What is a key concept of the two-factor theory of emotion proposed by Schachter and Singer?

A key concept of the two-factor theory of emotion, proposed by Schachter and Singer, is that emotions are the result of both physiological arousal and the cognitive interpretation of that arousal. According to this theory, an individual experiences a physiological response to a stimulus, and then must cognitively label that arousal in order to experience a specific emotion.

For instance, if a person’s heart begins to race and they feel shaky after encountering a bear, they might interpret that physiological response as fear due to the context. Therefore, the experience of emotion arises from the interaction between these two factors: the body’s physiological state and the individual’s interpretation or appraisal of that state in light of the situation they are in. This conception emphasizes that emotion is not merely a direct output of physical responses, but rather a complex interplay of bodily sensations and cognitive processes, which can vary according to context.