Six-year-old Patrick was very excited and curious when his parents took him to the circus for the first time. However, when the clowns climbed over the barrier and started playing tricks on some of the children nearby, Patrick became visibly upset. Patrick's initial curiosity and his later fear and apprehension in this situation are best explained by _____ theory.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Patrick's initial excitement and subsequent fear suggest that his arousal level changed. The arousal theory proposes that individuals attempt to maintain a certain level of arousal (i.e., excitement, alertness, etc.) and that changes in arousal can influence behavior and emotions. Therefore, D: arousal, is the best answer choice.

Six-Year-Old Patrick Was Very Excited and Curious When His Parents