chapter 8- exam 2 Flashcards
frontal cortex
higher cognitive functions, social understanding, abstraction, consciousness, problem solving, self control, cooperation, negative emotions
brain asymmetry
the degree to which the two sides of the brain respond differently, may be an individual difference associated with emotional sensitivity
hemispheres
- pleasant emotion (left) and unpleasant emotion (right)
- approach ( left) and withdrawal (right)
- inhibition of reactions to unpleasant stimuli (left)
somatic marker hypothesis
- idea that the bodily emotional component of thought is necessary part of problem solving and decision making
neural context effect
- its important to look at more than one area of the brain to understand complex processes
- persistence requires two areas of the frontal cortex and part of the straitum
ascending reticular activating system (ARAS)
- connected to the cerebral cortex and rest of brain
- regulation of balance between arousal and calming by allowing information into the brain
- introverts= overaroused
- extraverts= underaroused
- lemon juice test= sour for introverts
amygdala
- links perceptions and thoughts with emotional meaning
- role is assessing whether a stimulus is threatening or rewarding
- relevant traits: anxiety, fearfulness, aggression, sociability, sexuality, optimism
- some theorize that anxiety is caused by an overactive amygdala
- charles whitman (ut shooter) had tumor near amygdala
neurotransmitters
- communication among the neurons
- an electrical impulse causes neurons to release neurotransmitter chemicals into the synapse
synapse
the gap in the neurons
hormone
a biological chemical that affects the body in a location different from where the chemical is produced
dopamine
- involved in responding to rewards and approaching attractive objects and people
- related to sociability, general activity level, and novelty seeking
- reward deficiency syndrome: related to problems with processing dopamine
- syndrome results in: alcoholism, drug abuse, smoking, compulsive overeating, ADD, pathological gambling
serotonin
- role in inhibition of behavioral impulses, particularly emotional impulses
- serotonin depletion syndrome: dangerous criminals, arsonists, and violent, suicidal individuals, irrational anger, hypersensitivity to rejection, chronic pessimism, obsessive worry, and fear of risk taking
- prozac: a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
Epinephrine
- adrenaline
- released in response to stress, create the fight or flight response
- can cause problems if too easily triggered
- can lead to anxiety and neuroticism
oxytocin
- role in mother-child bonding, romantic attachment, social recognition, anxiety and sexual response
- females might respond differently to stress
- fight or flight and tend and befriend are only the initial response to stress
cortisol
- released in response to stress to prepare body for action
- chronically hgih levels in people with severe stress, anxiety, and depression
- low levels related to post traumatic stress disorder and sensation seeking