ap psych: emotions

THE LIMBIC SYSTEM

Emotions rely heavily on the limbic system (the emotional
control center of the brain).
 The amygdala plays an especially important role in both
extreme positive and negative emotions.
 In the past it was thought that the amygdala was simply
involved in negative emotions, such as fear.
 Recently it has been discovered that it plays a role in positive
emotions as well.

EMOTION (OR AFFECT)

 Emotions are automatic reactions that are difficult to
regulate.
• Emotions are experienced both physiologically and
cognitively.
• Emotions theorists debate whether the physiological
and cognitive experiences occur in succession or
simultaneously. Some theorize a cognitive label is
required to experience an emotion.

AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM
(ANS)

We know that emotions involve bodily response.
Some of these response are easy to notice (butterflies in stomach when
fear arises), but others are more difficult discern (neurons activated in the
brain).

FACIAL FEEDBACK
HYPOTHESIS

Facial expressions provide feedback to the brain
concerning the emotion being expressed, which in
turn causes and intensifies the emotion (ex. studies
show the more one smiles, the happier one feels)

THE BROADEN-AND-BUILD
THEORY OF EMOTION

Positive emotions and experiences tend to broaden
awareness and encourage new actions and thoughts.
 Negative emotions and experiences tend to reduce
awareness and narrow thinking and action.

UNIVERSALITY OF
EMOTIONS (EKMAN)

Humans can recognize seven basic emotions across all cultures: sadness, fear, anger, disgust, contempt, happiness, and surprise.

• Each emotion has a unique facial expression that is the same worldwide.

• While these emotions are universal, cultural "display rules" determine how, when, and by whom emotions should be expressed.

• The ability to recognize facial expressions develops early, with children as young as five recognizing emotions as well as adults.

EMOTION IN MEN &
WOMEN

In American culture, women are seen as more emotional than men due to both biology and culture. Biologically, women have higher levels of certain hormones that influence emotions. Culturally, boys are taught to hide emotions, while girls are encouraged to express them.

GENDER EFFECTS ON
EMOTION

• Women
– Better at detecting emotions
• especially nonverbal cues
– Smile more
– Gesture with more expression
– More expressive faces
– More readily talk about emotion

• Men
– Express anger more readily

• Men & Women
– Both find it difficult to read nonverbal cues of the
opposite sex

CULTURE EFFECTS ON
EMOTION

2 factors affecting expression & interpretation of emotions
• Power – person with LESS power more motivated to read
nonverbal cues & will read them better
• Growing up in more expressive families or cultures
• Cultures disagree about meaning behind gestures