Overview & Description: The James-Lange Theory of Emotion proposes that emotions are a result of physiological responses to stimuli. According to this theory, an external stimulus leads to a physiological response, and our emotional reaction to the stimulus is based on our interpretation of this physical response.

Example: If you encounter a snake, your body might respond by increasing your heart rate. You might interpret this physiological response as fear. According to the James-Lange theory, the fear arises because of the interpretation of the physical response, not the snake itself.

Implications: The theory has implications in understanding emotional experiences and has informed subsequent theories and research on emotions, physiological processes, and their interrelations in psychology and neuroscience.

References:

• James, W. (1884). What is an Emotion?. Mind, 9(34), 188-205.