Functions of Emotions Flashcards
What is the central focus of Hwang and Matsumoto’s (2021) chapter on emotions?
The chapter focuses on understanding the functions of emotions—how emotions help individuals adapt, survive, and thrive in their environments by guiding behavior and decision-making.
How do emotions function in an evolutionary context according to Hwang & Matsumoto?
Emotions are evolved psychological mechanisms that help individuals respond to environmental challenges and opportunities, aiding in survival and reproduction by promoting behaviors that increase fitness.
What are the basic functions of emotions described by Hwang & Matsumoto?
Adaptation: Emotions help individuals respond to stimuli in a way that increases their chances of survival.
Action Readiness: Emotions prepare individuals for specific actions (e.g., anger motivates defense, fear promotes escape).
Communication: Emotions help convey internal states to others, facilitating social interactions and bonding.
Regulation of Behavior: Emotions influence decision-making and can motivate goal-directed actions or avoidance behaviors.
How do emotions influence decision-making?
Emotions guide decision-making by signaling important information about the environment, making individuals more likely to take action in ways that maximize rewards and minimize threats.
What role do emotions play in social interactions?
Emotions serve as a social signal, conveying information about one’s intentions, desires, and states of mind to others. They facilitate cooperation, bonding, and conflict resolution.
How do emotions help in communication according to Hwang & Matsumoto?
Emotions express internal states, allowing individuals to communicate feelings such as joy, fear, or anger without using words. This helps to align intentions and actions in social contexts.
How do fear and anger function differently in response to threats?
Fear motivates escape or avoidance to reduce danger, while anger motivates defensive or aggressive actions to confront or eliminate threats, depending on the context.
How do positive emotions function in terms of adaptation?
Positive emotions such as happiness or excitement signal rewarding situations, encouraging behaviors that lead to growth, exploration, and increased resources (e.g., food, safety, social connections).
What is the role of emotions in moral decision-making?
Emotions such as guilt, shame, or empathy influence moral decisions by promoting behavior that aligns with social norms and ethical standards, thus fostering cooperation and reducing harm to others.
How do cultural differences influence emotional expressions and functions?
Cultures shape the expression, experience, and regulation of emotions. For example, collectivist cultures may emphasize emotions that maintain group harmony (e.g., shame), while individualistic cultures may prioritize emotions tied to personal achievement (e.g., pride).
What is the role of emotions in coping with stress?
Emotions like anxiety or sadness help individuals recognize stressors and motivate behaviors to cope, either through avoidance, problem-solving, or seeking social support.
How do emotions aid in motivation?
Emotions are powerful motivators by directing attention toward goals, reinforcing goal-directed behaviors, and providing feedback on the progress of achieving desired outcomes (e.g., happiness when succeeding, sadness when failing).
How does emotional regulation contribute to well-being?
Effective emotional regulation—the ability to manage and respond to emotional experiences—supports mental health by reducing stress, improving coping strategies, and enhancing interpersonal relationships.
What is the relationship between emotions and self-control?
Emotions can either enhance or hinder self-control. Strong emotions may lead to impulsive behaviors, while emotion regulation can help individuals delay gratification and make decisions that align with long-term goals.
What is the functional approach to understanding emotions?
The functional approach emphasizes how emotions serve practical functions that increase survival, influence behavior, and shape social relationships, rather than viewing emotions as purely internal states.
