I have a question about psychological arousal. I am confused as to whether physiological responses and arousal are the same thing. For example, if someone were to walk into my computer room now and yell my heart would race. Is this the physiological response as well as the arousal?

Question

I have a question about psychological arousal.  I am confused as to whether physiological responses and arousal are the same thing.  For example, if someone were to walk into my computer room now and yell my heart would race. Is this the physiological response as well as the arousal?

anonymous · Answer

Yes, I do believe that your racing heart would be a sign of arousal. A FORM of arousal. 

What I understand is that "arousal" is generally a heightened state of physiological activity, 
such as a racing heart.

We could think of other forms of arousal, 
such as mental arousal, when we're having a very interesting conversation, 
or when we're doing something that we enjoy very much.

anonymous · Answer

Okay, that makes sense.  Thanks for the reply!

anonymous · Answer

You're welcome.

anonymous · Answer

The physical stimuli is a response to the mental processes made when a certain person were to pass by for example as you said.