"Arousal" refers to a state of physical excitation that accompanies all emotions that are linked to action. The biological function of such excitation is to energize the organism for a bout of activity.According to the classic fight-flight theory, arousal occurs when someone is confronted with danger and readies the person for escape (flight) or attack by vigorous action (fight), thereby increasing the chance for survival in either case. In modern times, arousal in response to signs of danger (or incentive opportunities) may prove largely nonadaptive (i.e., fail to serve safety and wellness), or even foster counterproductive reactions, because vigorous action often does not lead to an advantageous resolution. Although the fight-flight response is generally an outdated reaction, the tendency to become aroused is nonetheless triggered when people are faced with numerous situations that relate to coping with danger...