Which is the correct "theory of emotion"?

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2018

Explanation

The Cannon-Bard theory is a primary psychological theory of emotion.
It posits that an emotion-provoking event triggers physiological arousal (e.g., racing heart) and the subjective experience of emotion (e.g., feeling fear) simultaneously and independently.
According to this theory, the thalamus plays a key role, sending signals to both the cerebral cortex for emotional experience and the autonomic nervous system for physiological response at the same time.

Option B: McClelland's theory is a theory of motivation, focusing on the needs for achievement, affiliation, and power.
Option C: Freud's theory is a psychoanalytic theory of personality and psychosexual development, not a primary theory of emotion.
Option D: Erikson's theory is a theory of psychosocial development that outlines eight stages of life, each with a unique developmental crisis.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Theories of Emotion in Psychology as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding theories of emotion helps nurses recognize that a patient's physiological responses (like a racing heart) and their emotional state (like fear) can occur together, but one doesn't necessarily cause the other. This is crucial for accurately assessing anxious or fearful patients.
This knowledge informs therapeutic communication; a nurse can acknowledge both the physical symptoms ('I see your heart rate is up') and the emotional experience ('You seem very worried') as related but distinct parts of the patient's experience.
What if a patient having a panic attack says, 'My heart is racing, I must be having a heart attack!'? A nurse applying the Cannon-Bard concept can reassure them that intense emotions can trigger strong physical symptoms simultaneously, without necessarily indicating a physical catastrophe, helping to de-escalate the patient's fear.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core subject of the question, which is 'theory of emotion'.
Scan the options to see which ones are familiar psychological theories.
Categorize each theory. Ask yourself: Is this theory about emotion, motivation, personality, or development?
The Cannon-Bard theory is a classic emotion theory. McClelland's is a motivation theory. Freud's and Erikson's are developmental/personality theories.
Eliminate the options that do not belong to the category of 'emotion theory'. This process of elimination leaves only the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Psychology Morgan King 9e Part 1 p. 346-348

E6 Psychology Baron Misra 5e Part 2 pp. 26-28, 27-29

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