounters a stimulus, the emotional experience and the physiological reaction occur simultaneously and independently. This means that as you see or experience something that elicits an emotional response—such as a bear in the woods—you will feel fear at the same time your body responds with an increased heart rate, sweating, or other physiological changes. The central idea is that the brain processes the emotional response and the physiological arousal simultaneously rather than one following the other. This theory contrasts with other theories that suggest a sequence where emotional interpretation comes after physiological changes or that physiological responses are dependent on the emotional experience itself. Hence, the essence of the Cannon-Bard theory underscores the simultaneous nature of emotion and physiological response.

The Cannon-Bard theory of emotion posits that when an individual encounters a stimulus, the emotional experience and the physiological reaction occur simultaneously and independently. This means that as you see or experience something that elicits an emotional response—such as a bear in the woods—you will feel fear at the same time your body responds with an increased heart rate, sweating, or other physiological changes. The central idea is that the brain processes the emotional response and the physiological arousal simultaneously rather than one following the other. This theory contrasts with other theories that suggest a sequence where emotional interpretation comes after physiological changes or that physiological responses are dependent on the emotional experience itself. Hence, the essence of the Cannon-Bard theory underscores the simultaneous nature of emotion and physiological response.