Emotions Flashcards
Limbic System
Set of structures in the brain responsible for regulating emotions, as well as for the storage/retrieval of memories (especially those linked to emotion)
What four structures make up the limbic system?
Hypothalamus, amygdala, thalamus, hippocampus
(HAT Hippo)
Thalamus
The thalamus is a sensory relay station. All senses (except smell) pass through the thalamus and are sent to the appropriate part of the cortex
Amygdala
Aggression center of the brain. Stimulation produces agression/anger/anxiety.
Kulver-Bucy syndrome occurs when both halves of the amygdala are destroyed, resulting in disinhibition and hypersexuality.
Hippocampus
Plays an important role in memory formation (conversion of information from short term to long term memory)
Damage to hippocampus causes anterograde amnesia
Hypothalamus
Regulates autonomic nervous system (fight or flight vs. rest and digest)
What role does the cerebral cortex have in emotions?
Positive emotions tend to be processed in the left hemisphere, while negative emotions tend to be processed in the right
Paul Ekman’s 6 universal emotions
Happiness, sadness, fear, anger, disgust, surprise
These emotions are recognized by everyone worldwide based on certain facial expressions
James Lange Theory of Emotion
Emotions are due to the perception of a physiological response
Event> physiological response> interpretation of physiological response> emotion
Cannon Bard Theory of Emotion
Believed physiological response and emotion occurred simultaneously
Event> physiological response + emotion
Schacter-singer theory of emotion
Physiological and cognitive responses occur simultaneously to form an emotion
Event> PR + interpretation of event> emotion
Lazurus Theory of emotion
Emotion is based on how it is cognitively appraised
Event> appraisal of event (label)> emotion + physiological response
Yerke-Dodson Law
People perform best when they are moderately aroused
Appraisal Theory of Stress (Lazaurus)
Stress arises from the appraisal/interpretation of stressful events
Two types of appraisal:
- Primary appraisal: is the event neutral, benign/positive, stressful/negative
- Secondary appraisal: if the event is stressful, to what extent are we able to cope with it?
What are the four types of stressors?
- Significant life changes
- Catastrophic events (i.e. natural disasters)
- Daily hassles (higher for people with lower SES)
- Ambient stressors: global, environmental stressors (pollution, crowding, etc)
What two biological systtems respond to stress?
The nervous system and endocrine system
The sympathetic nervous system mediates the fight or flight response, while the endocrine system regulates the release of catecholemines from the adrenal medulla and cortisol from the adrenal cortex
What hormone mediates the tend and befriend response?
Oxytocin
What are the three phases of General Adaptation Syndrome (Hans Selye)?
- Alarm phase: fight or flight kicks in
- Resistance: body attempts to get out of threat
- Exhaustion: body’s resources are depleted
What are some physical effects of stress on the body?
- Circulatory system: stress can lead to hypertension, vascular disease, and coronary artery disease
- Metabolism: stress increases levels of blood sugar
- Reproductive system: stress shuts down the reproductive system and can lead to impotence if stress is chronic
- Immune system: stress causes inflammation and chronic stress can lead to suppression of the immune system
What two areas of the brain are associated with stress?
The hippocampus and the frontal cortex
What is the anterior cingulate and how does it relate to depression?
It is part of the frontal cortex. Depression is associated with decreased responsiveness to serotonin
Learned helplessness
Cause of depression; occurs when aversive stimuli beyond ones control cause them to believe that they are powerless
What are some examples of maladaptive coping mechanisms?
Dissociation, sensitization, safety behaviors, anxious avoidance, escape
