American Marketing Association Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) Content Marketing Practice Exam

Which of the following is/are high arousal emotion(s)?

1. Sadness

2. Humor

3. Contentment

4. Fear

The correct answer is: Humor

The answer selected highlights a crucial aspect of emotional arousal levels in content marketing. Humor exemplifies a high arousal emotion because it generally elicits a strong reaction, characterized by laughter and enthusiasm. Humor engages the audience, creating excitement and energy, which can enhance the reception of marketing messages. In the context of content marketing, using humor effectively can help brands resonate more with their audience, making the content memorable and sharable. The high arousal produced by humor can also lead to a positive association with the brand, fostering engagement and loyalty. The other options, while significant emotions in their own right, do not align with the criteria of high arousal. Sadness and contentment are generally considered low arousal emotions, as they do not provoke significant energy or excitement. Fear, although it can induce a strong emotional response, is often associated with avoidance rather than engagement. This distinction is important for marketers to understand when trying to evoke certain emotional responses through their content.