Theories of Emotion and PA Flashcards
Describe the James-Lange theory
Our conscious experience of emotions is influenced by our perception of autonomic arousal (only when you see yourself aroused will you feel the emotion)
What does the James-Lange theory have to say about different emotional expereinces?
Different autonomic response patterns result in different emotions
What critiques did Cannon and Bard have of James-Lange?
Flaws: autonomic arousal occurs w/o emotion (exercise)
- Fear, Joy anger, produced by near identical patterns
Describe the Cannon-Bard theory
We consciously experience emotions because thalamus sends simultaneous signals to cortex (consciousness) and autonomic system (reaction)
Explain Schachter’s Two-Factor theory
In addition to CB, we consciously look at situational cues to determine what emotion we’re feeling. Two factors:
- autonomic arousal
- cognitive interpretation of that arousal
Give an example of two-factor theory in action
If I’m aroused, and you’re annoying, I must be angry.
What was the bridge experiment and how did it relate to TF theory?
Men hailed by a women over two bridged: one perilous and the other calm. More men asked out the women on the perilous bridge because they felt arousal (from height) and interpreted it as attraction.
What are some flaws with TF theory?
People don’t just look at immediate surroundings, also memory. See a snake behind glass, won’t be too alarmed because we know the cues.
Can you EVER guess what the evolutionary theory of emotion is?
Emotions have (drum roll) adaptive value. Mostly innate reactions to stimuli. Thought/cognition plays small role
Why do evolutionary theorists think emotions evolved first?
Subcortical structures are older and evolved first. Some are very fine tuned to specific emotions
How many emotions are fundamental and have strong adaptive value?
8-10 (including 6 “universal” ones)
How do evolutionary theorists reconcile mixed emotions?
Two ways:
- literal blend of primary emotions
- varying intensity
Describe Plutchik’s model
Half-egg shape where emotions move in intensity on a vertical scale (and are relabbeled as different ones at each stage)
-ex: Rage ->anger ->annoyance (higher=more intense)
What is subjective well-being?
How we perceive ourselves in terms of overall happiness?
What is the trend of overall happiness?
Not as universally sad as one might think. Most people hover around a baseline
What are the four factors that DON’T contribute to happiness
- Money: weaker in affluent countries where needs met
- Age: priorities shift but other than that…
- Parenthood: ups and downs balance out
- Intelligence/attractiveness: no correlation
Why is money not a great source of happiness (in affluent countries). Where is money best spent?
Always comparing yourself to others. Consumer culture always makes you feel like you don’t have enough. Better spent on experiences
What are the three moderate predictors of happiness?
- Health: disabled people are still happy mostly
- Social activity: people 50+ with more friends were happier
- Religion: purpose, sense of calm/order
What are two strong predictors of happiness, why?
Romance satisfaction: married people are usually happier (despite bickering)
Work: unemployment has bad impacts. Also, happier you are outside of work, happier you’ll be in it generally
What is the biggest source of happiness?
Genetics/personality: 50% of predisposition for happiness comes from genes. Extroverted people are generally happier
What are the three conclusions about subjective well-being?
- Determinants of happiness are subjective
- Happiness (and other emotions) are relative
- People adapt to circumstances (baseline happiness)
What is the hedonic treadmill/adaptation?
When people adjust to worse or better circumstances (going back to baseline)
Adaptation: good, worse circumstances
Treadmill: bad. Better circumstances but no greater happiness
