Emotions and Cognition Theories

These theories suggest that emotions are strongly influenced by our thoughts, beliefs, and interpretations of situations.

This theory proposes that emotions are the result of physiological reactions to events. You experience physiological arousal first, then interpret it as an emotion.

This refers to the body's physical reactions to a stimulus, like increased heart rate, sweating, or trembling.

In James-Lange, the brain interprets the physiological changes, attaching a specific emotion to the pattern of arousal.

This theory contradicts James-Lange, arguing that emotions and physiological responses occur simultaneously and independently.

In Cannon-Bard, the thalamus sends signals to both the cortex (for emotion experience) and the autonomic nervous system (for physiological changes).

This theory states that emotions arise from our appraisals of a situation, not just the situation itself. We evaluate the situation's meaning to us.

In Lazarus's theory, this is the initial evaluation of whether a situation is relevant to our goals, and if so, how.

In Lazarus's theory, this involves assessing our coping resources and ability to handle the situation. Is it controllable or not?

This theory combines physiological arousal with cognitive interpretation. Emotions arise from both bodily changes and how we label those changes within context.

In Schachter-Singer, we use external cues, like the environment or other people's reactions, to interpret why we're feeling aroused.

After interpreting arousal, we label the emotion based on our understanding of the situation and our bodily changes.

In Schachter-Singer, people can misinterpret the source of their arousal, attributing it to the wrong cause.

This refers to the ability to understand and manage emotions, both our own and those of others.

A technique used in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to identify and change negative thought patterns that contribute to emotional distress.

A therapeutic technique used to help clients imagine a future where their problem is gone, focusing on their desired outcome.

A technique where clients rate their feelings, progress, or the intensity of their problem on a scale, helping them track changes.

A therapeutic approach where the problem is separated from the person's identity, shifting the focus to something external that can be managed.

Systemic therapy emphasizes focusing on the client's strengths and abilities, rather than just their problems.

In systemic therapy, looking for times when the problem is less intense or absent, identifying patterns and resources.

Systemic therapy acknowledges the client's expertise in their own life, valuing their perspectives and encouraging self-discovery.

Systemic therapists strive to avoid imposing solutions, instead guiding the client towards their own solutions.

Systemic therapy emphasizes the client's active role in the therapeutic process, taking ownership of their changes.

This refers to the body's physical responses to a stimulus, such as increased heart rate, sweating, trembling, or other changes in your autonomic nervous system.

In systemic therapy, language is viewed as a powerful tool for creating and shaping meaning. The therapist focuses on how language is used to construct and maintain problems, and how it can be used to create change.

Systemic therapy recognizes the inherent subjectivity of human experience. It emphasizes that everything we perceive and understand is influenced by our personal perspectives.

The role of the therapist is not to be an expert, but to facilitate a productive dialogue between the client and their own experiences. The aim is to help the client create new meaning and find their own solutions.

In systemic therapy, the relationship between therapist and client is one of partnership. Both parties are active participants in the dialogical process.

Systemic therapy acknowledges that setbacks are a natural part of change. The focus is on developing strategies to manage these setbacks and continue moving forward.