chapter 2 Flashcards
What are the three approach-oriented brain structures and their functions?
- Hypothalamus: Regulates bodily functions and motivational states (e.g., hunger, thirst).
- Medial Forebrain Bundle: Involved in pleasure and reward.
- Orbitofrontal Cortex: Involved in decision-making and emotional responses.
What are the two avoidance-oriented brain structures and their functions?
- Amygdala: Processes fear, threats, and danger; crucial for emotional memory.
- Hippocampus: Responsible for memory formation, particularly related to emotional experiences.
Which structure is associated with arousal and what is its role?
Reticular Formation: Regulates arousal and alertness.
What is dopamine’s role in motivation and emotion?
Dopamine creates feelings of pleasure and reward, promoting approach behaviors by motivating individuals to seek positive experiences.
How do endorphins influence emotions?
Endorphins act as natural painkillers and create feelings of euphoria, helping reduce pain and stress.
What is the role of norepinephrine in emotional responses?
Norepinephrine increases alertness and arousal, preparing the body for “fight or flight” during stressful situations.
What does serotonin regulate, and how does it affect mood?
Serotonin regulates mood, appetite, and sleep. Balanced serotonin levels promote emotional stability, while low levels are linked to depression and anxiety.
What is cortisol, and how does it affect motivation and emotion?
Cortisol, the “stress hormone,” is released during social-evaluative stress. Chronic high levels impair cognitive function, promote negative emotions, and affect health.
How does testosterone affect motivation and relationships?
Testosterone drives competitive and sexual motivation. Lower levels are associated with commitment, while higher levels are linked to mate-seeking and infidelity.
What is oxytocin’s role in stress and bonding?
Oxytocin, the “bonding hormone,” promotes social bonding and trust, encouraging caregiving behaviors, especially during stress.
What are neurotransmitter pathways, and why are they important?
Neurotransmitter pathways are clusters of neurons and nerve fibers that communicate using specific neurotransmitters. They play a crucial role in regulating motivation and emotional responses.
What is the role of the prefrontal cortex in motivation and emotion?
The prefrontal cortex is involved in both approach and avoidance motivation, influencing decision-making and emotional regulation.
What is the difference between approach and avoidance motivation?
Approach motivation drives individuals toward positive, rewarding experiences, while avoidance motivation pushes them away from threats, fear, or negative outcomes.
How does the amygdala contribute to emotional experiences?
The amygdala processes fear and threat-related stimuli, making it essential for recognizing danger and forming emotional memories.
How do oxytocin and cortisol differently affect stress responses?
Cortisol activates the “fight or flight” stress response, often leading to negative emotions, while oxytocin promotes social bonding and support during stress, offering a “tend and befriend” coping mechanism.
