an increase of activation followed by a sudden decrease, often accompanied by laughter to signify a release of tension. The abrupt drop from elevated levels of arousal to a lower, more appropriate level of arousal is thought to produce a pleasurable response, which is what causes the laughing. Common experiences that can produce this response include a rollercoaster ride. [introduced in 1970 by British-born Canadian psychologist Daniel E. Berlyne (1924-1976))
AROUSAL JAG: "Arousal jag refers to an increased level of arousal followed by a sudden decrease, which creates a release - as seen in a rollercoaster experience. "
Cite this page: N., Sam M.S., "AROUSAL JAG," in PsychologyDictionary.org, April 7, 2013, https://psychologydictionary.org/arousal-jag/ (accessed March 21, 2023).
