Theories and Concepts of Emotion in Psychology

What is James-Lange Theory of Emotion?

Emotions result from the body's physical reactions to stimuli. 'I feel afraid because I tremble.'

What is the order of the James-Lange emotional process?

Stimulus → Bodily reaction → Emotion

What are Critiques of the James-Lange Theory?

Similar bodily reactions occur across emotions; some emotions happen before body changes; ignores thoughts/context.

What is the Cannon-Bard theory of emotion?

Emotional experience and physiological arousal occur simultaneously.

What brain region is emphasized by Cannon-Bard Theory

The thalamus as a sensory relay area.

What is the order of the Cannon-Bard emotional process

Stimulus → Brain (thalamus) → Emotion + Bodily response

What is the Two-Factor Theory (Schachter & Singer)?

Emotion arises from physiological arousal and cognitive label.

What is the order of Two-Factor emotional process?

Stimulus → Arousal → Cognitive interpretation → Emotion

What is the theory explaining misattribution of arousal?

Two-Factor Theory

What is Lazarus's Cognitive Appraisal Theory?

Emotions depend on appraisal of significance and coping ability before feeling emotion.

What are the Types of appraisal in Lazarus's Theory?

Primary (is it important?) and Secondary (can I cope with it?)

What is the Somatic Marker Hypothesis?

Decision-making is guided by bodily-based emotional signals tied to past experiences.

What is the R]role of the amygdala in emotion?

Detects threats, triggers fear response, encodes emotional memories.

What is the role of the Prefrontal cortex in emotion regulation?

Evaluates and modulates emotional responses, applies context and reasoning.

What is the role of the insula?

Processes interoception (internal bodily states), links physiology to emotion.

What is the Hippocampus's role in emotion?

Contextualizes emotional memory and helps regulate the stress response.

What is the Autonomic nervous system (ANS)?

Controls involuntary functions; translates emotion into physiological readiness.

What are the Branches of the ANS?

Sympathetic (fight/flight) and Parasympathetic (rest/digest/connect)

What are Sympathetic activation effects?

Increased HR, dilated pupils, adrenaline release.

What is the function of the Parasympathetic nervous system?

Calms body, slows HR, promotes digestion, supports co-regulation.

What is Temperament?

Biologically rooted differences in emotional reactivity and regulation; stable across time.

What is Emotion?

Short-term, context-dependent responses involving arousal, appraisal, and expression.

What is attachment theory?

Early caregiver interactions shape internal working models for future relationships.

What is secure attachment?

Comfortable with closeness and autonomy; effective regulation.

What is Anxious (Preoccupied) Attachment?

Fear of abandonment, emotional reactivity, negative self-model.

What is Avoidant (Dismissive) Attachment?

Preference for distance, suppresses emotion, positive self but negative other model.

What is Disorganized Attachment?

Seeks and avoids closeness; rooted in trauma; emotional fragmentation.

What is the Strange Situation Procedure?

Mary Ainsworth's method of observing infant attachment behavior through caregiver separations/reunions.

What is the core task in Identity vs. Role Confusion?

Develop a stable sense of self.

What is the core task in Trust vs. Mistrust?

Emotional safety and secure attachment.

What is the core task in Autonomy vs. Shame?

Develop a sense of personal control and independence.

What is the Preoperational Stage?

During this Piagetian stage, children show complex emotional responses like empathy.

What is the drive theory of motivation?

Behavior is motivated by the need to reduce internal tension from unmet needs.

What are Primary vs. Secondary Drives?

Primary = biological (hunger, sleep); Secondary = learned (money, achievement).

What. us Maslow's Highest Level of Need?

Self-Actualization.

What is the Need for Achievement Theory?

Individuals high in this need set moderate goals, take responsibility, prefer effort-based success.

What are Ekman's six basic emotions?

Happiness, sadness, fear, anger, surprise, disgust.

What are Secondary Emotions?

Guilt, shame, pride; culturally influenced and require self-reflection.

What are the Circumplex Model Dimensions?

Valence (pleasantness) and Arousal (activation level).

What is the Anger Iceberg?

Anger as a secondary emotion masking deeper feelings like fear or hurt.

What is Misattribution of Arousal?

Mistaking the source of physical arousal (e.g., fear mistaken for attraction).

What is Stockholm Syndrome?

Emotional attachment to abusers formed through survival-based adaptation under stress.

What is Emotional Intelligence (EI)?

The ability to understand, manage, and use emotions effectively in self and others.

What are Goleman's Emotional Intelligence Components?

Self-awareness, Self-regulation, Motivation, Empathy, Social skills.