What Are Emotions? 

Emotions are complex little things that intertwine our psychological states with physical sensations. They span a vast spectrum, from the joy of happiness to the depths of sadness, the intensity of anger, the quickening of fear, the spark of surprise, and the recoil of disgust. Far more than fleeting feelings, emotions are powerful forces that shape our decisions, drive our behaviors, and influence our interactions with others. They play a critical role in our overall health and well-being. The interdisciplinary study of emotions, involving fields like psychology and neuroscience, seeks to dissect their intricate mechanisms and how they impact human behavior.

As an Autistic person, delving into the mechanics of emotions – getting 'under the hood,' so to speak – has always been crucial for me. It's about demystifying these complex feelings to engage with them more effectively. Fortunately, the psychology of emotion is a thriving field, rich with insightful studies. Among these, two key studies often take the spotlight: The Adrenaline Study and the Misattribution of Arousal Bridge Study. In this blog post, we'll zero in on the latter, exploring the intricate layers of misattribution of arousal and its implications for our grasp of emotions, especially in how they play a role in attraction. This isn't just academic for me; it's a necessary tool for navigating the emotional landscape as an autistic individual.

The Emotion Matrix

First, a little detour to explain what arousal has to do with emotion. To gain a deeper understanding of emotions, it's helpful to consider two key elements: Arousal (energy) and Valence (pleasure). Arousal, which involves the activation of the autonomic nervous system, plays a key role in shaping our emotions. It dictates whether we feel excited and energized or slow and lethargic. Due to its profound impact on our emotional experiences, the concept of misattribution of arousal becomes particularly relevant. To explore this further, you might delve into the emotion matrix, which provides more insights into these dynamics.

Misattribution of arousal

Central to our grasp of emotions is the concept of misattribution of arousal. This occurs when we incorrectly identify the cause of our emotional excitement and it sheds light on the interplay between our mind and body as we form emotions. The narrative we attribute to our arousal significantly influences our eventual emotional experience, illustrating the complexity of how we process and understand our feelings.

What Is Misattribution of Arousal?

This theory explores how people can misinterpret their physiological arousal (a state of being physiologically alert and active) as being caused by something else, such as sexual attraction, often leading to skewed emotional experiences. For example, in her book How Emotions Are Made: The Secret Life of the Brain, Lisa Feldman Barrett discusses being on a first date and having a stomach bug. She didn’t realize till after the date how sick she was and she attributed the butterfly in her stomach to attraction! This is a great example of arousal and sensation being misattributed as attraction.

Or have you ever noticed that the person who gets the adrenaline-inducing date on the Bachelor/Bachelorette tends to make it to the top hometown dates?! While there are likely many factors at play, one factor may be the Misattribution of Arousal that is common in  high-adrenaline dates!

The Historical Background of Misattribution of Arousal

The study of misattribution of arousal dates back to the 1970s, marking a significant period in the exploration of human emotion. In a landmark study in 1974, Donald Dutton and Arthur Aron studied whether attraction would be more likely to develop in the context of anxiety-inducing (or arousal-inducing) situations. 

Why Is Misattribution of Arousal Called "The Suspension Bridge Effect?"

The term "Suspension Bridge Effect" originates from the well-known Suspension Bridge Study, demonstrating how environments inducing high physiological arousal can lead to misinterpreted emotions. Conducted in the 1970s, a time reflecting certain heteronormative biases in research design, this study offered useful insights into emotional psychology.

In their experiment, male participants were approached after crossing one of two bridges: a stable, modern bridge close to the ground or a high, 450-foot-long, unstable suspension bridge, which naturally elicited fear.

After crossing the bridge, each man met a woman who asked him to write a story about a non-sexual, ambiguous image. Their stories were later analyzed for sexual content.

The woman then offered her contact details to the men, ostensibly for follow-up questions about her project.

Suspense Bridge Effect

The outcomes of this study were striking. Men who crossed the stable, low bridge showed less interest in contacting the woman they met, and the stories they wrote had less erotic material. However, those who crossed the high, unstable bridge – experiencing more arousal due to its instability – were more likely to express interest in the woman, often choosing to call her later.

These men, with their adrenaline heightened by the bridge's shakiness, tended to mistakenly attribute their physical arousal to an attraction to the woman. This was evident not only in their increased likelihood to initiate further contact but also in the more erotic stories they composed during the exercise, reflecting the misinterpretation of their physical responses as romantic interest.

Essentially they had misattributed the arousal (quickened heartbeat, adrenaline ‘rush’) from the bridge to attraction toward the woman.

This experiment highlights the intriguing ways our minds interpret physical sensations. The heightened adrenaline rush experienced by the men on the more daunting bridge was misconstrued as excitement and attraction towards the woman they met.

This misattribution clouded the true source of their arousal, demonstrating the powerful influence of context on our emotional experiences; the narratives we construct around our physical states can profoundly shape our emotional responses and perceptions.

Arousal and Emotion

This study brings to light a critical facet of our emotional workings: the intricate connection between physiological arousal, the narrative that forms from experiencing that arousal, and our emotional reactions to it. It reveals how external stimuli, such as the physical challenge of crossing a shaky bridge, can significantly influence our interpretation of internal emotions.

This interplay suggests that our emotional responses are not solely dependent on internal states but are also shaped by the environment we are in. Additionally, it underscores the complexity of emotional processing. Our bodies' reactions can intertwine with and even transform our emotional experiences, leading us to interpret situations in unexpected ways.

Implications of Misattribution of Arousal

Comprehending the phenomenon of misattribution of arousal is vital, as it significantly influences how we interpret our emotions, which has profound effects on our relationships and decision-making. This understanding helps us recognize that our emotional reactions may sometimes be more about our immediate physical responses to an environment than about the actual people or events in that environment. It also emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in emotional regulation, enabling us to discern the true sources of our feelings and respond more appropriately in various situations. This awareness can lead to healthier interpersonal relationships and more informed choices as we navigate the complexities of our emotional worlds.

The Role of Misattribution of Arousal in Emotion Regulation

Recognizing the true source of our arousal is key to healthier emotional regulation and more authentic interactions. This understanding helps us distinguish between emotions caused by external factors and those that originate within us.

Take my own experience, for instance. When I'm overwhelmed by sensory inputs, I often feel a heightened sense of irritability. Before I understood this as sensory overwhelm, I'd mistakenly attribute these irritable feelings to the people or situations around me. Now, with a better grasp of sensory regulation, I can identify the real cause of my discomfort more accurately. For example, the irritation I feel from the sound of my spouse crunching cereal is due to my sensory sensitivities – it's not that I suddenly developed an aversion to him (though, pre-sensory enlightenment, I might have thought so!).

This theory is particularly relevant for neurodivergent individuals as we e often encounter a variety of sensory triggers that activate unpleasant arousal. By applying this understanding to our experiences, we're empowered to examine our emotional responses more critically. This not only fosters emotional growth but also enhances our ability to communicate more effectively personally and professionally.

Other Attribution Theories and Terms in Psychology

Misattribution of arousal is just one component within a vast body of psychological research that encompasses a variety of theories and concepts. These theories delve into the mechanisms of how individuals interpret and ascribe reasons to their emotions and actions. Understanding these different perspectives enhances our understanding of human psychology, providing insights into why people think, feel, and behave as they do. This broader view is helpful for a well-rounded understanding of emotional dynamics and human behavior.

Another study that sheds light on the misattribution of arousal is the Adrenaline Study by Schachter and Singer.

The Adrenaline Study 

The Adrenaline Study, conducted in 1962, offers insights into the interpretation of emotions. Participants were injected with epinephrine (adrenaline), inducing physical arousal symptoms like increased heartbeat, trembling, and rapid breathing.

Unaware of the true nature of the injection and believing it to be a drug test for eyesight, they were divided into groups. One group was informed about potential side effects, while the others were left uninformed.

Each participant was then placed in a room with a confederate (an actor playing a role in the experiment) who displayed either euphoric or irritable behavior. The study found that participants' interpretation of their physical symptoms was heavily influenced by the confederate's behavior. Those with the euphoric confederate perceived their physical arousal as happiness, while those with the irritable confederate felt angry. Those who knew to expect side effects were less likely to be influenced by the emotions of the confederate. 

This experiment underscores two critical findings:

1. Emotional Contagion: Participants' emotional responses to adrenaline were swayed by the demeanor of the person in the room. Those not forewarned about the side effects were particularly susceptible to this influence. When people don't have an explanation for emotion, they are more prone to label these feelings based on what they are feeling in the moment and may be more susceptible to the emotions of those around them. In the absence of a clear explanation for our physical reactions, we tend to interpret these feelings based on our immediate context and can be more prone to the influence of others' emotions.

2. Impact of Beliefs on Emotional Interpretation: The study also demonstrates how our beliefs or labels about bodily sensations can shape our emotional experiences. The narrative our mind constructs around physical sensations plays a significant role in how we ultimately interpret and experience these emotions.

This study, similarly to the suspension bridge study, highlights the complexity of emotional processing and the importance of context and cognition in shaping our emotional experiences.

Misattribution of Arousal Theory | Definition, Effect & Examples 

You can think of this as the TL; DR version of the article. In this section, we'll answer some commonly asked questions about the theory of misattribution of arousal. 

Q: What is the theory of misattribution of arousal?

A: The theory of misattribution of arousal suggests that when individuals experience physiological arousal, they may misattribute the source of that arousal, leading to misconceptions about their emotions and behaviors.

Q: What are the implications of the misattribution of arousal?

A: The implications of misattribution of arousal are significant; it can influence how people perceive their emotions and impact their decision-making and behaviors.

Q: What is the relationship between arousal and attraction in the context of misattribution?

A: The relationship between arousal and attraction is central to the concept of misattribution of arousal. It explores how individuals may mistake feelings of arousal for romantic or sexual attraction and shift their emotional experience and behavior.

Q: How does the research on the misattribution of arousal contribute to our understanding of emotions?

A: Research on misattribution of arousal provides insights into the complexity of emotional experiences and the ways in which individuals attribute their arousal to specific emotional states. It sheds light on the role of cognitive processes in shaping emotional responses.

Q: What is the two-factor theory of emotion, and how does it relate to misattribution of arousal?

A: The two-factor theory of emotion, proposed by Schachter and Singer, suggests that emotional experiences are influenced by both physiological arousal and cognitive interpretation. This theory is closely linked to the phenomenon of misattribution of arousal, as it underscores the role of interpretation in emotional experiences.

Q: Why is the misattribution of arousal relevant in the context of love and relationships?

A: The misattribution of arousal is relevant in the context of love and relationships as it highlights how individuals may misinterpret their feelings of arousal as indicators of romantic attraction. This can have implications for the formation and evaluation of romantic connections.

Q: How does the misattribution of arousal align with the concept of cognitive dissonance?

A: The misattribution of arousal aligns with the concept of cognitive dissonance, as it involves inconsistencies between physiological arousal and cognitive interpretation. Individuals may experience dissonance when they misattribute their arousal and then attempt to reconcile conflicting emotional and cognitive experiences.

Q: What are the key findings of research on misattribution of arousal and attraction?

A: The key findings of research on misattribution of arousal and attraction underscore the intricate ways in which arousal may influence perceptions of attraction and emotional experiences. These findings provide insights into the interplay between physiological arousal and emotional interpretation.

Psychology Resources

For those seeking to delve deeper, numerous resources are available, offering insights into the complex ways our emotions manifest and influence our lives.

• Emotions 101 Workbook and Companion Skillsbook: This Neurodivergent Insights digital workbook set provides an overview of emotions as well as 55+ skills for working with emotions.

• How Emotions Are Made: The Secret Life of the Brain: Written by a neuroscientist, this is a comprehensive yet accessible take on emotions. Lisa Feldman Barrett debunks some of the major theories of emotions and explains exactly what they are. It is science-heavy, but if you’re looking for a comprehensive, cutting-edge take on emotions, this is a great resource! 

• The Science Of Emotions (Huberman Lab): Another great deep science deep dive. For people who do well with video (or audio), this video podcast provides a scientific breakdown of the theory of emotion by a neuroscientist.

• Divergent Conversations-Autistic Emotions: Less scientific, but if you’re looking to hear from a lived experience context. Patrick and I (both mental health professionals) talk about emotions and our experience of emotions as AuDHDers (Autistic-ADHD)

Conclusion: The Importance of Understanding Misattribution of Arousal in Psychology

As we delve into the complexity of human emotions, studies like the Suspension Bridge experiment remind us of their intricate nature. Emotions are not just about what we feel internally; they're also about how we interpret these feelings in relation to our surroundings. Understanding this dynamic interplay helps us navigate our emotional world with greater awareness and authenticity. It's a journey of continual learning, where each insight brings us closer to understanding the nuanced tapestry of our emotional lives.

References

Dutton, D. G., & Aron, A. P. (1974). Some evidence for heightened sexual attraction under conditions of high anxiety. Journal of personality and social psychology, 30(4), 510.

Schachter S, Singer JE.Cognitive, social, and physiological determinants of emotional state. Psychol Rev. 1962 Sep; 69:379-99. PMID: 14497895.