The psychology of fear

What is Fear? What is Fear? Fear is an EMOTION. It is generally induced when the subject perceives a THREAT.

Reflection - What is the scariest thing that has ever happened to you? Describe this event.

Reflection - List below anything and everything you are afraid of.   List below anything and everything you are afraid of. Brainstorm quietly. List EVERYTHING!!

Now that you’ve thought about things that scare you, let’s take a minute to relax! Picture yourself walking on a secluded beach. Calm …. Relaxing … Beach Relaxation

Okay, let’s do this for real Okay, let’s do this for real. Imagine yourself on a beautiful cliff at sunset doing yoga. Meditation

Why do we fear the things we do? What happens when we are afraid? Anatomy of Fear Learning Fear Phobias

Imagine coming in contact with one of the things you’ve listed above or having a scary face pop up and scream at you! 1. What happens BIOLOGICALLY (ANATOMICALLY) when we are afraid?

1. The Biology of Fear The information is immediately processed in the AMYGDALA: the fear system’s command center Once the AMYGDALA perceives a threat: body- wide emergency response Impulses from the AMYGDALA jolt the HYPOTHALAMUS

1. The biology of fear Hypothalamus produces a hormone called CORTICOTROPIN (CRF) CRF signals the PITUITARY and ADRENAL GLANDS to flood the bloodstream with epinephrine (adrenaline), norepinephrine, and cortisol. These stress hormones shut down nonemergency services such as DIGESTION and IMMUNITY and direct the body’s resources to FIGHTING OR FLEEING: The branch of the nervous system called the SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM becomes activated, allowing you to prepare for fight or flight.

Nervous system Sympathetic (fear/stress) Parasympathetic (calm/relax)

1. The biology of fear 5. Finally, the activation of the fear response creates a state of heightened awareness in the brain stimulating the HIPPOCAMPUS to encode the memory more vividly than a typical boring event. 6. The toughest part of this fear response is that it can be triggered by an ACTUAL life threat or just a PERCEIVED life threat or even just the THOUGHT of the thing you fear.

November 2 Clip/Review Concepts Review Packet Papers Returned

Papers Returned Take your papers from the stack Use your notes later to help you with the review Notebook check WEDNESDAY

TEST REVIEW 1. Review Tutorial Watch this video to review the concepts we’ve learned about the brain. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHrmiy4W9C0 Add to your notes (from the pile of papers) 2. Review Packet You can use this on your test You cannot use notes on your test Today is your only day IN CLASS to work on this review Use your time wisely

Rewind Finalize Fear Finalize Brain/Review November 6 Rewind Finalize Fear Finalize Brain/Review

1. The biology of fear Can you be scared to death? Person 1 read the article provided in your notes. STRESS HORMONES can be dangerous. Norepinephrine can be toxic to tissues, particularly the HEART.

Are children afraid of the same things adults are? 2. Learning Fear Are children afraid of the same things adults are? https://www.facebook.com/bbc earth/videos/1327074450735053/

Video – BBC One https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfrGd1q_o2M

Story Time Assignment – Look over the list provided Use the paper and materials provided CREATE YOUR OWN PHOBIA POP-UP PAGE Your Page MUST Include: The NAME of the phobia ON FRONT *You cannot use any of the phobias from the book read in class The definition of the phobia (if the definition is not clear from the pictures) A 3-D pop-up Your names on back (if you worked)   When you are done, turn in: Pop-up Pages Phobia List These Notes Completed