Both Hans and Gretchen have a job interview next week. Hans is looking forward to the opportunity the job could provide, even though he already has a job, and finds he is excited about the interview. Gretchen is extremely stressed and panicking about her interview because she desperately needs the job. What theory of emotion best explains the differences in feelings that Hans and Gretchen are experiencing?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to the two-factor theory of emotion, emotions are based on two factors: physiological arousal and cognitive interpretation. In this case, Hans and Gretchen are experiencing different emotions based on their cognitive interpretation of the situation. Hans sees the interview as an opportunity, while Gretchen sees it as a necessity for survival. Cognitive interpretation plays a greater role in the two-factor theory than in other theories such as the James-Lange theory, which focuses more on physiological responses to trigger emotions.

Both Hans and Gretchen Have a Job Interview Next Week