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Theories of Emotion
One of the most outstanding theories of learning in the field of psychology is the cognitive theory. This theory attempts to explain the behavior of human beings through an evaluation and recognition of their thought process. According to cognitive theorists, the thoughts of an individual are the single most crucial determinants of the behaviors and emotions of an individual. Consequently, these thoughts are responsible for the personality of an individual. The wide proposition is that thoughts always precede any action or feeling (Eich, 2000).
The cognitive theory is widely used for the classification of emotions. It is applicable in classifying emotions because emotions are a result of conscious experience, which characterize biological reactions, psychophysiological expressions and mental state. Subsequently, different kinds of emotions arise from different levels of stimulation of the nervous system. Cognitive theorists claim that the cognition of events such as danger result in mental stimulation, which gives rise to emotional states such as fear.
The SPAARS model is an integrated model consisting of four representational system for the promulgation of emotions. The four levels of representation are the schematic, associative, analogical and propositional systems. The schematic system of representation is a high-order provision that gives individuals a sense of meaning and reality. The analogous system is a group of sensory-specific systems, which initiate the processing of stimuli. The propositional system relies on the use of language for representation while the associative system of representation uses network connectionists for appraisal of emotions (Eich, 2000). The SPAARS model relates to the cognitive theory because it describes emotions as originating from the process of appraisal. Appraisal functions in the same manner as cognition, in that it leads to different emotions