Opponent-Process Theory
Before leaving our discussion of theories of emotion, let us briefly examine our additional theory that has received recent attention. As the name of the theory implies, this theory is more a theory of process than of specific emotions. In order to understand the theory, let's recall a point made by Emmett Kelly; he observed that he was able to create the greatest happiness and enjoyment for his audience just after they had watched a fear-arousing act such as the liontamer or the trapeze act. Why should this be the case?