Four-Factor Theory refers to one of the theories of emotions done by Parkinson (1994) which was subsequently developed by Eysenck in 1977. Four-Factor Theory of Emotion states that em otional experience depends of four(4) separate factors:

(1) Appraisal of some external stimulus or situation - the most important factor and also the one emphasized in the Lazarus Theory

(2) Reactions of the body, example is arousal which is the factor emphasized in the James-Lange theory.

(3) Facial expression- the importance of this factor was shown in the study by Strack, Martin, and Stepper (1988) in which participants were more amused by cartoons when adopting a facial expression close to a smile than when having an expression resembling a frown.

(4) Action tendencies - example is based on the theory of Frijda, Kuiper, and ter Schure, that is preparing to advance in a threatening way is associated with anger, whereas preparing to retreat is associated with fear.

According to this theory, these four (4) factors are not independent of each other. Cognitive appraisal of the situation affects bodily reactions, facial expressions, and action tendencies, as well as having a direct effect on emotional experience.

Related Articles

Triggers at psychology-glossary.com■■■■■■
Triggers refer to factors that increase the likelihood that a person will seek treatment; - - In psychology, . . . Read More
Emotional component at psychology-glossary.com■■■■■
Emotional component refers to one person's feelings toward the object of an attitude; - - In psychology, . . . Read More
Schachter-Singer Theory at psychology-glossary.com■■■■■
Schachter-Singer Theory (1962) which is also known as Arousal-Interpretation Theory refers to one of . . . Read More
Arousal-Interpretation Theory at psychology-glossary.com■■■■■
Arousal-Interpretation Theory which is also known as ; - Schachter-Singer Theory (1962) refers to one . . . Read More
Attribution-of-arousal theory at psychology-glossary.com■■■■■
Attribution-of-arousal theory refers to an approach that combines the James-Lange emphasis on bodily . . . Read More
Cannon–Bard theory of emotion at psychology-glossary.com■■■■■
- Cannon–Bard theory of emotion : Cannon–Bard theory of emotion refers to a theory stating that an . . . Read More
Confound at psychology-glossary.com■■■■
confound refers to any factor occurring in a study that makes the results uninterpretable because its . . . Read More
Success at psychology-glossary.com■■■■
In the context of psychology, the term "success" refers to the achievement of a desired outcome or goal. . . . Read More
Encouragement of affect at psychology-glossary.com■■■■
Encouragement of affect refers to expression of painful emotions that is encouraged so that the therapist . . . Read More
Behavioral perspective at psychology-glossary.com■■■■
Behavioral perspective refers to a theoretical perspective in which it is assumed that abnormality is . . . Read More