Physiological Arousal and Emotional Experience

Emotions play a crucial role in influencing human behavior and decision-making processes. Understanding the physiological responses associated with emotions can help in distinguishing between the different types of emotional experiences. A study investigated how individuals react under stress when faced with unexpected challenges, particularly examining the physiological changes that occur alongside emotional responses.

Participants were asked to complete a series of math problems under time constraints. Their heart rates, skin conductance, and self-reported stress levels were measured before, during, and after the tasks. It was observed that the participants exhibited significant increases in heart rate and skin conductance during the challenges, correlating with heightened stress levels.

Based on this study, which of the following statements best describes the relationship between physiological arousal and emotional experience during stressful situations?