The Man

In chapter 11, Stanley Schachter and Jerome Singer talked about their two-factor theory of emotion. They said," emotion depends on two factors: physiological arousal and the cognitive interpretation of that arousal. Although others could not replicate their own experiments, their ideas did launch an abundance of studies toward that idea. Many emotions, such as shame or guilt, depend on higher cognitive processes and also contain much physical expression. By reappraising a problem situation- you choose to think about it differently. Problems can turn into challenges and losses into unexpected gains. As we saw in chapter 11 the body and mind go hand in hand. When we let go of carrying the burden of a painful secret and we allow ourselves to confess if only to a journal or a supportive friend that over time your health and well-being can improve. The goal is to allow the confession to produce insight and understanding about the source or significance of the problem. Confessions, when it works, can help people see events in a new light. The way you think about a situation or provocation affects the emotions you feel about it. Reappraisal can turn anger into sympathy, worry into determination, and feelings of loss into feelings of opportunity. Another way that we could benefit from this is by learning from the experience. Some people discover sources of courage and strength they did not know that they had. Those who draw lessons from their problems of life and find meaning in them are better off psychologically and physically than are people who do not. You can always cultivate a sense of humor, which through research is believed to have long term benefits on the immune function, pain, blood pressure and longevity. That is the way I like to get through my stressful days, but seriously stress is an everyday occurrence for all of us and no matter how we deal with it, we should all remember to be good to one another and don't intentionally cause stress to others.