Two-factor theory of emotion

The Two-Factor Theory of Emotion, proposed by Schachter and Singer, suggests that emotional experience arises from a combination of physiological arousal and cognitive interpretation. When we encounter a stimulus, our body reacts with physical responses like increased heartbeat. The brain then interprets this arousal based on the context, leading to the specific emotion we feel—such as fear or excitement. Essentially, the theory says that emotion is not just a result of physical feelings or thoughts alone but results from understanding or labeling our physical responses in a given situation.