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Lust is often confused with love. Which theory states this?

1) physiological arousal theory
2) behavioral reinforcement theory
3) cognitive theory
4) evolutionary theory

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The Schachter-Singer two-factor theory states that emotions arise from physiological arousal combined with cognitive appraisal, which could lead to the confusion between lust and love.

Step-by-step explanation:

The theory that suggests lust may be confused with love, through the misattribution of physiological arousal, is the Schachter-Singer two-factor theory. This theory posits that emotions are a combination of physiological arousal and the cognitive appraisal of that arousal. Therefore, if one experiences physiological arousal in the presence of another person, it's the cognitive process that determines whether we label this feeling as 'lust' or 'love', among other emotions.

The physiological component is consistent across different emotions; it's the cognitive appraisal that can differ and result in the experience of different emotions. For example, the same racing heart might be interpreted as fear in the presence of a snake, or as excitement on a rollercoaster, depending on the cognitive assessment of the situation.

In the case of confusing lust with love, the arousal might be the same, but the interpretation of that arousal could lead someone to incorrectly label the emotion they are experiencing.

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