AAMC FL Practice Exam

The two-factor theory of emotion, developed by Schachter and Singer, posits that emotion is based on two components: physiological arousal and cognitive labeling of that arousal. According to this theory, an individual first experiences a physiological response to a stimulus, which then needs to be cognitively interpreted or labeled to identify the specific emotion being felt. This cognitive appraisal is crucial, as the same physiological state can be interpreted in various ways depending on the context, leading to different emotions.

The emphasis on cognitive labeling highlights the importance of the individual's interpretation of their arousal in determining their emotional experience. For example, if someone experiences a racing heart and quickened breath in a dark alley, they may label that arousal as fear. However, the same physiological response in a different context—such as a thrilling rollercoaster ride—might be labeled as excitement.

This understanding of emotional experience is in contrast to passive emotional experiences, which do not involve such cognitive interpretation, or theories that focus solely on physiological reactions without considering cognitive processes. Moreover, two-factor theory does not disregard the role of social context but rather integrates it into the cognitive appraisal process, hence reinforcing that context can significantly shape how emotions are perceived and labeled.