Emotions are complex psychological states that involve a subjective experience, a physiological response, and a behavioral or expressive response. One common framework for understanding emotions is the James-Lange theory, which asserts that physiological arousal precedes emotional experience. According to this theory, when an individual encounters a stressful situation, their body first reacts physiologically, and then they perceive that reaction as an emotion.
Which of the following options best describes the basic premise of the James-Lange theory of emotion?