Psych 35, 36, 37, 38 Flashcards
How do arousal, expressive behavior, and cognition interact in emotion?
Emotions are a mix of bodily arousal, expressive behaviors, conscious experience and feelings. James-Lange theory emotions result from attention to our bodily activity. Body->brain->fear (we observe our heart pounding and feel fear). The Cannon-Bard: arousal and emotion happen at the same time (heart pounding as i experience fear
How do emotions activate different physiological and brain-pattern responses?
The large-scale body changes that accompany fear, anger, and sexual arousal are very similar (increased perspiration, breathing, and heart rate), though they feel different. Emotions may be similarly arousing, but some subtle physiological responses (such as facial muscle movements) distinguish them. More meaningful differences have been found in activity in some brain pathways and cortical areas.
What is the link between emotional arousal and the autonomic nervous system?
The arousal component of emotion is regulated by the autonomic nervous system’s sympathetic (arousing) and parasympathetic (calming) divisions. In a crisis, the fight-or-flight response automatically mobilizes your body for action.
To experience emotions, must we consciously interpret and label them?
The Schachter-Singer two-factor theory holds that our emotions have two ingredients, physical arousal and a cognitive label; But ]]: simple emotional responses occur instantly, not only outside our conscious awareness, but before any cognitive processing occurs. This interplay between emotion and cognition illustrates our two-track mind.
How effective are polygraphs in using body states to detect lies?
Polygraphs (lie detectors) attempt to detect lies by measuring several emotion-linked physiological changes, but are not accurate enough to justify widespread use in business and law enforcement. The Concealed Information Test produces better indications of lying.
How do we communicate nonverbally?
Much of our communication is through body movements, facial expressions, and vocal tones. Even seconds-long filmed slices of behavior can reveal feelings.
How do men and women differ in nonverbal communication?
Women tend to read emotional cues more easily and to be more empathic. Their faces also express more emotion.
How are gestures and facial expressions understood within and across cultures?
The meaning of gestures varies with culture, but facial expressions, such as those of happiness and sadness, are roughly similar the world over. Context and culture can influence the interpretation of facial expressions; cultural display rules also influence the amount of emotion expressed.
How do our facial expressions influence our feelings?
Research on the facial feedback effect shows that our facial expressions can trigger emotional feelings and signal our body to respond accordingly. We also mimic others’ expressions, which helps us empathize. A similar behavior feedback effect is the tendency of behavior to influence our own and others’ thoughts, feelings, and actions.
What are some of the basic emotions?
Most emotion scientists agree that anger, fear, disgust, sadness, and happiness are basic human emotions. Carroll Izard’s 10 basic emotions are joy, interest-excitement, surprise, sadness, anger, disgust, contempt, fear, shame, and guilt.
What are the causes and consequences of anger?
Anger is often evoked by misdeeds that we interpret as willful, unjustified, and avoidable. But smaller frustrations and blameless annoyances can also trigger anger, and our culture can influence how we express that anger. Anger boosts our heart rate and increases inflammation. Emotional catharsis may be temporarily calming, but it does not reduce anger; expressing anger can make us angrier. Experts suggest reducing the level of physiological arousal of anger by waiting, finding a healthy distraction or support, and trying to move away from the situation mentally. Controlled assertions of feelings may resolve conflicts, and forgiveness may rid us of angry feelings.
What is the feel-good, do-good phenomenon, and what is the focus of positive psychology research?
Happy people tend to be healthy, energized, and satisfied with life, making them more willing to help others (the feel-good, do-good phenomenon). Positive psychologists use scientific methods to study human flourishing, aiming to discover and promote strengths and virtues that help individuals and communities to thrive.
How does our appraisal of an event affect our stress reaction, and what are the three main types of stressors?
Stress is the process by which we appraise and respond to stressors that challenge or threaten us. If we appraise an event as challenging, we will be aroused and focused in preparation for success; if we appraise it as a threat, we will experience a stress reaction, and our health may suffer. The three main types of stressors are catastrophes, significant life changes, and daily hassles and social stress. Daily hassles and social stress may include inequality and prejudice, chronic workplace stress (which may lead to worker “burnout”), and the conflicts we face between our different approach and avoidance motives.
How do time, wealth, adaptation, and comparison affect our happiness levels?
The moods triggered by good or bad events seldom last beyond that day. Even significant good events seldom increase happiness for long. Having enough money to assure comfort, security, and a sense of control predicts happiness; having more than enough does not increase it. Economic growth in many countries has produced rising inequality, which predicts unhappiness; in countries and states with greater inequality, lower-income people experience more ill health, social problems, and mental disorders. Happiness is relative to our own experiences (the adaptation-level phenomenon) and to others’ success (the relative deprivation principle).
What predicts happiness, and how can we be happier?
Some individuals, because of their genetic predispositions and personal histories, are happier than others. Cultures, which vary in the traits they value and the behaviors they expect and reward, also influence personal levels of happiness. Tips for increasing happiness levels: Take charge of your schedule, act happy, seek meaningful work and leisure, buy experiences rather than things, exercise, sleep enough, foster friendships, focus and find meaning beyond the self, challenge negative thinking, and nurture gratitude and spirituality.
