The Cannon-Bard Theory of Emotion is a psychological theory developed by Walter Cannon and Philip Bard in the early 20th century which suggests that physiological and emotional responses to a stimulus occur simultaneously, rather than one before the other. This theory proposes that emotional experience is the result of both the physiological arousal and the cognitive appraisal of a situation. This article will explore the evidence for this theory, its implications, and the criticisms it has received in the years since its development.
The Cannon-Bard Theory of Emotion proposes that both physiological arousal and cognitive appraisal are equally important in producing emotional experience. This is in contrast to the James-Lange Theory, which holds that an emotion is the result of a physiological response to a stimulus. According to the Cannon-Bard Theory, the physiological arousal and cognitive appraisal occur simultaneously, and the emotional experience is the result of both processes. This theory suggests that the brain’s thalamus is responsible for the physiological arousal in response to a stimulus, while the cognitive appraisal is conducted by the cortex.
There is evidence to support the Cannon-Bard Theory of Emotion. Studies have shown that physiological arousal does not always lead to an emotional response, and that cognitive appraisal can influence the intensity of the emotional response. For example, a study by Pittman and Bourgeois (2011) found that when participants were asked to interpret the same facial expressions in different scenarios, they experienced greater emotional intensity when the scenario was more threatening. This suggests that the cognitive appraisal plays an important role in the emotional response.
The implications of the Cannon-Bard Theory are far-reaching. This theory suggests that the cognitive appraisal of a situation can be just as important as the physiological arousal in producing an emotional experience. This has implications for psychological therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, which focuses on changing maladaptive thought patterns in order to modify emotional responses. It also suggests that emotional responses can be modified through the use of cognitive interventions, such as relaxation techniques or guided imagery.
Despite its merits, the Cannon-Bard Theory has received criticism in recent years. Some argue that it fails to explain the complexity of human emotion, and that it does not adequately account for the role of social and cultural factors in producing emotional responses. Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that physiological arousal can occur before cognitive appraisal, which would contradict the Cannon-Bard Theory.
In conclusion, the Cannon-Bard Theory of Emotion is an important psychological theory which suggests that physiological arousal and cognitive appraisal are equally important in producing emotional experience. This theory has implications for psychological therapies, and has been supported by evidence from studies. Despite this, the theory has received criticism, and further research is needed to fully understand the complexities of human emotion.
References
Pittman, J. S., & Bourgeois, M. (2011). Effects of cognitive appraisal on emotional responses to facial expressions. Cognition and Emotion, 25(6), 1145-1155.
Cannon, W. B. (1927). The James-Lange theory of emotions: A critical examination and an alternative theory. American Journal of Psychology, 39(1), 106-124.
Bard, P. (1928). The emotions. In E. L. Thorndike (Ed.), The Fundamentals of Learning (pp. 543-558). New York, NY: Teachers College, Columbia University.