According to the James-Lange theory of emotion, emotions are primarily a result of what?

The James-Lange theory of emotion posits that emotions originate from the body's physical responses to stimuli. According to this theory, when an individual encounters a stimulus, the body reacts through physiological changes such as increased heart rate, sweating, or trembling. It is these bodily reactions that the individual perceives and interprets as specific emotions. For example, the theory suggests that if someone sees a bear and their heart starts racing and they begin to tremble, they will then interpret those physical sensations as fear.

This perspective fundamentally emphasizes the connection between physical state and emotional experience, suggesting that our awareness of physiological responses is what leads to the identification and experience of emotions. Thus, the core of the James-Lange theory revolves around the idea that our emotional experiences are a direct consequence of our bodily responses, making the body's physical reaction the primary basis for the emergence of emotions.