Psychology Emotion Theories and Emotional Intelligence
James-Lange Theory: the common-sense idea is that we have an emotion that then
triggers some sort of physiological arousal (e.g. you are scared so you start shaking);
however, this theory says the opposite. This theory is that a stimulus triggers some sort of
physiological arousal that triggers emotions. For example, something causes your heart to
race so you are afraid.
Cannon-Bard Theory: that a stimulus triggers a reaction in your brain, which causes
emotions and physiological changes to occur simultaneously. For example, something
happens  is processed in your brain  you feel happy and there is a calm that comes
over your body and you smile at the same time.
Opponent-Process Theory: when we experience an emotion that is caused by a stimulus
it is countered by an opposite emotion shortly afterward. Also, after multiple of the same
stimulations that trigger the same initial emotion, the counter emotion becomes even
stronger. For example, something causes you to be very happy, but afterward you feel
depressed; or you are very anxious about something, but afterward feel relieved.
Two-Factor Theory: that an emotional experience is the outcome of both the
physiological arousal and the attribution of the cause of it. That there is a physiological
arousal and you attribute it to something  emotion.
Cognitive-Appraisal Theory: that an emotion at a given time depends on your
interpretation of the situation you are in at the time. For example, two people can be in
the same situation, but interpret that situation differently, and as a result feel two different
emotions.
Emotional Intelligence: the mental ability we are born with which gives us
our emotional sensitivity and our potential for learning emotional
management skills that help maximize our health, happiness, and survival
ability.