UNIT 1 - BIOLOGICAL ASPECTS - EMOTIONS AND STRESS Flashcards
How does VandenBos define emotion?
A complex reaction pattern involving experiential, behavioral, and physiological elements, by which an individual attempts to deal with a personally significant matter or event.
What is the key element in VandenBos’s definition of emotion?
“Personally significant,” emphasizing the importance an individual attaches to an event.
How does Plutchik define emotion?
Emotion involves cognitive evaluations, subjective changes, autonomic and neural arousal, and impulses to action.
What are the four components commonly associated with emotions?
Cognitions (judgments), feelings, actions, and physiological changes.
Which two branches of the autonomic nervous system are involved in emotions?
The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
What is arousal?
A state of alertness and readiness for action.
What does the sympathetic nervous system do during arousal?
Stimulates certain organs (e.g., heart) and inhibits others (e.g., stomach, intestines).
What is the biological correlate of impulsive aggression?
Activation of the amygdala without inhibition from the prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex.
What is the James-Lange theory of emotion?
Awareness of our physical state leads to the identification of a subjective feeling (e.g., trembling leads to feeling anxious).
What is the facial feedback hypothesis?
Facial expressions affect how people feel.
What are some criticisms of the James-Lange theory?
Physiological responses are not always associated with feelings, and the elements of emotion can occur discretely. No specific arousal pattern has been linked to a specific emotion.
Which brain areas are involved in emotional states?
ANS, amygdala, insula, cingulate cortex, and cerebral cortex.
What role does the hypothalamus play in emotions?
It regulates the ANS.
What are the functions of the amygdala and insula in emotion?
Amygdala: Identifies emotional stimuli and initiates arousal (especially negative). Insula: Distinguishes between positive and negative stimuli, especially disgust.
What is the role of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in emotion?
Acts as a gateway between the amygdala and frontal lobes; processes pain and cognitive appraisals of threat.
What is the role of the basal ganglia in emotion?
Coordinates movement in response to emotional stimuli; active in disgust.
How do the cerebral hemispheres differ in emotional processing?
Left hemisphere: Approach emotions. Right hemisphere: Avoidance emotions. The right hemisphere plays a greater role in processing emotions for most people.
How does Freberg define stress?
An unpleasant and disruptive state resulting from the perception of danger and threat.
How does VandenBos define stress?
Emphasizes the physiological and psychological response to a stressor, involving changes in nearly every system of the body.
What is a stressor?
The source of stress.
What are the three stages of the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)?
Alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.
What happens during the alarm stage of GAS?
Adrenal glands release epinephrine, stimulating the sympathetic nervous system. Cortisol and aldosterone are also released.
What happens during the resistance stage of GAS?
Sympathetic responses decline, but cortisol and other hormones continue to be released.
What happens during the exhaustion stage of GAS?
The body is tired, inactive, and vulnerable due to depletion of resources.
What does HPA axis stand for?
Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal Cortex axis.
What is the role of the HPA axis in stress?
It is activated during prolonged (chronic) stress. The hypothalamus triggers the pituitary gland to release ACTH, which stimulates the adrenal cortex to release cortisol.
How does cortisol help the body deal with stress?
Enhances metabolic activity, elevates blood sugar, and increases alertness.
What is psychoneuroimmunology (PNI)?
The study of the interactions between the behavioral, nervous, endocrine, and immune systems.
What are leukocytes
White blood cells, the primary components of the immune system.
What are the three types of leukocytes?
B cells, T cells, and natural killer cells.
How does chronic stress affect the immune system?
It weakens the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections.
What do B cells do?
Secrete antibodies that attach to antigens.
What do T cells do?
Directly attack intruder antigens.
What do natural killer cells do?
Attack tumor cells and virus-infected cells indiscriminately
What are cytokines?
Proteins produced by leukocytes and other cells that combat infections.
What are some examples of stress-related illnesses?
Peptic ulcers, hypertension, and migraines.
How can brief stress be beneficial?
It can enhance performance, concentration, and the immune system.
How does prolonged stress affect the body?
It can weaken the immune system and lead to various health problems.
Which hemisphere of the brain is more involved in processing the emotional aspects of language?
The right hemisphere.
What part of the brain is involved in coordinating movement in response to emotional stimuli?
The basal ganglia.
What is the key difference between Freberg’s and VandenBos’ definitions of stress?
Freberg emphasizes the perception of threat, while VandenBos emphasizes the response to a stressor.
