WEEK 13: Emotional Behaviors

Emotional Behaviors Definition

Actions that result from emotional experiences, serving as outward expressions of internal states and affecting world interaction

Emotion

A complex psychological state involving a combination of physical responses, cognitive evaluations, and behavioral expressions

Basic Emotions

Universally recognized emotions fundamental to human survival, such as fear, anger, and happiness

Fear (Basic Emotion)

A response to danger or perceived threats triggering defensive behaviors like fight-or-flight

Anger (Basic Emotion)

Emotion associated with frustration or threat, leading to a readiness to engage in conflict

Happiness (Basic Emotion)

A positive emotion signifying satisfaction and contentment, promoting social bonding

Secondary Emotions

Emotions arising from combinations of primary emotions or complex social interactions, like guilt and embarrassment

Guilt (Secondary Emotion)

A feeling arising from recognizing one has violated their moral code

Embarrassment (Secondary Emotion)

Experience of perceiving that one has violated social norms or expectations

James-Lange Theory

Theory stating emotions arise from the perception of physiological changes; your brain interprets physical reactions (like a racing heart) as emotion

Cannon-Bard Theory

Theory asserting emotional experiences and physiological responses occur simultaneously rather than sequentially

Schachter-Singer Theory (Two-Factor Theory)

Theory suggesting emotion is determined by both physiological arousal and the cognitive label assigned to it based on context

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

System controlling involuntary bodily functions like heart rate and breathing; plays a critical role in emotional experiences

Sympathetic Nervous System

Part of the ANS activated during stress to prepare the body for fight-or-flight (increases heart rate, dilates pupils)

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Part of the ANS that calms the body after stress, reducing heart rate and returning the body to rest

Amygdala

Brain region central to processing emotional stimuli, especially fear and aggression, and assessing threats

Prefrontal Cortex (PFC)

Brain region key in regulating emotions, assessing social situations, and controlling impulsive reactions

Insula

Brain region important for recognizing bodily sensations tied to emotions like disgust, empathy, or physical pain

Attack Behaviors

Emotional behaviors involving aggression, which can be physical violence or verbal hostility

Reactive Aggression

An emotional response to perceived threats

Instrumental Aggression

Goal-directed aggression used to gain something, such as in competition

Escape Behaviors

Behaviors like running away or freezing triggered by fear and anxiety processed by the amygdala

Adaptive Value of Emotions

The survival function of emotions, such as fear helping avoid danger and happiness promoting cooperation

Fight-or-Flight Response

Fear-activated response preparing the body for defense or escape

Freeze Response

Behavior triggered when fighting or escaping is impossible, helping avoid detection by threats

Stress Response

Activation of the HPA axis leading to the release of cortisol, increasing alertness and heart rate

Chronic Stress Impact

Long-term emotional stress that impairs the immune system and contributes to anxiety or depression

Neurobiological Bases of Emotional Disorders

Dysfunctions in brain circuits (amygdala, PFC, hippocampus) and neurotransmitter imbalances (serotonin, dopamine)

Plutchik’s 8 Basic Emotions

Joy, trust, fear, surprise, sadness, anticipation, anger, and disgust

Plutchik’s Wheel: Opposites

Joy/Sadness, Fear/Anger, Anticipation/Surprise, and Disgust/Trust

Plutchik’s Wheel: Intensity

Vertical dimension where emotions intensify (e.g., annoyance to rage) as they move toward the center/darker colors

Emotional Literacy

Understanding words for emotions, how they relate to each other, and how they change over time

Joy Levels (Plutchik)

Mild: Contentment; Basic: Joy; Strong: Ecstasy

Trust Levels (Plutchik)

Mild: Acceptance; Basic: Trust; Strong: Admiration

Fear Levels (Plutchik)

Mild: Apprehension; Basic: Fear; Strong: Terror

Surprise Levels (Plutchik)

Mild: Distraction; Basic: Surprise; Strong: Amazement

Sadness Levels (Plutchik)

Mild: Pensiveness; Basic: Sadness; Strong: Grief

Disgust Levels (Plutchik)

Mild: Boredom; Basic: Disgust; Strong: Loathing

Anger Levels (Plutchik)

Mild: Annoyance; Basic: Anger; Strong: Rage

Anticipation Levels (Plutchik)

Mild: Interest; Basic: Anticipation; Strong: Vigilance

Love (Mixed Emotion)

Joy + Trust

Submission (Mixed Emotion)

Trust + Fear

Awe (Mixed Emotion)

Fear + Surprise

Disappointment (Mixed Emotion)

Surprise + Sadness

Remorse (Mixed Emotion)

Sadness + Disgust

Contempt (Mixed Emotion)

Disgust + Anger

Aggressiveness (Mixed Emotion)

Anger + Anticipation

Optimism (Mixed Emotion)

Anticipation + Joy