Psychology: Emotions, Personality Theories, and Self-Efficacy

What key concept did Bandura introduce to learning theories?

Self-efficacy, which influences how hard people try and the goals they set.

What is the Cognitive-Affective Personality System according to Mischel?

A theory that posits personality mediates how individuals select, construe, and process information to generate behavior.

How do personality variables influence behavior in Mischel's theory?

They modify the psychological meaning of situations, affecting current decisions based on past experiences.

What are the three components of emotions?

Distinct subjective feelings, bodily changes, and distinct action tendencies.

What is the difference between emotional states and emotional traits?

Emotional states are transitory and situation-dependent, while emotional traits are consistent patterns of emotional reactions across various situations.

What is catastrophizing in the context of emotions?

Describing a person by their frequent emotional responses, such as labeling someone as 'angry.'

What is the categorical approach to emotions?

The idea that there are a small number of distinct, universal primary emotions rooted in biology.

What are some examples of primary emotions identified in the categorical approach?

Happiness, disgust, sadness, fear, surprise, contempt, and possibly pride.

What are secondary emotions?

Emotions that are mixtures of primary emotions, such as hatred (anger + disgust) or alarm (fear + surprise).

What does the dimensional approach to emotions examine?

It examines valence (positive vs. negative affect) and intensity of emotions.

How does the dimensional approach categorize emotions?

By rating emotions on dimensions like pleasant vs. unpleasant and levels of arousal.

What is Paul Ekman's contribution to emotion research?

The Facial Action Coding System, which identifies facial expressions corresponding to emotions like happiness, anger, and fear.

What is the significance of the dimensional view of emotions?

It suggests a multitude of emotional experiences rather than a limited set of primary emotions.

What is the relationship between arousal and emotions in the dimensional approach?

A combination of valence and arousal leads to a wide variety of emotional experiences.

What are some examples of high activation positive emotions?

Elated, excited, lively, and enthusiastic.

What are some examples of high activation negative emotions?

Distressed, anxious, and hostile.

What does low activation positive affect include?

Relaxed, content, and calm.

What does low activation negative affect include?

Sad, grouchy, and sluggish.