According to the James-Lange theory of emotion, a physiological response to a stimulus is caused by the arousal of the

• A. sympathetic nervous system.
• B. parasympathetic nervous system.
• C. hypothalamus.
• D. somatic nervous system.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the James-Lange theory of emotion, which posits that emotions are the result of physiological reactions to events.
2. Identify the role of the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body's 'fight or flight' response, causing physiological arousal.
3. Consider the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for 'rest and digest' activities, typically reducing arousal.
4. Evaluate the function of the hypothalamus, which regulates various bodily functions but is not directly responsible for the physiological arousal described in the James-Lange theory.
5. Examine the somatic nervous system, which controls voluntary movements and is not primarily involved in the autonomic arousal process described by the James-Lange theory.