The article explores the integration of attention and emotion, suggesting that both processes are mediated by fundamental motivational systems evolved to support survival. Attention is conceptualized as a set of functional responses indexed by specific central, perceptual, and motor processes, while emotion is organized around defensive and appetitive motivational systems. The author reviews studies that assess psychophysiological responses to novel and significant stimuli, finding that different components of the orienting response habituate at different rates. Novel stimuli elicit initial orienting responses, while significant stimuli (both pleasant and unpleasant) modulate the magnitude of these responses. The article also discusses the role of electrodermal activity, heart rate changes, and event-related potentials in measuring orienting responses. Finally, it concludes that orienting is a multifaceted reaction to an event's significance, engaging sensory-motor processes that support both passive and active attention, as well as natural selective attention.The article explores the integration of attention and emotion, suggesting that both processes are mediated by fundamental motivational systems evolved to support survival. Attention is conceptualized as a set of functional responses indexed by specific central, perceptual, and motor processes, while emotion is organized around defensive and appetitive motivational systems. The author reviews studies that assess psychophysiological responses to novel and significant stimuli, finding that different components of the orienting response habituate at different rates. Novel stimuli elicit initial orienting responses, while significant stimuli (both pleasant and unpleasant) modulate the magnitude of these responses. The article also discusses the role of electrodermal activity, heart rate changes, and event-related potentials in measuring orienting responses. Finally, it concludes that orienting is a multifaceted reaction to an event's significance, engaging sensory-motor processes that support both passive and active attention, as well as natural selective attention.