Unit- III Instincts and Emotions

Instincts The term instinct is derived from the Latin word " instincts'' which means to motivate or instigate According to Mc Dougal " an instinct is an innate on inherited mental structure which determines its possessor to perform certain specific actions in certain situations"

Nature of Instinct → Instinct is a natural and innate tendency → Instinctive Behaviour is permanent → Instinct is universal → Instinct is always purposive Instincts are psycho-physical disposition Instincts are modifiable Intelligence and experience act as guide to instinctive behavior Instincts are expressed in particular directions according to particular stimuli

Instincts according to McDougall Associated emotions Combat or pugnacity Anger Repulsion Disgust, hate Curiosity Wonder Submission Negative self feeling Food seeking Appetite Sex Lust Parental care Tender, emotion, love Gregariousness Loneliness Escape Fear Appeal Distress Self assertion Positive self feeling Constructiveness Feeling of creativeness Acquisitiveness Feeling of ownership Laughter Amusement

Mc Dougal’s further classification of instinct Self preservation instincts: pugnacity, repulsion, curiosity, submission, food-seeking, and escape instincts Race preservation instincts: sex, parental care, acquisitive instinct Herd instincts: gregariousness, appeal, self assertion, laughter instincts 4/23/2019

Modification of instincts Repression: using a strict rule or policy on the children. E.g. monasteries curbing strictly the sex instincts of the adolescents Inhibition: opposite instincts is brought into play to weaken the original one. E. g. imposing fine or physical punishment for notorious activities 4/23/2019

Substitution: instinctive behavior is substituted by a similar stimuli Substitution: instinctive behavior is substituted by a similar stimuli. E. g. substituting a pet for a childless mother, acquisition substituted by collecting stamps Redirection: instinct is redirected to a more feasible and acceptable path E. g. quarrelling child can be selected as a monitor Sublimation: a process of diverting the instinctive energy into a refined energy which is better approved socially. E. g. unmarried person can engage himself in painting, music etc 4/23/2019

Emotion 4/23/2019 Emotion A state of arousal involving facial and body changes, brain activation, cognitive appraisals, subjective feelings, and tendencies toward action, all shaped by cultural rules. ©1999 Prentice Hall

© 1999 John Wiley and Sons, Inc. Emotion Emotions reflect a “stirred up’ state Emotions have valence: positive or negative Emotions are thought to have 3 components: Physiological arousal Subjective experience Behavioral expression © 1999 John Wiley and Sons, Inc.

© 1999 John Wiley and Sons, Inc. Taxonomy of Emotion (Figure adapted from Fischer et al., 1990, p. 90) © 1999 John Wiley and Sons, Inc.

Characteristics of emotions Emotion is very brief Emotion is a form of energy mobilization Emotions are associated with instincts Emotion has a behavioral aspect Emotions are associated with motivation Emotions may be primary or secondary Emotions are flexible Emotions are a complex affective state Emotions have a wide range External situations produce emotions Every emotion is accompanied by a certain physiological or bodily change 4/23/2019

Neuropsychology of Emotion Dual processing of emotions: Activation of the amygdala produces visceral responses Cortical activation allows for use of memory in understanding emotional stimuli (Figure adapted from LeDoux, 1986, p. 329) © 1999 John Wiley and Sons, Inc.

Two-factor Theory of Emotion 4/23/2019 Two-factor Theory of Emotion Physiological arousal Sweaty palms Increased heart rate rapid breathing Cognitive Label Attribute source of arousal to a cause To have an emotion, both factors are required Figure 9.11 from: Kassin, S. (1998). Psychology, second edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. Source: Schachter, S. (1964). The interaction of cognitive and physiological determinants of emotional state. In L. Berkowitz (Ed.), Advances in Experimental Social Psychology, 1, 49-80. New York: Academic Press. ©1999 Prentice Hall

Emotion 4/23/2019 The Physiological Component A Historical Perspective James-Lange Theory of Emotion Emotion arises from physiological arousal Happiness comes from smiling Sadness comes from crying Figure 9.2 from: Kassin, S. (2001). Psychology, third edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. ©2001 Prentice Hall

James-Lange Theory of Emotion © 1999 John Wiley and Sons, Inc.

Emotion 4/23/2019 The Physiological Component A Historical Perspective Cannon-Bard Theory of Emotion Emotion originates in the thalamus “Body” (physiological systems) and “Mind” (emotional experience) are independently activated at the same time Figure 9.3 from: Kassin, S. (2001). Psychology, third edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. Source: ©2001 Prentice Hall