Which theory proposes that physiological arousal and emotional experience occur simultaneously?

• A. James-Lange theory
• B. Schachter-Singer (Two-Factor) theory
• C. Cannon-Bard theory
• D. Lazarus theory of emotion

Answer: (C)

Simultaneity of arousal and emotion is what Cannon-Bard theory proposes: the brain sends parallel signals that trigger both an emotional experience and physiological arousal at the same moment. The thalamus serves as a relay that sends information to the cortex to create the feeling of emotion and to the autonomic nervous system to generate bodily changes like a racing heart and trembling, all at once. This explains why you can feel fear and have a rapid heartbeat together without one preceding the other. Other theories describe a sequence or labeling process—James-Lange suggests you first notice bodily changes and then interpret them as emotion; Schachter-Singer argues arousal plus situational cues must be labeled to determine the emotion; Lazarus emphasizes appraisal of the situation as driving the emotional response. The simultaneous onset is the hallmark that makes Cannon-Bard the best fit.