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 competence at psychology-glossary.com■■■■■■
Emotional competence refer to the abilities to display predominantly positive rather than negative emotions, . . . Read More
Distress-maintaining style of attribution at psychology-glossary.com■■■■■■
Distress-maintaining style of attribution refers to the tendency of unhappy couples to attribute their . . . Read More
Distressor at psychology-glossary.com■■■■■■
In the psychology context, a distressor is any stimulus or situation that causes stress or psychological . . . Read More
Attraction at psychology-glossary.com■■■■■■
Attraction refer to anything that draws two (2) or more people together, making them want to be together . . . Read More
Origin at psychology-glossary.com■■■■■■
Origin is defined as the proximal attachment or point of attachment of a muscle closest to the midline . . . 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
Production at psychology-glossary.com■■■■■
Production is defined as the generation and output of a procedure In psychology, "production" refers . . . Read More
Anger and Frustration at psychology-glossary.com■■■■■
Anger and Frustration in the context of psychology refer to emotional responses to perceived obstacles . . . Read More