Compare and contrast the Schachter-Singer theory with the Lazarus theory. Demons

The Schachter-Singer theory and the Lazarus theory share a few commonalities. First, they are two separate theories that attempt to explain emotion. Secondly, and more specifically, both theories have a cognitive component within their explanation of emotion.

When contrasting these theories, however, one major differentiation separates them. That factor is when the cognitive component of each theory comes into play. The Schachter-Singer theory aims to explain why physiological arousal occurs and links that interpretation to the experience of emotion. The theory states that (1) physiological arousal takes place, (2) a cognitive interpretation is made to help make sense of the physiological arousal at which point the emotion is identified. The Lazarus theory, on the other hand, suggests that the cognitive component occurs first, then the emotion is experienced, then the physiological response follows.

For example, the Schachter-Singer theory suggests that a person may experience (1) a pounding heart and sweaty palms, and then (2) think about and explain that the reason for the pounding heart and sweaty palms is that he/she is due up next to give an oral presentation, and then link those first two components with the notion that nervousness (the emotion) has set in.

The Lazarus theory would suggest that a person might first think about the oral presentation he/she is about to give (cognitive component), then feel nervous (the emotion), and then experience a pounding heart and sweaty palms (the physiological arousal) in response to the first two components.