The James-Lange theory is a theory in psychology that proposes that emotions arise as a result of physiological arousal. Specifically, the theory states that an event or stimulus in the environment triggers a physical response in the body, and this physical response then produces the experience of an emotion.
According to the James-Lange theory, a person's perception of a situation leads to bodily changes, such as increased heart rate or sweating. These physical changes then generate the corresponding emotional experience, such as fear or anger. This is in contrast to the more common belief that emotions precede bodily changes, as proposed by other theories.
The theory was proposed by psychologist William James and physiologist Carl Lange independently in the late 19th century, and it has been influential in shaping our understanding of the relationship between emotions and physiology. While the theory has received criticism and has been modified over time, it remains a significant contribution to the field of psychology.