Howie noticed that both when he encountered a bear in the woods on his camping trip and when he kissed his girlfriend for the first time, he felt the same pounding heart and sweaty palms. He felt afraid when he saw the bear because it was a threatening situation, but he felt excited when he kissed his girlfriend. Which theory of emotion best explains Howie's emotions?
A) facial feedback theory
B) self-efficacy theory
C) two-factor theory
D) homeostatic theory

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The two-factor theory suggests that emotions are the result of both physiological arousal and cognitive interpretation. In Howie's case, he experienced the same physiological symptoms (pounding heart and sweaty palms) in both situations, but they were interpreted differently (as fear in the bear encounter and as excitement in the kiss). This supports the idea that emotions are not solely determined by physiological arousal, but also by cognitive interpretation.

Howie Noticed That Both When He Encountered a Bear in the Woods