Meanings
proper nounthe James-Lange theory
- human sciencesAn early hypothesis as to the origin and nature of emotions, stating that physiological arousal instigates the experience of emotion.
Origin
Developed independently by two 19th-century scholars, William James and Carl Lange.
Full word history & related roots →Cite this entry
APA
James-Lange theory. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/James-Lange%20theory
MLA
“James-Lange theory.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/James-Lange%20theory. Accessed November 5, 2026.
Chicago
WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “James-Lange theory,” accessed November 5, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/James-Lange%20theory.
Source: James-Lange theory on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.