brainscape_flashcards_final_80
Question/Term
Answer/Definition
What is the Triune Brain Model?
It divides the brain into three parts: the reptilian brain (survival functions), the limbic brain (emotions), and the neocortex (abstract thought).
What is Oxytocin’s role in bonding?
Oxytocin facilitates bonding, especially in mother-infant relationships, and reduces stress.
Who developed Attachment Theory?
John Bowlby proposed Attachment Theory, suggesting that early attachment behaviors are evolutionary survival strategies.
What is Dopamine’s function in the brain?
Dopamine is involved in reward circuitry and reinforces behaviors; it’s often elevated during romantic attraction.
What are key types of love in ancient Greece?
Eros (sexual passion), Philia (deep friendship), Storge (familial love), Ludos (playful love), Agape (universal love).
What is Bowlby’s impact on institutional care?
His work led to changes in institutional care practices, advocating for continuous mother-child relationships for mental health.
How did Harry Harlow study maternal attachment?
Harlow used rhesus monkeys to demonstrate that social isolation results in psychological distress.
What are SSRIs and how do they work?
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) increase serotonin in the synapse, improving mood and emotional stability.
What is the ‘Science of Neglect’?
Experiments by Rene Spitz and others showed that emotional deprivation in children leads to developmental issues.
What is Fromm’s concept of mature love?
Mature love is defined by giving rather than receiving, and it requires discipline, concentration, and patience.
What are neurotransmitters involved in love?
Dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, oxytocin, vasopressin.
What happens when dopamine is elevated in the nucleus accumbens?
It increases preference for partners, reinforcing romantic bonding.
What are the three systems related to love?
Sex drive, attraction, and attachment.
What is the role of serotonin in love?
Serotonin levels may decrease during romantic attraction, linking love to obsessive thoughts.
What did Mary Ainsworth discover?
She developed the Strange Situation procedure and identified secure and insecure attachment styles.
What is the impact of oxytocin on relationships?
High oxytocin levels correlate with stronger relationships and increased social bonding.
What are the characteristics of secure attachment?
Trust, mutual support, and the use of the caregiver as a safe base for exploration.
How does norepinephrine affect attraction?
It heightens arousal and alertness, playing a role in attraction.
What is the significance of mirror neurons?
They allow individuals to empathize and understand others’ emotions by mirroring their actions.
What is Bowlby’s attachment theory?
Attachment behaviors evolved as survival strategies to keep infants close to caregivers.
What was the result of Spitz’s study on ‘hospitalism’?
Children deprived of caregiving beyond 5 months showed severe mental deterioration.
What did Harry Harlow’s experiments reveal?
Monkeys deprived of maternal contact displayed severe emotional issues.
What is the importance of dopamine in addiction and love?
Dopamine reinforces behaviors, making love and addictive substances similarly compelling.
What are the stages of childhood friendships?
Friendships evolve from companionship (ages 4-7) to mutual trust (ages 8-10) and loyalty (ages 11-15).
What is the Red Queen Hypothesis?
It posits that species must evolve continuously to survive against ever-changing threats.
What are the traits of popular children?
They are sociable, cooperative, emotionally aware, and adaptable.
How do SSRIs affect emotions?
SSRIs increase serotonin levels, improving mood but may reduce the intensity of romantic attraction.
What is Fromm’s view on love?
Love is an art requiring discipline, concentration, and the ability to overcome narcissism.
What is ‘primary narcissism’ according to Freud?
It describes a newborn’s focus on self, which later shifts outward as they depend on others.
What is the function of the mammalian brain?
The limbic system governs emotions, memory, and habits.
What is the role of the neocortex in the brain?
It manages abstract thought, planning, language, and conscious motor control.
What did George Saunders emphasize in his speech?
He highlighted the importance of kindness as a life principle.
What did the Oneida Community practice?
They believed in ‘complex marriage,’ where romantic exclusivity was discouraged.
What does the Kama Sutra teach?
It offers guidance on relationships, courtship, and maintaining desire in marriage.
How does oxytocin influence maternal behavior?
Oxytocin promotes bonding, stabilizes emotions, and helps mothers respond to infants.
What are the components of non-verbal communication?
Facial expressions, body language, touch, and tone of voice.
What is the ‘need to belong’ theory?
Humans require close relationships for mental well-being and health.
What are expressive and instrumental traits?
Expressive traits include warmth and sensitivity, while instrumental traits involve assertiveness and ambition.
What is the role of vasopressin in love?
It supports pair bonding, particularly in males, and promotes attachment.
What are the characteristics of unhealthy self-love?
It is narcissistic, self-obsessive, and focused on personal gain.
What is the role of endorphins in emotional bonding?
Endorphins help regulate emotional and physical pain, promoting feelings of pleasure and attachment.
How does separation affect infant mammals?
Separation from the mother can trigger distress calls, which cease when the infant is comforted.
What are the main neurotransmitters linked to stress responses?
Norepinephrine and epinephrine, both involved in the fight-or-flight response.
What is the Strange Situation Procedure?
A method developed by Mary Ainsworth to assess attachment styles in children.
What did Konrad Lorenz discover about imprinting?
Young animals bond instinctively with the first moving object they see.
How does cultural influence shape relationships?
Cultural norms affect views on marriage, cohabitation, and divorce.
What is the importance of proximity in attraction?
Being physically close to someone increases familiarity and attraction.
What is instrumental love?
Love based on how a person helps us achieve our personal goals.
What is the impact of maternal deprivation according to Rene Spitz?
Prolonged separation from a caregiver can cause developmental and emotional damage.
How do prairie voles demonstrate pair bonding?
Increased dopamine and oxytocin levels foster monogamous relationships.
What is the significance of ‘mirror neurons’ in empathy?
They enable us to feel and understand others’ emotions by mirroring their actions.
What is the function of the prefrontal cortex in relationships?
It helps regulate emotions, decision-making, and impulse control.
What is Ludos love?
Playful love that involves fun and flirtation, often seen in young relationships.
What is Agape love?
Selfless love extended to all people, emphasizing compassion and kindness.
What are ‘expressive traits’?
Traits like warmth, sensitivity, and compassion, typically associated with emotional connection.
What are ‘instrumental traits’?
Traits like assertiveness, ambition, and decisiveness, often linked to goal-oriented behavior.
What did Stephen Mitchell argue about fantasy in love?
He believed fantasy and idealization are essential parts of romantic relationships.
What does the ‘sex drive system’ in the brain control?
It motivates individuals to seek sexual union and gratification.
What role does oxytocin play in labor and breastfeeding?
Oxytocin triggers contractions during childbirth and promotes milk production during breastfeeding.
What are ‘taboo topics’ in relationships?
Subjects partners avoid discussing, often to maintain harmony in the relationship.
What is ‘parent-infant attunement’?
It describes how well a parent responds to an infant’s emotional needs.
What is the ‘need for mutuality’ in relationships?
Partners recognize and support each other, viewing themselves as a team.
How does norepinephrine affect behavior?
It heightens vigilance and attention, especially during stress or attraction.
What are the ‘phases of love’ according to neuroscience?
Sex drive, attraction, and attachment are sequential phases of love.
How does serotonin influence obsessive thoughts in relationships?
Low serotonin levels during early attraction may lead to obsessive thinking.
What did Fromm mean by ‘love is a verb’?
Love requires ongoing effort, action, and commitment.
How does attachment impact adulthood relationships?
Early attachment patterns influence expectations and behavior in future relationships.
What is the ‘holding environment’ concept by Winnicott?
It refers to the emotional support provided by a caregiver to help a child develop autonomy.
What is the role of play in mammalian development?
Play fosters social skills, emotional regulation, and bonding.
What is ‘hospitalism’ according to Rene Spitz?
A severe form of developmental deterioration due to long-term emotional deprivation.
What is ‘anaclitic depression’?
A condition in infants resulting from the loss of a primary caregiver.
What are ‘social competence’ traits?
Skills that enable individuals to interact successfully in social settings.
How does testosterone influence attraction?
Higher testosterone levels are associated with increased sexual attraction and competitiveness.
What is the function of vasopressin in prairie voles?
It promotes pair bonding, especially in male voles.
What is ‘conditional love’ according to Fromm?
Love based on meeting specific expectations or fulfilling obligations.
What is the ‘mere exposure effect’?
Repeated exposure to someone or something increases positive feelings toward it.
What is ‘mutual trust’ in a relationship?
Both partners feel secure that the other will act in their best interest.
What are the physiological signs of attraction?
Increased heart rate, sweating, and pupil dilation.
How do animals use grooming for bonding?
Grooming promotes social bonds by releasing endorphins and reducing stress.
What is the role of dopamine in prairie voles?
It reinforces partner preference and monogamous behavior by increasing dopamine in the nucleus accumbens.
