The Schacter-Singer theory of emotion
The Schacter-Singer theory of emotion is a cognitive concept, that takes into account both physiological and emotional experiences. Since the approach is an example of the cognitive theory, it contends that a person’s thoughts or brain activities are primary precipitates of one’s emotions. The approach is also known as the two-factor theory. It avers that physiological arousal has to occur first, and the individual would face cognitive rationalization to identify the reason for the arousal. Physiological arousal is the state of alertness or attentiveness that occurs after an activity triggers one’s attention. Therefore, according to the Schacter-Singer theory, emotions are made up of two factors which are physiological and cognitive reactions. The two-factor approach, apart from using cognitive concepts, draws its assumptions from the James-Lange theories and Cannon-Bard. While the former asserts that emotions are mere results of physiological reactions to experiences, the latter states that physical and psychological-emotional experiences coincide. Compared to both these theories, Schacter-Singer’s assumptions are more viable in explaining emotional reactions.
The theory also suggests that varying emotions may occur as a product of one physiological response (Moors, 637). For instance, when one experiences sweating palms or a racing heart, these symptoms could be due to different emotions. During a test, these symptoms could mean anxiety. If attacked by an animal, the same features would suggest fear. Subsequently, when on a date with a loved one, the same signs would mean love or emotional arousal.
Another proper example that explains the two-factor theory is during an interaction with a snake. According to the method, the snake would qualify as arousal, which would lead to one’s heart pounding (Physiological) and a mental label of fear (cognitive). These reactions would then lead to emotion, in this case, fear. The Schacter-Singer theory only works when the person experiencing the feeling is conscious since cognitive responses require rationalization (Moors, 2009).
The article Life Stress and Health: A Review of Conceptual Issues and Recent Findings by George Slavish explains the interactions between emotions, stress and health. According to the article, stress can lead to the development, maintenance, and heightening of numerous mental and physical diseases. The adverse effects of stress include anxiety, depression, strokes, diabetes, cancer, stomach ulcers, and cardiovascular diseases. These diseases, in turn, predispose people to faster ageing and premature mortality (Slavish).
Slavish asserts that daily human lives are full of challenges that can lead to several stressors. The author also contends that emotional stressors are the most substantial cause of life-style diseases and mental instabilities. He also states that emotional stressors caused by the termination of social bonds or interpersonal losses such as death or breakups may predispose individuals to subsequent stressors. A study undertaken in college students showed that 40.5% of female students and 19.3% of male students experience overwhelming emotions (Slavish). These feelings come from daily demands imposed on people.
Moreover, the study indicates that less than a quarter of these students seek medical assistance. Therefore, Slavish tries to explain how significantly emotional stressors can affect human health. In the article, the author asserts that although some stressors can lead to mental and physical damage, not all people are predisposed to such effects. However, without professional help, some life events and challenges may overwhelm a person and lead to the development of diseases or actions such as suicide.