Which of the following is true regarding providing a verbal label for a picture in the context of theories of emotion?

• A. Providing a verbal label can influence the emotional response to the picture by shaping how it is interpreted.
• B. Verbal labels only affect memory for the picture, not emotional responses.
• C. Emotional responses to pictures are determined solely by physiological arousal, regardless of verbal labeling.
• D. Providing a verbal label has no effect on the emotional experience associated with the picture.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the role of verbal labeling in emotion theories. Verbal labels can influence how an emotional stimulus is interpreted, which in turn can affect the emotional response.
2. Step 2: Consider the cognitive appraisal theories of emotion, which suggest that emotions arise from how we interpret or appraise a situation, not just from physiological arousal alone.
3. Step 3: Recognize that providing a verbal label to a picture can change the cognitive appraisal by framing the meaning of the image, thus shaping the emotional experience.
4. Step 4: Contrast this with theories that emphasize physiological arousal as the sole determinant of emotion, noting that these do not account for the influence of verbal labeling on emotional interpretation.
5. Step 5: Conclude that verbal labeling can influence emotional responses by shaping interpretation, rather than only affecting memory or having no effect at all.