Psychology MCAT Practice Exam

The James-Lange Theory supports the idea that emotional responses influence cognition by proposing that physiological responses occur first in reaction to a stimulus, and it is these bodily responses that then lead to the identification of emotions. According to this theory, when we encounter a stimulus, our body reacts (e.g., racing heart, sweating), and we interpret these physiological changes as an emotional experience.

For example, if you see a bear and your heart starts to race, you interpret that physiological response as fear. This highlights the connection between physical states and the emotional label we assign to these states, suggesting that our emotional experiences are shaped by our perceptions of our physiological reactions.

In this context, the theory emphasizes the interplay between emotions and cognition, as the way we think about and interpret our bodily responses can influence how we feel. Understanding this perspective can lead to insights on how emotions can affect our decision-making processes and cognitive appraisals.