You and a friend are lost while walking on a street in a foreign city. A stranger approaches, and you are concerned that the stranger may try to mug you. Your friend assumes that the stranger is approaching to give you directions. As the stranger approaches, you experience fear, but your friend experiences relief. Your different emotional reactions can be explained by the______ theory of emotion.
A) physiological
B) neurological
C) affective
D) cognitive

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The cognitive theory of emotion suggests that our emotions are influenced by our interpretations of events and situations. In this scenario, the individual is experiencing fear because they are interpreting the stranger as a potential threat, whereas the friend is experiencing relief because they are interpreting the stranger as someone who may be able to help them.

You and a Friend Are Lost While Walking on a Street