Chapter 12 Flashcards
What is the definition of emotion in psychology?
Emotion is a response of the whole organism that involves (1) physiological arousal, (2) expressive behaviors, and (3) conscious experience (thoughts and feelings).
What is the James-Lange theory of emotion?
The James-Lange theory proposes that our experience of emotion is the awareness of our physiological responses to emotion-arousing stimuli.
What is the Cannon-Bard theory of emotion?
The Cannon-Bard theory suggests that an emotion-arousing stimulus triggers both physiological responses and the conscious experience of emotion simultaneously.
What is the Schacter-Singer two-factor theory of emotion?
According to this theory, emotion results from (1) physical arousal plus (2) a cognitive interpretation (label) of that arousal.
What is the spillover effect?
The spillover effect occurs when arousal from one situation carries over into another, influencing the emotional experience.
What is the Zajonc/LeDoux theory of emotion?
This perspective holds that some emotional responses can occur instantly, without conscious appraisal, bypassing the cortex and going directly to the amygdala.
How does Lazarus explain emotion?
Lazarus emphasizes cognitive appraisal as essential to emotion, assessing whether a situation is harmless or dangerous.
How does the sympathetic nervous system trigger emotional arousal?
The sympathetic division activates the ‘fight-or-flight’ response, releasing stress hormones that increase heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar.
How does the parasympathetic nervous system calm the body after stress?
The parasympathetic division counteracts the sympathetic response by slowing heart rate and lowering blood pressure.
What are the physiological responses associated with emotional arousal?
Typical responses include increased heart rate, rapid breathing, perspiration, dilated pupils, and muscle tension.
What is the role of the insula in emotional experiences?
The insula is activated during various emotional states, integrating bodily signals into emotional awareness.
How does the amygdala process emotions?
The amygdala is crucial for detecting emotionally significant stimuli, especially fear or threat.
What functions does the hypothalamus have in regulating emotional responses?
The hypothalamus helps coordinate autonomic functions and works with other brain regions to manage emotional states.
How is the prefrontal cortex involved in regulating emotions?
The prefrontal cortex helps with emotional regulation, decision-making, and interpreting emotional information.
How do different emotions stimulate different facial muscles?
Happiness often involves contraction of the muscles around the eyes and mouth, while fear and anger activate other facial patterns.
In what ways do we communicate nonverbally?
We use facial expressions, body posture, gestures, eye contact, and vocal tone to convey emotions.
What is the ability to detect subtle expressions and threats?
Humans are attuned to small changes in facial expressions and body language, allowing us to sense emotions quickly.
What differences exist between genders in reading emotional cues and expressing emotions?
Women tend to be better at interpreting nonverbal emotional cues and are generally more expressive than men.
How do cultural differences affect gestures and facial expressions?
Hand gestures and body language vary widely by culture, but core facial expressions are largely universal.
What are display rules in emotional expression?
Display rules are cultural norms that dictate how, when, and where individuals should express (or suppress) emotions.
What is the facial feedback effect?
The facial feedback effect suggests that making certain facial expressions can influence our emotional state.
What is the behavior feedback effect?
The behavior feedback effect indicates that adopting certain postures or movements can shift our emotional experience.
What are Carroll Izard’s 10 basic emotions?
Izard proposed 10 basic emotions: joy, interest-excitement, surprise, sadness, anger, disgust, contempt, fear, shame, and guilt.
What are the common causes and consequences of anger?
Anger often arises from perceived misdeeds, insults, or frustrations, and can harm relationships and health.
