Anger and fear share very similar physiological responses via activation of the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system. So how do we know which emotion we experience according to Schacter and Singer?

The Schachter-Singer Theory, also known as the Two-Factor theory of emotion, states that 2 factors are needed to experience emotion. First, environmental stimuli elicits a physiological response. Second, we cognitively appraise this physiological activity, and try to give it the correct label.

Explanation:

The Schachter-Singer theory, or two-factor theory of emotion, states that emotion is based on two factors: physiological arousal and cognitive label. The theory developed by Stanley Schachter and Jerome E. Singer, states that physiological arousal occurs when an emotion is felt, and the person uses the immediate environment to search for emotional cues to label the physiological arousal. This can sometimes cause misinterpretations of emotions based on the body's physiological state. When the brain does not know why it feels an emotion it relies on external stimulation for cues on how to label the emotion.

The Two-factor Theory of Emotions is in fact an alternative way to explain Stress - Strain relationship. Socio-Physicochemical principles do suggest that the two factors: physical and emotional are generally triggered by the events including extreme events e. g. terror.

The two factors may appear in situations where neither response is appropriate, e. g. in traffic or during a stressful day at work. When the perceived stress is gone, systems return to normal function through the relaxation response, but in times of chronic stress, this often does not happen oftentimes, causing damage to the body.

arousal is the result of stimulation, and greater the stimulation, the greater is the intensity of arousal. Greater stimulation induces high intensity excitement which characterises spontaneity and spontaneous reactions that are accompanied by high entropy. The increase in entropy (S) is at the cost of internal energy or enthalpy (H) in the fundamental equation: G = H - TS. In particular when other basic needs for safety and social position are adequate, no one stops but keeps looking for more excitement.

It is important to realize that stress begets strain, and the more the life is focused on stress, the more the strain is likely to persist in the system. Stress and acts that induce strain are part of a never ending vicious cycle. The way out of a stress-strain muddle is accommodation so as to focus the thought process and intentions on ground reality.