Theories of Emotions Module 41

Emotions Response that involves Bodily arousal Expressive behaviors Conscious experience

James-Lange Theory William James Emotional experience occurs after the bodily change and as a result of it Event  Arousal Emotion

Experiment… Number somewhere on a piece of paper 1 – 10 You will be given instructions about how to hold your pen. You will view and rate how funny 10 cartoons are that you will be viewing. 1 = not funny at all 7 = extremely funny You will calculate the mean of your scores. Here we go…

Cartoon 1

Cartoon #2

Cartoon #3

Cartoon #4

Cartoon #5

Cartoon #6

Cartoon #7

Slide #8

Cartoon #9

Cartoon #10

James Lange Theory Supported by Facial feedback hypothesis Activity of the facial muscles that create expressions determines the emotions we experience

Cannon-Bard Theory Bodily reactions do not cause emotional responses Bodily reactions and emotional responses occur at the same time Thalamus routes the information Event  Thalamus  Emotions  Arousal

Schachter-Singer (Two Factor) Theory Adds a cognitive aspect Two factors to emotions Factor one: arousal or bodily reaction Factor two: cognitive interpretation of this reaction EventArousalCognitive LabelEmotion

Cognitive Appraisal Theory Richard Lazarus Cognition must happen before the subjective experience of the emotion Our emotional experience depends on our interpretation of the situation we are in

Opponent-Process Theory All emotions are followed by an opposite emotional reaction fear is followed by relief sadness by happiness On repeated occasions, the opponent emotion becomes stronger Factor in drug addiction Crash Course

Primary Emotions Universally recognized across cultures Fear Anger Joy Sadness Disgust Contempt Surprise Some theorists include Shame, shyness, and guilt

Emotional Expression Provides a visible sign of the internal feelings an individual is experiencing Voice Posture Gestures Facial expressions

Paul Ekman Studies emotions and expressions Cross culturally same specific facial expressions for various emotions Microexpressions Used to detect lies Microexpressions video Some evidence that they are innate

Display Rules Culturally accepted learned guidelines for when and how emotions can be expressed in particular social situations Ex. Kissing a cheek as a greeting

Stress Module 43 and 44

Stress Both physical and psychological reactions to stressors We appraise them as threatening or challenging How Stress Affects the Brain

Stressors Three types: Catastrophes Significant life changes Daily hassles

Two Types of Stress Hans Selye Eustress Distress Positive stress Accepting challenges – pursuing goals Distress Negative stress High levels of tension Negative side effects

Response to Stress -Hans Selye General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) Stage 1 – Alarm Increase activity of sympathetic nervous system Stage 2 – Resistance Increase physical reactions Stage 3 – Exhaustion Body’s internal resources depleted Immune system is decreased