hence, it has been named the James-Lange theory of emotion (see Fig. . ). The theory suggests that environmental stimuli elicit physiological responses from viscera (the internal organs like heart and lungs), which in turn, are associated with muscle movement.
For example, startling at an unexpected intense noise triggers activation in visceral and muscular organs followed by an emotional arousal. Put in other words, James-Lange theory argues that your perception about your bodily changes, like rapid breathing, a pounding heart, and running legs, following an event, brings forth emotional arousal. The main implication made by this theory is that particular events or stimuli provoke particular physiological changes and the individual’s perception of these changes results in the emotion being experienced. However, this theory faced a lot of criticism and fell in disuse.
Another theory was proposed by Cannon ( ) and Bard ( ). The Cannon-Bard theory claims that the entire process of emotion is mediated by thalamus which after perception of the emotion-provoking stimulus, conveys this information simultaneously to the cerebral cortex and to the skeletal muscles and sympathetic nervous system. The cerebral cortex then determines the nature of the perceived stimulus by referring to past experiences. This determines the subjective experience of the emotion.
At the same time the sympathetic nervous system and the muscles provide physiological arousal and prepare the individual to take action (see Fig. . ). The ANS is divided into two systems, sympathetic and parasympathetic.
These two The nervous system, central as well as peripheral, plays a vital role in the regulation of emotion. Thalamus : It is composed of a group of nerve cells and acts as a relay center of sensory nerves. Stimulation of thalamus produces fear, anxiety, and autonomic reactions. A theory of emotion given by Cannon and Bard ( ) emphasises the role of thalamus in mediating and initiating all emotional experiences.
Hypothalamus : It is considered the primary center for regulation of emotion. It also regulates the homeostatic balance, controls autonomic .