The Excitation-Transfer Connection

This chapter explores the transfer of elements of sexual excitedness into aggressive behavior and, conversely, of elements of excitedness associated with annoyance, anger, and aggressiveness into sexual behavior. The excitation-transfer paradigm is the application of the three-factor theory of emotion to potentially unrelated successive emotional reactions and to emotional reactions elicited by simultaneously present, yet potentially unrelated, stimuli. The excitatory component is conceived of as a response-energizing mechanism. Excitatory reactions, analogous to skeletalmotor reactions, are also assumed to be largely under stimulus and reinforcement control, again without the necessary involvement of complex cognitive mediation. The experiential component of emotional behavior is conceptualized as the conscious experience of the skeletalmotor and/or the excitatory reaction to a stimulus condition. Emotional intensity is most directly influenced by epinephrine action on energy provision. A significant aspect of sympathetic commonality and its behavioral consequences is its independence from the hedonic quality of the emotional experiences involved.