The Schachter-Singer Theory

The Schachter-Singer Theory, also known as the two-factor theory of emotion, suggests that emotional experiences arise from both physiological responses and cognitive interpretation. When you encounter a stimulus, your body reacts with physical signals (like increased heartbeat), and your brain assesses the situation to identify the emotion. For example, if your heart races after hearing a loud noise, you might interpret it as fear if you perceive danger, or excitement if you interpret it as a thrilling surprise. Essentially, emotions are a combination of bodily sensations and mental understanding of the context.