Two-Factor Theory Description
The two factor theory hypothesizes that emotion is constructed and influenced by external factors: it is developed by a physiological arousal which is then followed by a cognitive label. An example of this would be if you find yourself feeling fear. All of the factors are present: sweaty palms, heart racing. You would assess your surroundings to find that you are in the middle of a dark alleyway and feel a presence floating towards you. Abiding by the two-factor theory, you assessed your surroundings and concluded that what you were experiencing was fear. However, you later experience the same physical responses: sweaty palms, heart racing. Except, in this situation, your surroundings are different; you are holding hands with the person you love, and so you assess your surroundings and physical response and conclude that what you are feeling is love. The two-factor theory was developed by researchers Stanley Schachter and Jerome E. Singer.
I think this theory is quite intriguing because it suggests how strongly our surroundings can impact us. If we were to relate this to culture, someone's definition of fear may be different from someone from another culture. For instance, say you were brought up in a very violent neighborhood– it is likely you would be used to seeing crime, people carrying guns around so as a result, you wouldn't be afraid because you don't see your surroundings as dangerous. Nevertheless, if someone from a safe, rich neighborhood happened to go to yours, they would likely be afraid because they perceive that those surroundings are dangerous to them.
ReplyDeleteThis theory is interesting because it shows that the environment around us makes us realise and feel certain emotions. Every surrounding can make you feel a different way of you were not used to it.
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