The main difference between James Lange and Cannon Bard theory is that in James Lange’s theory, emotions follow physical reactions, whereas, in Cannon-Bard theory, both emotional and physical reactions originate simultaneously.
James Lange’s theory and Cannon-Bard’s theory are two theories that explain our emotional and physical reactions to external stimuli. James Lange’s theory was introduced in the late 1800s, while Cannon-Bard theory was developed in 1927 as a direct response to James-Lange theory.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is James Lange Theory
– Definition, Features
2. What is Cannon Bard Theory
– Definition, Features
3. Difference Between James Lange and Cannon Bard Theory
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
James Lange Theory, Cannon Bard Theory
What is James Lange Theory
James Lange theory is a theory developed in the late 1800s by William James and Carl Lange. This theory suggests that emotions are a result of people’s physiological reactions to events. In other words, it is our bodily changes that form the basis of emotions. For example, when you smile, you become happier; when you tremble, you become afraid, etc. To elaborate this further, if you see a snake, you start to tremble and feel ready to run. This bodily reaction also forms an emotion in you: fear. This theory also applies to positive situations; for instance, if you laugh at something, you will feel happier.
However, James Lange’s theory has received many criticisms as it cannot explain the role of learning and cognition or the occurrence of emotions without any arousal. Some psychologists have introduced theories as a direct response to this theory, and Cannon-Bard theory is one such theory.
What is Cannon-Bard Theory
Cannon-Bard theory suggests that external stimulation (either negative or positive) can trigger both physical and emotional responses simultaneously and independently. This theory was developed by Walter B. Cannon and Philip Bard in 1927 as a response to James Lange’s theory. According to this theory, physical reactions to stimulations are not dependent on emotional responses and vice versa. For example, someone afraid of fire might feel fear (emotional reaction) and tremble (physical reaction) upon seeing fire. Here, his or her trembling is not a reaction to the fear, nor is the feeling of fear a reaction to trembling. These are two independent reactions occurring simultaneously.
Further, according to Cannon-Bard theory, both emotional and physical reactions originate simultaneously in the thalamus, which is the small brain structure that is responsible for receiving sensory information in the body. When experiencing an external stimulation, the thalamus sends signals to the amygdala, which is responsible for processing strong emotions like anger, fear, or pleasure. It, in turn, sends signals to the cerebral cortex, which is the structure in charge of conscious thought. The thalamus also sends signals to the autonomic nervous system, which controls physical reactions like trembling, sweating, or shaking. Because of this pathway, we also call this theory the thalamic theory of emotion.
Difference Between James Lange and Cannon Bard Theory
Definition
James Lange’s theory is a theory that suggests that emotions are a result of people’s physiological reactions to events. Cannon-Bard theory, on the other hand, is a theory that suggests external stimulation can trigger both physical and emotional responses simultaneously and independently.
Sequence of Responses
In James Lange’s theory, emotions follow physical reactions, whereas, in Cannon-Bard’s theory, both emotional and physical reactions originate simultaneously.
Dependence of Responses
In James Lange’s theory, bodily reactions form the basis of emotions, but in Cannon-Bard’s theory, physical reactions are not dependent on emotional responses, and vice versa.
Origins
James Lange theory is a theory developed in the late 1800s by William James and Carl Lange. Cannon-Bard theory was developed by Walter B. Cannon and Philip Bard in 1927 as a response to the James-Lange theory.
Conclusion
The main difference between James Lange and Cannon Bard theory is that in James Lange’s theory, emotions follow physical reactions, whereas, in Cannon-Bard theory, both emotional and physical reactions originate simultaneously.
Reference:
1. Cherry, Kendra. “Cannon-Bard Theory and Physiological Reactions to Emotions.” Verywell Mind, 17 Sept. 2020.
2. Nickerson, Charlotte . “The James-Lange Theory of Emotion.” Simply Psychology, 21 July 2021.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Man-scared-hand-giant-surreal” (CC0) via Pixabay
2. “Cannon-Bard Theory of Emotion” By Lrcampbell – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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