As you began taking this exam, your mouth became dry, your hands began to sweat, and your heart rate increased. Only after noticing your arousal did you realize that you were anxious. This example is consistent with the
A) Cannon-Bard theory.
B) opponent-process theory.
C) James-Lange theory.
D) facial-feedback theory.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The James-Lange theory proposes that emotions are the result of physiological reactions to stimuli, and that we experience emotions as a result of the bodily sensations we experience in response to a stimulus. In this example, the arousal (dry mouth, sweaty hands, increased heart rate) comes first, and then the realization that these bodily sensations are the result of anxiety follows. This sequence of events is consistent with the James-Lange theory.

As You Began Taking This Exam, Your Mouth Became Dry