Using the cannon-bard thalamus theory of emotion, explain how sensory input and the thalamus are important in causing an emotional response to an event.

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Explanation:

The Cannon-Bard theory of emotion, often referred to as the Thalamic theory of emotion, is a physiological explanation of emotion that describe the situation in which an individual have emotional expression due to the function of hypothalamic structures, and emotional feeling due to stimulations of the dorsal thalamus.

In other words, it states that, individual feel emotions and experience physiological reactions such as sweating, trembling, and muscle tension simultaneously.

This theory was developed by Walter Cannon and Philip Bard. Cannon-Bard theory

Hence, during an event, the thalamus sends a signal to both autonomic nervous system and the amygdala, simultaneously, together, they result in physical reactions such as muscle tension, shaking, and sweating.

For example:

Supposing Mr.A, is walking towards his house in the dark, he hears the sounds of footsteps coming behind him, and spot a shadowy figure slowly following, as he moves towards his house.

Hence, According to the Cannon-Bard theory of emotion, Mr. A, will experience feelings of fear and physical reaction at the same time. He will begin to feel fearful, and his heart will begin to race. He will rush to his door, lock the door behind him, and find a place to hide for safety.

Note: The amygdala is the part of the brain, that perform emotional processing, including emotions such as fear and anger.

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