James Lang

James Lang, often associated with the James-Lange theory of emotion, proposed that emotions arise from physiological responses to stimuli. According to this theory, we first experience a physical reaction—like increased heart rate or sweating—before we consciously feel an emotion, such as fear or joy. For example, we see a snake, our heart races, and then we feel scared. This idea emphasizes that our bodily reactions play a crucial role in how we interpret our feelings, suggesting that emotions are not just cognitive experiences but are deeply connected to our physical states.