Understanding Emotions: Nature, Causes, and Motivational Impact
School
Iowa State University**We aren't endorsed by this school
Course
PSYCH 314
Subject
Psychology
Date
Dec 12, 2024
Pages
12
Uploaded by ProfessorBookMule27
Chapter 12: Nature of EmotionWhat is an Emotion?Q: What is an emotion? A: An emotion is a short-lived, intense reaction to a significant stimulus. It involves subjective experience (feelings), physiological arousal (body changes), and behavioral expression (actions).Example: Feeling fear when you see a snake, your heart races, and you might scream.Q: What are the defining qualities of an emotional experience?1. Subjective experience: How the emotion feels to you internally (e.g., happiness feels uplifting).2. Physiological arousal: Body's response, like sweating or an increased heart rate.3. Behavioral expression: How you outwardly show the emotion (e.g., crying when sad).Q: How do emotions motivate behavior? A: Emotions push us to act in ways that align with our needs or goals.Example: Fear motivates running away from danger, while love motivates caring for someone.Q: How do emotions guide behavior? A: Emotions act as signals that help us adjust our actions. Example: Feeling guilt after lying motivates you to apologize and tell the truth.Q: What is a motor explosion? A: A sudden, uncontrollable physical reaction caused by intense emotions. Example: Jumping up in joy after hearing you won a prize.What Causes an Emotion?Q: What is the two-system view of emotion? A: Emotions are caused by two systems:1. Biological system: Automatic, fast responses to stimuli.2. Cognitive system: Conscious interpretation and reasoning.● Example: Hearing a loud noise (biological: you flinch), then realizing it was just a car backfiring (cognitive: you calm down).Q: What are the defining qualities of the biological system?● Fast, automatic, and instinctual.● Driven by brain structures like the amygdala.● Focused on survival (e.g., fight-or-flight).
Q: What are the defining qualities of the cognitive system?● Conscious and deliberate.● Involves appraisal and reasoning.● Helps us interpret the meaning of a situation.Q: How do the two systems work together to create adaptive motivational responses? The biological system reacts quickly to threats, while the cognitive system refines the response to ensure it's appropriate.Example: You feel scared when you see a shadow (biological), but realizing it’s your friend, you laugh (cognitive).Q: What is the feedback loop in emotion? A: Emotions involve a cycle of:1. Stimulus → 2. Appraisal → 3. Arousal → 4. Response → 5. Feedback.● Example: You see a dog barking (stimulus), assess it as dangerous (appraisal), feel scared (arousal), and move away (response).How Long Do Emotions Last?Q: Why do we stop having emotions? A: Emotions fade when:1. The stimulus is resolved.2. The brain adapts to the situation (habituation). Example: Fear disappears once you confirm the "intruder" is just your roommate.Q: What is the law of change in regard to emotions? Emotional intensity depends on the rate of change in a situation. Rapid, impactful changes cause stronger emotions, while gradual changes cause weaker emotions. Example: Winning the lottery creates intense joy, but the excitement lessens over time.Q: How is the length of an emotional experience related to the intensity of the emotion? A: Strong emotions (e.g., anger) fade quickly, while mild emotions (e.g., contentment) last longer.Q: What is the honeymoon effect? A: Intense emotions are strongest at the beginning of new experiences but decrease over time. Example: Feeling ecstatic when starting a new job, but the excitement diminishes as the work becomes routine.Q: What is the law of emotional momentum? A: Emotions can resurface when a memory or similar situation reactivates them. Example: Feeling sad again when hearing a song that reminds you of a breakup.
Q: Why would it be bad to not have emotions? A: Without emotions, we’d struggle with decision-making, survival, and social interactions. Example: Fear protects us from danger, and happiness fosters social bonds.Q: What do emotions do in regard to survival, fundamental life tasks, and coping? Emotions help us adapt to challenges:● Survival: Fear keeps us safe from threats.● Coping: Joy motivates us to persevere through hardship.Q: What are the fundamental life tasks and coping functions of the ten emotions in the slide "Functional Value of Emotions"?● Fear: Avoid threats.● Anger: Defend against obstacles.● Joy: Build relationships.● Sadness: Seek help.● Disgust: Avoid harm.Q: What are the social functions of emotions (communicating, influencing, and facilitating)? A:1. Communicating: Emotions signal to others what we’re feeling (e.g., smiling shows happiness).2. Influencing: Emotions persuade others to act (e.g., guilt encourages apologies).3. Facilitating: Emotions strengthen relationships (e.g., shared joy fosters bonding).What’s the Difference Between Emotion and Mood?Q: What is a mood, and what are characteristics of moods? A: A mood is a long-lasting, less intense emotional state without a specific cause. Example: Feeling irritable throughout the day without knowing why.Q: What’s the difference between positive and negative affect?● Positive affect: Encourages creativity and resilience (e.g., happiness).● Negative affect: Prompts caution and problem-solving (e.g., sadness).
Q: How is mood related to the time of day, day of the week, or weather? A:● Time of day: Positive moods peak in the morning.● Day of the week: People are happier on weekends.● Weather: Sunny weather boosts positive moods.Q: What are the benefits of being in a positive mood? A: Positive moods improve creativity, decision-making, and social interactions. Example: A happy person is more likely to collaborate effectively in a team.Q: What are the major differences between mood and emotion?1. Duration: Emotions are short-lived; moods last longer.2. Intensity: Emotions are intense; moods are mild.3. Cause: Emotions have clear triggers; moods don’t.Emotion RegulationQ: What is emotion regulation? The process of managing emotional experiences and expressions.Q: What is the process model of emotion regulation? What are the three stages? The model explains how we influence our emotions at different points:1. Situation: Choosing or modifying situations.2. Cognition: Adjusting how we think about situations.3. Response: Controlling emotional expressions.Emotion Regulation: Situation-Focused StrategiesQ: What are situation-focused strategies for emotion regulation? These strategies involve changing your situation to manage your emotional experience. Example: Avoiding a stressful meeting to prevent feelings of anxiety.Q: What is situation selection? Choosing to enter or avoid specific situations based on how they might make you feel. Example: Skipping a party if you know it will make you uncomfortable.Q: Why is situation selection potentially problematic?1. Short-term focus: It might solve immediate issues but cause long-term consequences (e.g., avoiding conflicts instead of addressing them).2. Unpredictability: You can’t always predict how a situation will make you feel.
Q: What is situation modification? Changing aspects of a situation to influence your emotional response. Example: Asking a noisy roommate to turn down their music while studying to reduce frustration.Cognition-Focused StrategiesQ: What are cognition-focused strategies? These involve changing how you think about a situation to regulate your emotions. Example: Reframing a stressful presentation as an opportunity to grow instead of a threat.Q: What is attentional control? Directing your attention toward or away from specific aspects of a situation to influence your emotional response. Example: Focusing on your breath during a stressful exam.Q: Why is switching focus potentially problematic?Avoidance: Ignoring critical issues may delay problem-solving.Overuse: Constantly shifting focus can lead to distraction or poor performance.Q: What is distraction? Temporarily diverting your attention away from an emotional situation to reduce its intensity. Example: Watching a funny video after an argument to calm down.Q: Why is distraction potentially problematic? Avoidance: It doesn’t address the root of the problem.Over-reliance: Frequent use can prevent emotional growth or resolution.Q: What is cognitive reappraisal? Changing the way you interpret a situation to alter its emotional impact. Example: Viewing a failed test as a learning experience rather than a personal failure.Q: Why is cognitive reappraisal potentially problematic?Effort: It requires conscious mental effort and practice.Inauthenticity: Overuse may feel like ignoring real emotions or situations.Response-Focused StrategiesQ: What are response-focused strategies? These strategies involve managing your emotional response after it has been triggered. Example: Taking deep breaths to calm down when angry.
Q: Why is suppressing an emotional response potentially problematic?1. Emotional buildup: Suppressing emotions can lead to long-term stress or burnout.2. Social consequences: Others may misinterpret or distrust you if you hide your feelings.Q: What are good response-oriented strategies, and why are they effective?1. Exercise: Reduces stress by releasing endorphins and improving mood.Example: Going for a run after an argument to clear your mind.2. Relaxation: Lowers physiological arousal, promoting calmness.Example: Practicing deep breathing before a big presentation.3. Expressing feelings: Talking to someone helps release pent-up emotions and gain perspective.Example: Venting to a friend after a tough day.Final Thoughts on Emotion RegulationQ: What is social support? A: Seeking help or comfort from others when dealing with emotional situations. Example: Calling a family member to talk after experiencing a stressful event.Q: Why is social support useful for emotion regulation?1. Perspective: Others can provide insights or solutions you hadn’t considered.2. Emotional release: Sharing feelings can reduce emotional intensity.3. Bonding: Feeling supported strengthens relationships, fostering positivity.Chapter 13: Aspects of EmotionArousal and EmotionQ: What is physiological arousal? A: Physical changes in the body caused by an emotional state, such as increased heart rate, sweating, or rapid breathing. Example: Feeling your heart race before giving a speech.Q: What is the James-Lange theory of emotion, and what does it say about arousal? A: This theory proposes that emotions arise from physiological changes. Example: “I feel scared because my heart is racing.”
Q: What is the Cannon-Bard theory of emotion, and what does it say about arousal? A: This theory suggests that physiological arousal and emotional experience happen simultaneously but independently. Example: You feel fear and your heart races at the same time when you see a bear.Q: What is the Two-Factor theory of emotion, and what does it say about arousal? A: This theory argues that emotions are based on two factors: physiological arousal and cognitive interpretation. Example: Feeling your heart race after a workout could be interpreted as excitement if you're heading to a fun event.Q: What is the spillover effect in relation to the Two-Factor theory of emotion? A: When arousal from one situation carries over and influences emotional responses to another situation.Example: Getting angry more quickly at a minor inconvenience after finishing an intense workout.Brain Activity and EmotionQ: What is Gray's (1994) theory of emotion? What are the three areas he focused on, and what emotions do they cause? A: Gray identified three systems in the brain responsible for different emotions:1. Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS): Linked to anxiety and fear.2. Behavioral Activation System (BAS): Linked to reward and positive emotions like happiness.3. Fight/Flight/Freeze System (FFFS): Linked to anger, fear, and panic.Q: How do modern brain researchers identify what parts of the brain are associated with different emotions? A: By using technologies like fMRI and EEG to observe brain activity while participants experience emotions.Q: What are emotion programs, and what do they do? What is a pattern detector and a response generator? A: Emotion programs are neural systems that recognize patterns (pattern detectors) and create responses (response generators).● Example: Recognizing danger (pattern detection) and preparing to flee (response generation).
Facial Expressions and EmotionQ: What is the Facial Feedback Hypothesis? What does it say about the role of facial expressions in emotions? A: It suggests that facial expressions can influence emotional experiences.Example: Smiling can make you feel happier.Q: What did Strack et al (1998) do? What did they find? A: They asked participants to hold a pen in their teeth (forcing a smile) or lips (forcing a frown) and found that smiling participants rated cartoons as funnier.Q: How do we know that basic emotional expressions are culturally universal? A: Studies show that people worldwide recognize basic emotions like happiness, sadness, and anger from facial expressions.Q: What did Ekman and Friesen (1971) do? What did they find? A: They studied facial expressions across cultures and found that people from different backgrounds identified emotions like happiness, fear, and anger similarly.Q: How does culture influence emotion? A: Culture shapes how emotions are expressed and interpreted.Example: In some cultures, showing anger is discouraged, while in others, it is more acceptable.Appraisal and EmotionQ: What is appraisal, and what role does it play in emotion? A: Appraisal is the interpretation of a situation that influences emotional responses.Example: Interpreting a difficult test as a challenge rather than a threat can reduce anxiety.Q: What are the four basic tenets of appraisal theories of emotion?1. Emotions are responses to appraisals.2. Appraisals determine the intensity of emotions.3. Appraisals can be conscious or unconscious.4. Emotions can change if appraisals change.Q: What is Arnold's Appraisal Theory? What are the important appraisals? A: Arnold proposed that emotions depend on appraisals of pleasantnessand goal relevance.
Q: What is Lazarus's Appraisal Theory? What are the important appraisals? A: Lazarus emphasized two levels of appraisal:1. Primary Appraisal: Evaluating if a situation is relevant and positive or negative.2. Secondary Appraisal: Assessing your ability to cope with the situation.Q: What are the appraisals in modern appraisal theory? A: They include dimensions like novelty, goal congruence, agency (who caused the event), and coping potential.Emotional DifferentiationQ: What is emotion differentiation? A: The ability to identify and distinguish between specific emotions.Example: Recognizing the difference between feeling annoyed and feeling angry.Q: How can differentiation occur within one event? A: Different appraisals of the same event can lead to multiple emotions.Example: A challenging project may cause excitement and anxiety.Q: Why can't appraisal theories predict emotional responses with 100% accuracy? A: Individual differences, context, and unconscious factors influence emotional responses.Attribution and EmotionQ: What are attributions? A: Explanations for why events happen, which influence emotions.Example: Blaming yourself for failing a test can lead to guilt.Q: How do attributions influence emotional responses? A: They shape how we feel about events based on perceived causes.Example: Thinking someone hurt you on purpose vs. accidentally changes your emotional response.Q: What are the seven emotions tied to attributions?1. Pride2. Guilt3. Shame4. Anger5. Gratitude6. Envy7. Pity
Social Aspects of EmotionQ: How are social interactions and emotions related? A: Emotions influence and are influenced by interactions with others.Example: Positive emotions strengthen friendships; negative emotions can strain them.Q: How do emotions create, maintain, and potentially end relationships? A: Emotions like love foster connections, while unresolved anger or betrayal can end relationships.Emotional ContagionQ: What is emotional contagion? A: The process by which emotions spread from one person to another.Example: A coworker’s enthusiasm can boost team morale.Q: How can people cause other people to experience emotions? A: Through facial expressions, tone of voice, or actions that evoke similar feelings in others.Social Sharing of EmotionQ: What is social-affective sharing of emotion? A: Sharing emotions to gain emotional support or comfort.Example: Crying on a friend’s shoulder after a breakup.Q: What is cognitive sharing of emotion? A: Discussing the meaning and implications of an emotional experience.Example: Analyzing why you felt angry during an argument.Q: How can sharing an emotion build a relationship? A: It fosters understanding, trust, and emotional bonding.SavoringQ: What is savoring? A: Prolonging and enhancing positive emotional experiences.Example: Reflecting on a fun trip to keep feeling joyful.Q: How is savoring different than experiencing pleasure? A: Savoring involves actively focusing on and amplifying the positive experience, while pleasure is the passive experience of enjoyment.
Q: How is savoring similar but different than mindfulness? A: Both involve present-moment focus, but savoring emphasizes positive experiences.Q: When are the three times you can savor?1. Before: Anticipating a future event.2. During: Fully enjoying the experience as it happens.3. After: Reliving and reflecting on the event.Research Evidence on Savoring1. Q: What did Jose et al (2012) do? What did they find? A: They studied savoring practices and found that savoring increases happiness and decreases depression.2. Q: Why would savoring lead to an increase in positive experiences? A: It amplifies positive emotions, making experiences more memorable and enjoyable.3. Q: What did Quoidbach et al (2010) do? What did they find? A: They found that people who actively savor positive events report higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction.How to Enhance Your SavoringWhat are the three requirements of savoring? To fully engage in savoring, there are three key requirements:1. Undivided Attention– You must focus entirely on the experience, free from distractions.2. Focusing on the Present– Savoring requires being grounded in the current moment rather than worrying about the past or future.3. Focusing on the Positive– Emphasis should be placed on recognizing and appreciating the joy or pleasure in the experience.Methods of Savoring Here are specific techniques to practice savoring:1. Daily Vacation○ Take a brief mental or physical break during your day to focus on something enjoyable, like sipping coffee outdoors or taking a short walk.○ The goal is to step out of routine and immerse yourself in a small, joyful experience.2. Share Your Joys○ Talk to a friend, family member, or loved one about a positive experience you’ve had.○ Sharing allows you to relive and deepen the happiness tied to the moment.
3. Take a Mental Photograph○ When something wonderful happens, mentally “pause” and visualize capturing the moment like a photograph.○ This helps you reflect on and preserve the memory for future enjoyment.4. Get Absorbed in the Moment○ Fully immerse yourself in what you are doing, whether it's enjoying a concert, eating a favorite meal, or laughing with friends.○ Let go of distractions and give the activity your complete focus.5. Remember Time○ Reflect on the fleeting nature of the moment. Recognizing that it won’t last forever can heighten appreciation and deepen your emotional connection to the experience.