Cannon-Bard Theory of Emotion Handout

The Cannon-Bard theory states that emotional responses and physiological reactions occur simultaneously. The thalamus sends signals to the cerebral cortex for emotional interpretation and the autonomic nervous system for physiological arousal, such as increased heart rate or physical reactions.

Unlike the James-Lange theory, which suggests that physiological responses precede emotional experience, the Cannon-Bard theory proposes that both emotional expression and physiological responses occur simultaneously, emphasizing the role of the thalamus in processing emotions.

The Cannon-Bard theory helps explain how emotional reactions, such as facial expressions and physical responses, occur together, making it useful in understanding emotional stimuli and physiological responses in various contexts, such as mental health assessments.