15 Emotions, Aggression, and Stress

15 Broad Theories of Emotion Emphasize Bodily Responses Emotional states are caused by the autonomic nervous system: 1.The sympathetic nervous system (the “fight or flight” system that generally activates the body for action) or 2.the parasympathetic nervous system (which generally prepares the body to relax and recuperate).

15 How Many Emotions Do We Experience? There is cross-cultural similarity in expression production, but there are culture-specific differences in display. The extent of cultural influence is under debate. A role of facial expression is paralinguistic—an accessory to communication.

Figure 15.5 Cultural Differences in Recognizing Facial Expressions of Emotion

Figure 15.6 A Model for Emotional Facial Expressions across Cultures

15 How Many Emotions Do We Experience? Two categories of facial muscles: Superficial facial muscles—attach to facial skin Deep facial muscles—attach to skeletal structures in the head Facial muscles are innervated by two cranial nerves: the facial nerve (VII) and the motor branch of the trigeminal nerve (V).

Figure 15.7 Facial Muscles and Their Neural Control

15 How Many Emotions Do We Experience? The facial feedback hypothesis suggests that sensory feedback from our facial expressions can affect our mood Manipulating facial expressions can alter a person’s mood.

Figure 15.8 Facial Feedback Hypothesis

15 How Many Emotions Do We Experience? Impairment of facial expressions may affect social interaction. Inhibition of facial muscles may be caused by Parkinson’s disease or by schizophrenia. Bell’s palsy is caused by a virus and can cause partial facial paralysis. Link to patient

15 Emotions from the Evolutionary Viewpoint Darwin suggested that expressions and emotions came from a common ancestor. Besides expressions, he noted the similarity in facial musculature and nerves in human and nonhuman primates. good but long (8min) clip

Figure Emotional Expression in Animals

15 Emotions from the Evolutionary Viewpoint Redican described primate expressions relative to humans: Grimace, like fear or surprise in humans Tense mouth, like anger Play face, like the human laugh

Figure Facial Expression of Emotions in Nonhuman Primates

15 Emotions from the Evolutionary Viewpoint Evolutionary psychology studies how natural selection has shaped behavior. Emotions may coordinate responses to solve adaptive problems. Cooperating with a group, choosing a mate, avoiding predators, and finding food sources may have required emotional adaptation.

15 Emotions from the Evolutionary Viewpoint Individual response stereotypy is the tendency of individuals to have the same response patterns throughout their lives. Infants who are high reactives to stimuli—with exceptionally strong reactions—may later have increased phobias or fear responses.