Critical Reflections on a Cognitive-Pysiological Theory of Emotion

Abstract

This paper examines critically, and in some detail, that research which has been directed toward the development of a cognitive-physiological theory of emotion. It is observed that while interest in this area has been manifest for some time, only recently have empirical efforts attempted to explicate the subject in any detail. Such a theory posits that peripheral bodily changes can be viewed as determinants as well as correlates of emotional behavior. Bodily changes are seen to instigate cognitive processes which influence one's subjective and behavioral reactions to emotional stimuli. The research generally confirms the notion that novel information about oneself is not disregarded. Bodily sensations represent information which must be processed 1ikea!l other sensory inputs. Evaluative needs are postulated to understand these sensations, i.e., a label' or explanation is required for their occurrence. Emotional behavior is seen to result to the extent that these sensations are attributed to emotional stimuli.